Tell me that this isn't the best lineup we have. When Bonzi is off, use Francis. When Francis is off, use Scola. When we are all hitting on all cylinders - unstoppable. I've been making excuses for Tmac for some time now, but it really seems to me that he has simply lost a step out there. I remember how good his first step used to be, how much more arch and lift he used to get on his shot, it's really like he's a different player now than he was. Granted he's still an amazing offensive talent, but he doesn't exude that all around monster that I grew accustomed to in the 2005-2006 season. Back then he was all over the place, on offense, on defense, on rebounds, on the break, and he just completely owned the floor. I mean, he was basically Rudy Gay Athleticism with Tmac skills. Which leads me to believe that perhaps we have our true solution at PG right here. Did you see Tmac's Lobs to Bonzi? Perfection. As much as I love Bonzi, I think about half the credit goes to Tmac for those pinpoint passes. How about those passes on the run to Yao and Scola? No-looks with perfect timing and placement. Do we have our "Magic Johnson" right here? It used to be a joke to run Tmac as the playmaker because we dearly needed his scoring. Now, it's a different story. Who has the best outside shot on our team? Arguably Mcgrady. Who has the best handles? Arguably Mcgrady. Who has the best vision - no contest. By playing Steve Francis next to Mcgrady, Mcgrady really gets to use all 4 offensive options out there on the floor. Our offense - dare I say it - looked beautiful in the 2nd quarter.
yo... first half 10 points in 3 minutes... that's the bonzi we need... he seems can play with anybody in that 3 minutes... and i like your line up as well...
I agree Francis/McGrady/Wells/Scola/Yao is our best lineup, but it leaves us w/o any solid bench players that can score points. Battier, Hayes, Alston need to be in the lineup with Tracy and Yao because it makes up for the fact that they arent scoring threats.
No offense, I've just heard this tired argument over and over again and I just don't agree. We have Mike James. We have Luther Head. When we use subs, we don't sub out the entire lineup. Meanwhile, other teams are generally using their best overall lineups against us to get the early lead in the game. You play the players that give you the best chance to win, the most minutes and place your team with the best opportunity to win. Dammit, use Kirk Snyder off the bench if you have to. Don't just play players b/c their offensive deficiencies need to be masked.
if Battier, Hayes, and Alston can't score against the opponents bench then they shouldn't be starting in the first place
I like that lineup. My hope is Shane gets his act together too and can be exchanged with either Bonzi or Scola. Let's also hope Bonzi keep up the positive performance.
No doubt the offense looked the smoothest during this short period. It's been the dream lineup everyone's been clamoring for. Hopefully we get to see some more of it.
The reason is because hayes stagnates the offense. however scola ios alot better at moving off the ball on offense. see how many open layups he gets off the ball. he is a perfect fit.
now it looks like wells is the X factor. If he can be focused and play like tonight every night, we are unstopable.
We had Shane and Chuck Wagon in the playoffs, and their defense allowed over 100 points against the Jazz in the most important game of their careers.
bonzi needs to come off of the bench to be effective...adelman would rather put shane in his place and i would too rightfully so
I totally agree, Adelman's love affair with Rafer is baffling. I just don't get it, especally with a 15 point lead.
i think battier must be one of the lineups. Though he is in the low point of NBA life, i believe he'll get well.
I think you meant 2004-2005 season. The year of the 13 in 35. It was also the year of the seven game first round series against Dallas when T-Mac had one of his best playoff performances.
I still would rather use Francis-TMac-Shane-Scola-Yao and let Bonzi be our 6th men and receive all the offense of the second unit with james having some when he is on, and with alston at the point to prevent the second unit to give up many turnovers.
