This is exactly why I have been saying they should start Amen, Jalen, Tari, Jabari, and Sengun. It is an incredible defensive lineup that would use a shock and awe approach to the beginning of the game. They would get the offense running and punch the other team in the nose before they had a chance to get comfortable. Once the lead was established, you start to rotate in your steadier hands like FVV and Dillon. After the first 8 minutes or so 2 of Amen, Jalen, and FVV should be on the floor at all times. Dillon, FVV, and Adam’s along with 2 of the starters would be ideal to hold on to leads and then re-insert the starting five and go crazy kaos again. I know it goes against Ime’s nature to try something so radical, but this offense needs a kick in the butt to start the game. We aren’t going to be able to just turn it on and come back like we have been against this weak part of the schedule.
Okay so I see people cannot help but bring out the negativity so maybe some observations are in place: The Rockets did not look at Sengun early and he couldn’t get going. Don’t know if by design, that Ime has no faith in Sengun taking Bam or Ware straight up, or Sengun lost confidence and or frustrated since he wasn’t being involved. Sengun was definitely frustrated with the physicality and he needs to get over it. I know he’s young, but in the playoffs you cannot afford those points in transition due to whining and getting on the bad side of the refs because you keep asking for calls. Granted, referees were weird, letting physical play go yet call silly things that they should let go. Green’s play was off, shots he did make were long twos and it’s kind of concerning he does not do much when his shot is off. It’s only when he’s on where he really contributes with attacks, kicks outs and good passes. Surprised by no turnovers. Amen was everywhere and I loved the steals, but even moreso how he made Herro his b**** and gets us second opportunities by hitting the ball hard off the glass or ground when he cannot secure a rebound. FVV was obviously our MVP tonight since he keeps calm when we’re down, puts guys in the right spot and just sets it all up. Even when his shot is off, this is why he’s so valuable. Tari was erratic AF, but it’s forgiven since he works hard and did great on the offensive glass. Jabari’s shooting is really solid lately, please for the love of the 3pt shot, get this guy more open looks and pass it to him. Adams play was weird, he kept being stuck on smaller guys on defense and the double big line-up didn’t do much, but he was alright. In general our defensive scheme and the way we executed the zone left something to be desired, especially not adapting to their play early. They made a lot of threes and Wiggins always has our number. We should’ve switched it up. You could see there was clear miscommunication and frustration on defense at times so was definitely also not executing properly by the guys. At this point, even though Green is our guy, I don’t mind testing a line-up of FVV - Brooks - Amen - Tari / Jabari - Sengun.
Lol I can't believe we won a game where both Sengun and Green scored in single digits. 14pts together?
When LeBron came into the league, it was like a man playing among boys. Not saying he's anywhere near that, but today, the way Amen dominated on the defensive end and took rebounds out of people's hands mid-air was like a man among boys.
"Sometimes you're the bait." Ime on Sengun after the game. For the lame-os always complaining, I took Sabonis, JJJ and Jokic at age 23 and crossed referenced their game logs. 1st time all stars all three. Two of them had twenty one or more performances that season where they scored 15 or less points. . JJJ seventeen games in his 63 game season. Sengun has 18 of those games so far, 3 due to blowout wins. Green 22 games, 3 due to blowout wins but has played more games. It's very consistent performances for their 1st time all star timelines. Teams are allowed to take away things.
Jabari should become the focus of the offense when Sengun and Jalen are struggling. His jumper is hard to guard with his height and length. Jabari is more confident with his jumper than in the last season.
Sengun looked like he went out all night and found some Latina girls in Miami. Easily one of the worst offensive games I've seen him play. Defensively he was pretty solid though Good thing it's a team game and Fred and Amen bailed us all out, it's like what happened to James Harden during nba finals,
Green didnt set ppl up this game because the ball was out of his hands and his minutes were down. It was rightfully in FVV's/Amen's hands and he played more of a decoy.
9 in a row, awesome !!! If we can get Denver at home on Sunday.......even better. Solidly in 2nd in the WC - get home fans an extra home game. DD
If we win Sunday vs Denver, we go up 3 games with head to head I think too, only Lakers gonna be the threat from taking 2nd seed in my opinion.. we beat Denver will have a chance at 12 plus in a row but one game at a time , beating Denver is huge for Sunday
Rewatching the 2nd half this morning. Amen actually got 2 blocks off Herro but they only credited him with 1. Also Steven Adams was huge in that 18-4 run in the 4th quarter. His screens and rebounding gave us so many wide open looks and second chance shots. Helped offset Jalen and Sengun's horrid play.
