Both in the first and second round, we seem to play good defense on the perimeter at the start of the play but once someone penetrates, we seem to collapse in the paint. Either that or the switch is late which is leading to wide open looks for the opponents. And I mean wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide open with plenty of time to shoot. Timberwolves sucked with their outside shots so it was easy even though they got open looks. Jazz took advantage of all the open looks tonight. They have shooters that can make them and if we dont close out, this will be a long series. What's worse is that if we move onto the next round, Warriors with Curry, KD, Klay, and Green will absolutely punish us for our poor perimeter defense and make a short series out of us. BTW, Snyder absolutely outclassed, outmatched, and outcoached Pringles today. While Pringles sat smugly on the bench frowning and clowning, Snyder called timely timeouts and plays.
This was actually a problem in the regular season for stretches as well. Teams got great shots on us from 3 but we went through stretches where they just missed them
The root of the problem is our perimeter defense. Our age is actually getting exposed out there by younger more athletic players. Ariza can no longer stay in front of anyone CP3 is get blown by constantly by anyone Harden is slow footed and gets beat often Nene when switched upon also just let the player past you The only players that can play 1 v 1 defense is Moute and Eric Gordon. But Jazz have more youth and speed to abuse us on transitions. It's either open layup, or open corner three.
I think Ariza has done a good job for the most part these playoffs, defensively. Chris Paul has been incredibly disappointing, however.
