Remember how good we looked in the first 2 games with Lin handling the ball and setting up Harden for easy shots?
It WAS the problem a few games ago, you can't tell me you didn't see improvement in everybody in the Blazers' and Lakers' game when everyone was playing their positions. Today's loss is not on Jeremy, Harden, Douglas or whoever was running the offense. The whole team looked pathetically sluggish. On a back to back looking like the oldest team in the NBA. Stupid subs from Sampson (again) and everyone bricking open looks (except PPat, go figure)
I agree with you in that Lin should've played more in the 3rd since he was getting hot but bottom line, it wasn't a good night for everyone.
Nobody has a problem with Harden taking the most shots. It's when he's the primary facilitator that it's an issue. Similarly, TD should never be the primary facilitator. The 2nd unit was at it's most effective when Parsons was bringing up the ball.
Come on now. Do you know how old Lillard is? 22 years old. Harden is 23 years old. That's just some perspective right there. We'd be lucky to draft a James Harden.
I saw some flashes of the Lin's pre-surgery explosiveness in this game...... Another sign was his "help defense" recovery to the perimeter shooter. The question now is whether the team's defensive discipline will return under Sampson. The discipline was a lot better under McHale. But we also need more than one rebounder on the floor. Especially when Asik is gassed. Patterson should not be our starting PF.
There's a difference between Harden not running the offense and Harden virtually not playing at all. Not sure what's up with you lately, man. In my six years here, I don't think I recall you stepping into someone (cxbby's) thread so early for a stab, putting up a very ignorant Lin getting torched for 11 points in 4min+ in regulation, and then this post. All in the space of a few days. Trying to prove points that doesn't even exist. You're smarter, better person and even better site moderator than this. Always have been.
I think it makes it harder to play at Salt lake city where our players might not get used to the elevation. Maybe that's why Asik looks so tired.. Elevation could be Jazz's biggest home court advantage.
I don't think Harden facilitating is the issue. I think it's the lack of movement as a whole. The offense is so stale, HArden brings the ball up and the whole defense can just lock in on him and flow with the ball handler. Also, if Lin is handling the Ball Harden just camps out at the 3...if Harden has the ball Lin does the same thing. It's silly, these guys are dangerous players and what we do is make it that much easier for defenses to key in on whoever handles the ball.
Well, few good things happened: a)Parsons got a double-double again. b)Patterson scored 19pts and was 8-14. Rebounding could use some work. c)Tjones had 12pts and 8rebs (which is a career high, i think?) Yay...? Go team!
