Playing small against OKC was clearly a good adjustment in game 2. Assuming Lin recovers, what should the full rotation look like? I think something like this: Starters: PG: Beverley SG: Lin SF: Harden PF: Parsons C: Asik Bench: Delfino Anderson Smith/Jones Our starters, including Beverley, will need to play heavy minutes this series to win a game or two. I don't understand why James Anderson has fallen out of the rotation in favor of Garcia. Anderson, to me, seems more effective on both ends, but maybe he's been making a bunch mistakes that I didn't notice. Our lack of a real backup C is a major concern. Asik hasn't been particularly great this series, but there has been a huge drop in our defense when he's off the floor in the first two games: 95.7 defense efficiency with him on the court (very good against the Thunder), and 144.3 defense efficiency with him off the court (terrible against anyone). I'm leaning towards going ultra-small and using Jones as the C when Asik isn't on the court instead of Smith, but we really don't have a good solution here. Hate to harp on this point, but I really wish we could have properly addressed our backup C spot at the trade deadline instead of picking up Brooks. Easier said than done, I guess.
I think Anderson/Garcia are the same. They can both knock down shots. We proved we can rebound with small ball, so we definitely need to play small ball the rest of the series
Smith should backup Asik and Tjones Parson. However, we should limit the minutes they are both in the game together. Use AB to spell Lin or PBev. Use Delfino, AB, Garcia, Tjones, and Smith together. This will at least allow us to continue to score.
With a small ball lineup, IMO James Anderson helps you more because he can provide some help on the boards and he's better in transition. Garcia can only hit the spot up 3, and nothing else as far as I can see.
Good God that lineup would be absolutely crushed on the defensive end, and isn't that good on offense either. We can't get away with playing that many sub-par players at once. Our starters will need to play HEAVY minutes for us to pull out a win.
Yes,he is a veteran and may help us remain in the game when needed. If he does well,this may uplift the morale of the other players.
I like the idea of playing Jones at backup C. Jones is a better shot blocker who can at least do a little more rim protecting than Smith against Thunder's penetration. The small line up should have been used from the beginning. They need to have four outside shooters on the floor at all time to pull Ibaka out of the paint. BTW, I am not sure Anderson and Garcia are that much different. Whoever is shooting better should play. The PT for them is quite limited anyway.
If Beverly sits, I want to see James Anderson on Westbrook, he's got good size and speed, unlike Brooks who Westbrook can shoot over easily.
I haven't watch every game this season, and missed quite a few in the last month. In the games I have seen, Anderson impressed me much more. Maybe he had some stinkers more recently which compelled McHale to go with Garcia.
VEEEEEEERY wild card. Acquiring Robinson for McHale has been akin to acquiring a rash on his nuts: "How do I get RID of this?!"
I was excited for AB up until he airballed that contested layup against Durant. He did have some good breakdown dribble drives vs the Thunder last night. I hope he finds some confidence in his shooting soon!
At this point, Trob can't be much worse than Smith. I think Jones should be given Smith's minutes though.
Major Morey/Mchale fail! They should have brought up "Winnebago" for the playoffs! Consequently we are doomed....... ......... ......... .........
