GT: Bucks @ Nets Game 5 - 6/15/21 8:30 pm EST

[NyCeEvO]

Dude just suddenly realized he was the DPOY after a pathetic meltdown. Can’t make this stuff up. Let’s see if he can back it up in G6.

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I heard the banter from the Inside the NBA guys, but they’re stuck thinking about how the game was played 20-30 years ago.

I wouldn’t have Giannis on KD either, because the Nets will throw single and staggered screens on him all day. And if KD gets open off of those screens, Giannis is now rendered helpless and out of the main field of play where KD will either shoot or attack.

You stick Giannis on Joe and have him sit in the corner so that if/when the Nets get inside the arc, Giannis can shade off Joe and provide quick help & weakside defense while still being fast enough to recover should Joe get the ball passed to him.

Putting him on Joe also helps him conserve his energy for offense. If Giannis covers KD and is constantly running through screens, he’ll tire out and the 3s he makes at ~20% clip will go down to about 5% and he’ll start shorting his hook shots around the basket due to having tired legs.


But you know what? Go ahead and make the change. Let Giannis do that work and stick Tucker on Joe, so when Tucker can’t help to foul Joe like he does KD, it’ll be in the act of shooting and Joe will be able to gain confidence seeing the ball go in as he shoots three free throws at a time.

[Shark]

KD has done well against Giannis anytime they've been matched up, so it's not like we don't know what's going to happen if he decides to "take up the challenge". Only reason I wouldn't want Giannis on KD is for the risk of Giannis getting desperate and sticking his foot below KD on a jumper.

[NyCeEvO]

The question is: When can Joe get back his mojo?

If he can ever get his shot off in the flow of the offense.

IMO, he’s lost out because there’s no expected flow. Even though he had open shots tonight, I thought many of them weren’t ones he’d take from his normal spots and/or were rushed.

The Bucks may be too long for him to ever get comfortable in the series, but I don’t think that has to be the case. I think our offensive flow could be much improved, but our coaching staff isn’t making the necessary changes to put us in a position to succeed.

I can't agree with that at all. The coaching staff is doing what they can to put Joe in position to succeed. In the 1st quarter alone tonight, we started off with a beautiful set for Joe wide open 3. We also found Joe on a cut to the basket, and it was the type of layup he has made his entire career here. Then there was a Bruce Brown baseline drive where he kicked it out to wide open Joe in the corner. He missed all 3 of these shots. There's nothing "out of flow" there as far as the team offense goes, it's simply on Joe. These are shots he has made all season long and he simply cannot make them. It's mental.

I’m not saying it’s not mental at all. He was fine against Boston though.

Tighter, longer defenses can easily cause shooters to overthink and adjust their shots.

Have you ever played ball against someone who couldn’t challenge your shot but instead closed out and touched your midsection?

The whole point of that is to disrupt a a shooter’s timing and cadence, and to take their mind off the act of shooting by getting them to think about protecting themselves when they land on a jumpshot.

For a lot of people, that type of physical defense leaves a mental imprint because every time you shoot instead of only thinking about making the shot, you’re now also thinking about where the defender is and whether they’ll give you your landing space and touch you on your way down.

Physical disturbance can translate to mental issues. It’s symbiotic, not mutually exclusive.

How do shooters break the cycle? By getting in more reps, taking good shots, and by trying to block out any all thoughts other than simply making the shot.

If we advance, I’m sure Joe will end up playing better at some point.

You face better defenses in the playoffs. It makes sense why guys who succeed in the regular season have a tougher time excelling in the playoffs. And you better believe that Joe is probably the next guy on the bulletin board for the opposition to watch out for after the big 3.

All of this “Trade Joe Harris” talk is nonsense.

[HardenGoat]

I would not go that far. You guys could probably just sign him pretty soon though.

You guys are good enough to overcome Nash's shortcomings. Bud is great at what he does, but he is predictable and enabling-- not what our "superstar" needs at this juncture.

Funny thing is you were dissing Durant saying he didn’t sign up to work for his ring yet here he just dropped a 49 point 17 rebound triple double in the most important game of the season.

