DDV is a walking turnover/mistake machine on the offensive end. He also struggles at the FT line. He's Bledsoe without the ability to finish at the rim against guards.
As the previous series moved on, DD found his way. Granted, this Miami backcourt is a different animal- but Hill can’t stay with Dragic and if Bled’s out any more games, they gotta go after him with someone who can match him defensively. Him and Connaughton- make him deal with size and athleticism.
Offensively, the Bucks need to run- but you can’t run if you’re blowing rebounds. Giannis does not need to be a perimeter player in this series- they’re weak inside- put Giannis at SF, on the block, and move around him. Backdoor cuts, off ball action, they cannot go 4 down and have one on one battles decide the series. Keep Giannis around the paint and don’t stop pounding away inside. If a big helps, that why you have Ersan and 💦🏔 on the floor- 3s are going to be there.
I know it seems counter intuitive to say “go big” and then “run”, but when you have Giannis, you can do a lot of shit other teams can’t do. Spoelstra suckered Bud into staying small, exposing the Bucks weaker backcourt and taking their size advantage off the floor.
This kind of matchup is a tough one, for sure. Smart coach, unselfish team, tough. But they let Miami dictate the matchups and it cost them game 1. Can’t do that again... make them go big where they’re decidedly weaker than the Bucks.
Yes, yes, yes
Basketball as it was played for years had a post player. Who would be better at this than 34? I know he can handle the ball, I know he is becoming a better shooter. Why have him after getting the d rebound and dribbling mad cap down the court into "a wall" and stymied at the top of the key time and time again. Why not get the rebound, pass it to a guard, go down court, get post position. He would draw double team attention (triple?) opening things up for Middleton and especially Lopez. You can call it SF or F or for that matter C. He is a smart player, a great passer, he doesn't need to be a guard. Of course he could still take the wide open break and use his skills at opportune times. This has worked forever and it would again.
I'll let you guys handle the D.
@Music City posted:As the previous series moved on, DD found his way. Granted, this Miami backcourt is a different animal- but Hill can’t stay with Dragic and if Bled’s out any more games, they gotta go after him with someone who can match him defensively. Him and Connaughton- make him deal with size and athleticism.
Offensively, the Bucks need to run- but you can’t run if you’re blowing rebounds. Giannis does not need to be a perimeter player in this series- they’re weak inside- put Giannis at SF, on the block, and move around him. Backdoor cuts, off ball action, they cannot go 4 down and have one on one battles decide the series. Keep Giannis around the paint and don’t stop pounding away inside. If a big helps, that why you have Ersan and 💦🏔 on the floor- 3s are going to be there.
I know it seems counter intuitive to say “go big” and then “run”, but when you have Giannis, you can do a lot of shit other teams can’t do. Spoelstra suckered Bud into staying small, exposing the Bucks weaker backcourt and taking their size advantage off the floor.
This kind of matchup is a tough one, for sure. Smart coach, unselfish team, tough. But they let Miami dictate the matchups and it cost them game 1. Can’t do that again... make them go big where they’re decidedly weaker than the Bucks.
Lopez picking up 2 fouls in the first 40 seconds of the second half really forced Bud's hand somewhat. He was then up to 4 and had to sit. They didn't have confidence in Robin Lopez to play him against the small ball Heat lineups.
Lopez getting into foul trouble was a pretty big deal. He was playing great and when he’s hitting outside shots like that they are tough to beat.
What I don’t understand is why they sat Rolo and Ersan and heck even Sterling Brown. All three of those guys can play tough D and Rolo is an excellent rebounder especially on the offensive end.
@Tschmack posted:Lopez getting into foul trouble was a pretty big deal. He was playing great and when he’s hitting outside shots like that they are tough to beat.
What I don’t understand is why they sat Rolo and Ersan and heck even Sterling Brown. All three of those guys can play tough D and Rolo is an excellent rebounder especially on the offensive end.
I was most surprised about Sterling Brown. He's a guy with the size and strength to not get overpowered by Butler. George Hill is a great defender on a finesse player because of his long arms, but he doesn't have the strength that Brown or Matthews have (why Connaughton and not Matthews in the last 6 minutes was perplexing).
@MichiganPacker2 posted:Lopez picking up 2 fouls in the first 40 seconds of the second half really forced Bud's hand somewhat. He was then up to 4 and had to sit. They didn't have confidence in Robin Lopez to play him against the small ball Heat lineups.
No doubt the loss of Brook Lopez was the tipping point, but they’re going to need to find someone to do it. Between RoLo and Ersan, someone needs to clean the glass, and be ready to knock down a three the other way.