fishercob wrote:I really like this Utah team. I have been watching them a bunch on league pass. Teams basically do not score at the rim when Gobert is in the game, and he and Favors are a devastating defensive duo.
Our backcourt needs to be great to win this game, and we need to limit Gordon Hayward. He's their offensive engine.
If they can add some backcourt scoring and/or as Exum improves in the future, they could be really, really good.
I like their rebuild. Its a talented young team.
Not feeling good about this West Coast Trip.
Hope we can come out of it 2-2
I'm just not at all confident in Randy's approach. I'm more then fine with the defense first message and that we are a defensive team. But on offense. I don't like the message at all. This idea that everyone is equal and just move the ball some side to side and take the first open shot. That doesn't maximize our talent. Its to formless so you never know what you are going to get short of we want to play off the defense in transition and fast break and that I expect Nene's usage to be to high with Gortats to low.
Are we posting Nene back to back plays ? Shooting 12 three or 26 three ? When is Wall driving and in attack mode ? Is Wall taking three or not ? How about a quick walk up 3 ? Is Gortat quick hitting PnR a part of that or not ? What are the go to sets ? What's plan B ?
Script the Wizards first 4-5 offensive plays... What will Randy have them come out doing if anything ? Only go to play I know Randy has is left post Nene. I would much rather have Nene at the FT line running M Gasol option plays.
If we aren't quickly attacking the rim and are forced to be a perimeter team, then this is going to be a long night unless Wall, BB and PP get in sync attacking. And Gooden needs to spread the floor. And you might even need some KLife with the magic hook.
If we are playing the mid range jumper game, we will not be efficient. Its a soft attack. Weak. 2 pts at a time and solid D is not a winning formula.
Me, I would spread the floor with Gooden and go right at Gobert with Gortat. Starting Gooden alone would have them adjusting their plans. Gobert is good, but he is still young. I would have Wall attacking the rim as well with the floor spread. And kick out to Beal and PP so they can get up some early 3s to enforce the open floor concept. That would be my first attack. I would follow that up small dose of Nene at the top of the key with option plays where he can pass or attack top down. I have no stats on it but I think he draws more fouls that way as he makes a B line and its more clear he is getting bumped. And if he gets an angle, he is dunking.
I would attack their strength. Go right at Gobert and try to get his butt on the bench. I would let them know right off the bat, its going to be a long night. I would make it tough on the refs and force them to make the calls. No way am I give into the idea of giving up the paint to them. A would put on a full all assault right at Gobert. Right at the paint. Wall, Gortat and then Nene.
For Haywood. He is probably going to get his and you might have to concede that some, but see if Paul can draw a few fouls. Then put Otto on him. At least Otto has the length.
It might not work but I like the chances of it working more then no specific offensive plan, which is what I expect from Randy. Sadly.
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