Funny thing is he didn't have to work very hard down the stretch.

If you can't take a compliment or understand I am merely a glutton for punishment Bucks fan fishing for AND1's then we are done here.

I'm honored you searched my post history though.

No offense intended. I would be upset with the way the game went as well. Peace be with you. I’m not sure what the answer is but perhaps a coach change is in order. Giannis needs some direction to amplify what he’s efficient at and allow his teammates to stay in rhythm with ball movement. He seems to want the bright light at the wrong times but needs a coach willing to guide that.

[JoseRizal]

The question is: When can Joe get back his mojo?

Probably not happening this series. I think the team needs to get healthy (the big 3) for him to shine again at this point. He's crumbling under pressure atm, it's all mental.

If Joe can duplicate his games 1 & 2 performance, next game will be winnable. But I think his confidence is not there.

[JoseRizal]

The question is: When can Joe get back his mojo?

Probably not happening this series. I think the team needs to get healthy (the big 3) for him to shine again at this point. He's crumbling under pressure atm, it's all mental.

Shamet has honestly been a lot better on both ends of the court and should probably have his minutes switched with Joe's.

We're very fortunate to have Shamet at this point. I can't imagine if we don't have another shooter to cover for Joe's recent slump.

[JoseRizal]

The question is: When can Joe get back his mojo?

Never. Dude is a choker.

Let's hope you're wrong. This is the best time to prove he deserves that fat contract and don't turn into another Allen Crabbe.

[JoseRizal]

The question is: When can Joe get back his mojo?

If he can ever get his shot off in the flow of the offense.

IMO, he’s lost out because there’s no expected flow. Even though he had open shots tonight, I thought many of them weren’t ones he’d take from his normal spots and/or were rushed.

The Bucks may be too long for him to ever get comfortable in the series, but I don’t think that has to be the case. I think our offensive flow could be much improved, but our coaching staff isn’t making the necessary changes to put us in a position to succeed.

Agree to a certain degree. Joe's more of a spot up shooter, unlike Klay who can catch and shoot on the run. However, we've seen in the regular season that Joe can still make hurried/off-balanced shots, he's just in a funk right now, or worse, the playoffs shaking his confidence.

[JoseRizal]

The question is: When can Joe get back his mojo?

If he can ever get his shot off in the flow of the offense.

IMO, he’s lost out because there’s no expected flow. Even though he had open shots tonight, I thought many of them weren’t ones he’d take from his normal spots and/or were rushed.

The Bucks may be too long for him to ever get comfortable in the series, but I don’t think that has to be the case. I think our offensive flow could be much improved, but our coaching staff isn’t making the necessary changes to put us in a position to succeed.

I can't agree with that at all. The coaching staff is doing what they can to put Joe in position to succeed. In the 1st quarter alone tonight, we started off with a beautiful set for Joe wide open 3. We also found Joe on a cut to the basket, and it was the type of layup he has made his entire career here. Then there was a Bruce Brown baseline drive where he kicked it out to wide open Joe in the corner. He missed all 3 of these shots. There's nothing "out of flow" there as far as the team offense goes, it's simply on Joe. These are shots he has made all season long and he simply cannot make them. It's mental.

Uncle Jeff in this game is what Joe should've been the whole series. He just can't make his shots all of a sudden. That smile after the air ball in the 3rd, would want me to punch him in the face.

[Whiskey Slick]

These injuries to key players have taught us an awful lot about them and other players.

1. To quote none other than Giannis, Kevin Durant is the best player and scorer in the world. He carried this team on his back in a pivotal Game 5. 49 Points, 17 Rebounds and 10 Assists. UNBELIEVABLE!!

2. Harden probably misses 15 more regular season games, but he overruled everyone and said; I'M PLAYING!!

3. Uncle Jeff would probably miss another week too, but like Harden he told the medical staff and trainers; I'M PLAYING!!, and unlike Joe Harris he was actually a difference maker in this game, knocking down his open 3's.

4. Harris is a choker who should not start another playoff game unless Green and Brown both get hurt. Just when KD needed all the help he could get, Harris curled up in the fetal position and told KD "You're on your own."

