We don't "need" a bigger lineup. We've been winning because they have noone to guard our small lineup. SMALL BALL IS OWNING THE THUNDER.
For chemistry reasons I think it's better if Lin comes off the bench. Garcia has played great and a backcourt of Lin and Brooks could cause a lot of damage when Harden and Bev are off.
The problem with Lin coming back not fully healthy is that it really affects him more than most players. He has to be aggressive and constantly attacking to be successful. He doesn't have that old man's game where he can play at 80% and still contribute positively. But would love to see him back and us playing that 3-guard lineup again like in game 2.
Also more Brooks means less Harden ISO. It was beautiful to watch Brooks break down Fisher (I really despise Fisher)
Is anyone getting a flash back of the 2009 Portland series where Brooks was manhandling Steve Blake and getting in the paint at will? This game reminded me of that
That's fine, I agree for the rest of the series, as do most other LOFs...it's just the peeps saying that even if heathy, he should ride the pine, and there's no reasonable justification for this opinion.
Who cares if Brooks is short? He's playing BIG when he's on the court. The best part is his defense isn't noticed because the Thunder guards aren't very explosive.
Right? He owns Fisher's soul. Our guards are the least of my worries esp against old man Fisher and an inexperienced Reggie Jackson.
I don't understand why you are worried about Brooks' defense when he is just usually guarding Fisher in the corner. I also don't understand why you want Brooks out when the Brooks/Beverly combo is causing a lot of matchup problems with OKC. Even the basketball experts see this matchup problems our small guards do.
our small lineup is working against OKC, but other teams we would get destroyed. we need a bigger lineup at some point, either that be bench or starters. Thats why it would be impossible for us to take a team like the heat in a serious series, they're just too big for us and many teams in the league, its not exactly their talent.
With Westbrook out, our PGs have a distinct advantage over their PGs. Fisher has problems guarding quick guards and Jackson isn't a good defender and has more of an offensive game. All of our PGs are quick enough to get by these guys. OKC does not have a starting quality PG playing.
Would be great to have Lin back and a three guard lineup. Lin's only problem is confidence. When he's comfortable and confident he'll shoot over 50% from the floor, dish out at least 7 dimes, couple of steals and above average D (which is all you need against Fisher or Jackson). The reason Harden had ten turnovers the other day is because he was trying to do what Bev can't do--which is be a playmaker. Still both Bev and Brooks are playing well and so don't want to rush Lin before his time. Lin is a wild card. He ceiling is higher than Bev or Brooks...he could come out and give you 20/8 or he could be hurt still and give you 12/4. Nice to have these kind of options.
