how about some 3 point shooting? When the game slows down they're gonna dare Ibaka and Westbrook to shoot the long range J, you think they'll come through? Defense are gonna pack the paint, can't wait to see how they'll snap out of it.
you need guys to space the floor and knock down theri long range J's in a consistent basis. Durant can, Westbrook to an extent can, thats only 2 out of 5. I don't trust Harden and Ibaka and any team would glad to see those guys take semi contested long range J's
You haven't noticed Harden lighting it up since the trade? KD's 3-point shot comes and goes, but it's usually fine when he takes them in rhythm. If he's wise with his shot selection in the playoffs, he'll be good. Believe or not, Westbrook is now at 34% for the season because he's been tearing it up the last 2 months. Daequan Cook is at 42% for the season. That all said, they aren't the Spurs or Magic but it's good they can win without owning the 3-point line.
Harden can shoot and I don't think Ibaka will be shooting out of his range. I'm not sure OKC can beat LA but out of all the teams remaining in the playoffs I think OKC could give the Lakers the most trouble. I didn't feel like OKC was much of a threat to LA before the Perkins trade but with him I think he gives them a good shot at beating LA. With that said when I make my predictions I will have LA in the finals barring any serious injuries before the regular season ends.
He's shooting 33% from 3s since the all star break. Around 35.8% in March and 26% in April lol http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/4563/splits;_ylt=Al5pjSL9HcQ1X49_tYGsG_ykvLYF Didn't know that was lighting it up He's a streaky fellow I'll give him that if he can get one to go down he can knock down 3-4 in a row but I don't see that happening in the playoffs against quality defenses.
He won't shoot 3s, but I hope teams keep giving Ibaka open 15-17 footers. Since becoming a starter, he's been doing what Scola did when the Rockets had a healthy Yao and McGrady, which is having very strong 1st quarters while defenses focus on the two stars. He isn't exactly a secret anymore and it puzzles me why people here (and some announcers) still underestimate Ibaka. What's so hard to believe about him hitting open jumpers?
They're easier to beat now than before. The Laker defense funnels the ball handler to the big man who is waiting in the sideline or in the middle of the paint..usually guys like Collison or Kristic or the screener is left along and they made their long range shtos to begin the game to keep the defenses honest. Ibaka and Mohammad made their long 2s last night, im sure the lakers would glad to see those shots beign taken because they're not go in come playoff time.
I haven't watched Ibaka a whole lot but in the few games I have watched he has hit his mid range jumpshots. You watch OKC a lot so I believe you when you say Ibaka is capable of hitting it.
You have to play the games. I think Harden is very capable of doing well in the playoffs. We'll see if he delivers because the Thunder are depending on him.
Not that he'll be getting a ton of PT during the playoffs, but Eric Maynor is also a more than capable three point shooter off the bench. He's at almost 39% on the year from 3.
I really have a hard time believing that this OKC team is easier to beat than last years OKC team. This OKC team is more experienced, tougher, bigger(which was there big weakness), and more confident. . They key for OKC will ultimately come down to how Durant plays against Ron Artest during the whole series. If he has truly overcome his struggles against Ron Artest then LA could be in some real trouble. Last year OKC was 1 rebound away from a Game 7 and that is with Durant not playing nowhere near what he was expected to play
I forgot about him. He's a threat forsure. Not sure if they'll play Maynor/Westbrook/Durant at the same time
Maynor gets time when he plays well. I'm a big critic of Scott Brooks but I'll give him credit for how he handles the PG position. When WB is off his game or out of control, Maynor will get extended minutes. In fact, against the Nuggets in Denver last week, it was Maynor coming in for Westbrook that keyed a 16-0 4th quarter run when the Thunder took control.
If the Lakers' gameplan is to hope Ibaka, Harden and Mohammad won't hit their shots, then they are in for a lot of trouble.
For all the talk about Perkins being a big bad guy who's gonna lock up Gasol and Bynum, what exactly did he do last night? Gasol and Bynum were 15 for 25 from the field and the Lakers had 54 points in the paint, Kobe made 5 out of his 7 attemps at the rim http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/shotchart/NBA_20110410_OKC@LAL
if it means taking the ball out of Durant and Westbrook's hands, then yes the Lakers would gladly take their chances. Again these looks aren't gonig to be wide open, they'll be semi contested and yes they'll be dared to shoot the ball.
And the Thunder still won. They can make adjustments based on last night just like the Lakers can. The Laker had only 1 turnover in 3 quarters but still only led by 2 going into the 4th. You can cherry pick stats all you want.
