So... did he just have a few tough games, is there a bad matchup, or has Scottie Brooks figured Zach out? http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/29110/thunder-figuring-out-zach-randolph
I had a feeling he would struggle against the Thunder big men. They're all big and physical (Collison, Perk) and Ibaka is also long, quick and athletic to boot. Most of Z-Bo's buckets come easily from getting good position. Thunder are doing a good job of making him take tough shots.
the thunder have a good rotation of big man to throw at zbo (ibaka, perkins, collison). he's going to be tired out seeing different styles of different thrown at hime. and only true superstars play at a high level that zbo played at. he's not a true superstar so it was bound that he fell back down to earth.
combination of the thunders low post defense, few teams can throw that many quality bigs at him, and also he may just be in a bit of a slump.
Mcdyess and Timmy were too slow to keep up with him. Ibaka doesn't have that problem, and Nick Collison seems to be crafty enough to stay with him. Perkins gets in foul trouble easier than I thought. Maybe just a tough series for him. And that boy Nazr been playing well off the bench too.
It's safe to say OKC was totally unprepared for Z-Bo in game 1. For that matter, OKC was totally unprepared in general in game 1. Who's fault is that? Z-Bo is not athletic. He doesn't jump and his first step is only OK. On isolations, Collison and Ibaka can stop him if he doesn't get the ball too close. They just have to make sure his catches are far enough away from the basket. If they play the angles right, both guys can get right up on him (to stop the jumper) and Z-Bo cannot go around them very easily. If that was all there was to it, OKC would be home free. But Z-Bo has unlimited energy on the court. He's constantly in motion trying to free himself up. What makes him great is his relentless energy and strength. If he doesn't get the ball in good position, he'll re-post. If he gets off a bad shot, he'll follow it up and get the rebound. When someone else takes a shot, Z-Bo's instincts and physicality on the offensive glass might be the best in the NBA. He doesn't allow his effectiveness to be limited by his mediocre athleticism. OKC knows how to slow him down. Assuming they continue throwing bodies at him and avoid going for pump-fakes, it will be on Gasol and other Grizzlies to step up tonight. I expect Memphis to leave it all on the floor. If OKC does the same thing, we should have a great game. Note to Scott Brooks: You MUST have either Collison or Ibaka guard Z-Bo. Don't waste your time with Perkins or Nazr, who are too slow and will foul him nearly every possession. In fact, neither of those guys can guard Gasol when he plays energetically. Gasol needs to put up 20/15. Perkins won't be back to normal until next season and Nazr is just too old. 2nd note to Brooks: Please remove Thabo earlier unless he hits a couple of shots (unlikely). Unless the opponents has an elite wing player, put Harden in the game and give your team a chance at a good start.
uh, that's not all that zbo does. he bangs a lot, get in position for rebounds, fight for position. seeing fresh bodies guarding him throughout a game will tire him out. OKC has the luxury of sending him different looks throughout a game. the spurs stupidly just put a senior citizen on him in mcdyess.
The Thunder's ridiculous defensive frontcourt is put into action. If any team is to shut Randolph down, no better team than the Thunder or Bulls.
It speaks to how unpredictable Zach Randolph is as a person that I read the title of this thread and thought there was a chance he was going to end up suspended for tonight's game for indecent exposure.
Kwame, Zboy, and what will be here soon enough to rub in the doubter's face even though they just about dissappeared from this board after Grizzlies were beaten and Randolph had a bad game. as for Randolph, happy that he bounced back but I hope he keep it up in game 7. This game will be a huge deciding factor of his star power. Who will take it to the next level, Zach or Durant?
The thunder have great low post defenders. So, they were "figuring" him out. However, their job was much easier because their guards could double him without fear. Hopefully, now that we have OJ in the starting lineup he'll make them pay for doing it and Zach will get a little more space to operate.
