This game was more exciting than it had to be. I applaud Juwan's rebounding efforts and improved scoring in the last several weeks, but I CAN NOT stand him taking shots in the 4th quarter when the game is on the line. ESPECIALLY, his HORRIBLE post up moves. Either TMAC or YAO or a WIDE OPEN SHOT should be taken. No Juwan Howard Post ups in the 4th!!! NO JUWAN, PASS IT!
Overall I agree. But JH has made some crucial baskets in the 4th and (OT). I like his tenacity. And I think he's going to surprise a lot of teams that leave him open in the play-offs. He could *win* some games for us (single game hero). Same for Sura. Although, Sura is our real x-factor.
anytime howard puts the ball on the floor he isn't going to score, he's basically just a big jump shooter
I think the "open" part is the key, if he is open and at his comfort range, he should shoot. If he is closely guarded then better pass it.
Yeah, but sometimes he doesn't. I wish he concentrated on putbacks then post ups. Im thinking Dikembe is a better postman now.
Juwan definately needs to pass more. If you try a post up move involving a pumpfake, and they don't go for it, do not try to get the shot off. Especially if the defender has a 4 inch advantage and better athleticism.
Yeah i cant really complain about Howard too much. He has done a much better job on offense, defense, and even rebounding than he did earlier in the season.
The only thing I didn't like out of Juwan was the fact that late in the game, he passed up a wide open shot in order to drive and get a tough contested shot. He was open at the elbow, a spot that he's been money at for the past twenty+ games. That was his shot, and he gave it up. Not smart basketball. Otherwise, he's been doing pretty well in terms of crashing the boards and hustling for offensive rebounds.
In the last 10 games Juwon is averaging 9.3 points on just under 42% shooting from the field and 6.6 rebounds a game, 1 assist per game and "0" blocks in that time frame. Not exactly stellar numbers but he has stabilized the position since Mo T has been on the IR. He has 2 games in that time frame of double digit rebounding and in fact he is averaging almost 12 in the past 3 games. Hopefully that's a sign of things to come.
Maybe JVG has told him: take what the offense gives you, but aim for ten boards a night. I cannot imagine MoT barding anywhere near that level or accepting such a role, but can see Juwaan buying into it. He's a smart enough player to accept more modest offensive stats in order to play an important (essential) role on a winning team.
It's one of those weird things, that no matter how bad he plays, we win. So what you gonna do. But those post up moves are some of the worst ever. He must have learned them from Yao. At least he's out there trying to score and hes working hard on the glass.
did anyone ever think that we would be saying that Howard had an "off game" ?!?!?! the way this season started, I never expected him to have an "on game"
He has to shoot (and hit the shots) when he's left open, or the defense will just let him stand there while it covers our other guys 5 on 4. The path to more passes is through more buckets. If he can't hit the buckets, we'll just have to take him off the floor and put in somebody who can.
Here's the problem with Howard and crunch time. He doesnt get the calls. Howard is good with that elbow jumper but if he posts up and tries to drive he doesnt get ANY calls! NONE! Ditto with Padgett. The NBA refs give these guys no credit at all. And because of that it makes their play less effective. Howard was fouled late in the Laker game, no call, and it could have really hurt us. Late in the game, Sura and Tmac seem to get the most calls going their way with drives. Usually because they are the aggressors for the entire game.
I don't think his defense has been that atrocious. He just can't keep up with Odom and Dirk. But I don't think anyone can, which is why we put TMac on them in crunch time. He's been all right, though. Not as awful as before.
We're winning because of Sura, D Wesley, and Jon Barry. Tmac showing leadership, and Yao playing better on the post. Juwan is playing better because he's surrounded by better players. This is like the ugly girl in high school who left the ugly girl group and joined the popular girl. She's still ugly, but she dresses alot better and you want to give her props for being cool now.