5. NASH picks NOW to treat Nic Claxton like he was just signed off the street to add another body? REALLY? With all of these injuries, as terrific as Claxton was this year, Nash picks NOW to practically DNP him?

6. Blake Griffin was a GREAT mid-season pickup. Like Uncle Jeff he's been a difference maker in this series.

[Hello Brooklyn]

Kevin Durant is the greatest player in the world.

I love Jeff Green always have.

I've always been anti Harris and hes only making me feel more right. Him and his cold spells piss me the **** off. He is turning into an offensive liability. I'm done with him.

Harden was beyond awful tonight. But what alternative do we have? I hope to God he can be better next game.

Griffin was also awesome.

I think we punt on Game 6 and go all in for Game 7. Its the only way. Rest Harden and limit KD's minutes.

[Whiskey Slick]

I love Jeff Green always have.

He said something to the effect of: "I hope I finally found a home with the Nets."

Sean Marks ... MAKE IT HAPPEN ... Period.

[Whiskey Slick]

Harden was beyond awful tonight. But what alternative do we have? I hope to God he can be better next game.

Harden pulled a Willis Reed in Game 5. NO WAY it's even a consideration to play him if this was the regular season. He was essentially playing on one leg, but just his presence, and the heart he displayed by playing, gave his team an emotional lift that it needed coming off back-to-back losses.

What a lot of people don't know about that Willis Reed moment is that he made the first shot he took, then he didn't make another shot for the rest of the game. Like James, he was essentially playing on one leg ... but like James, just his presence gave his team an emotional lift that it needed.

Everyone on the Nets knew James had no business playing that game, but he overruled everyone and played anyway. There are no words to describe how inspirational that was. Every player on the Nets (except Joe Harris) had to be thinking, if James is out here risking his health to play in this game, it would owe shameful for us to gibe anything less than 100%.

[ecuhus1981]

We're not worthy.

Kevin Durant went full Kevin Durant in this game. I had a feeling it would be a legacy-defining night for him, and he was equal to the task.

Big props also to James Harden, he couldn't move or shoot worth a darn but his determination inspired the team. I don't know how well we would have fared against their on-ball pressure without him.

Jeff Green is a m---f--- stud! He was also limited athletically, having just returned from injury. Still, he was the scoring punch from a role player that we desperately needed.

Rest at home tonight, and then face Milwaukee for all the marbles. Let's go!

[therealbig3]

Kevin Durant is the greatest player in the world.

I love Jeff Green always have.

I've always been anti Harris and hes only making me feel more right. Him and his cold spells piss me the **** off. He is turning into an offensive liability. I'm done with him.

Harden was beyond awful tonight. But what alternative do we have? I hope to God he can be better next game.

Griffin was also awesome.

I think we punt on Game 6 and go all in for Game 7. Its the only way. Rest Harden and limit KD's minutes.

I don't think we should punt anything. Anything can happen in 1 game. I mean, we were lucky to pull this one off. We have two chances to end this series, we should treat both games as equally important. Cuz almost intentionally losing game 6 to rest for game 7 could easily lead to a game 7 loss and then we're done.

[Papi_swav]

what a historical night, this one is for the ages and is up there with one of the greatest playoff performances. I said he will have to drop 50 for us to win, not only did he do that but he also got a triple double. This game had me going thru every emotion. Honestly probably my favorite Net game of all time. KD WILLED us to that win.

Uncle Jeff came up HUGE ! This is how we are going to have to close this series out. We need one of our role players to step up with a huge night like jeff Green or 2 of our role guys with very good performances. Joe has been trash the last 3 games, we're going to need a game from him. Surprised Bruce didn't play much until like the 4th, he should of BEEN in there IMO.

I really wish we can close this out in game 6 but this one will be really really tough. The home teams have won every game this series so far and we didn't really play too well out there. I just hope Harden can find a little rhythm before then. I really hope we can close this one out in 6, game 7s are scary,

[therealbig3]

Blake Griffin has honestly been awesome the whole series.

Now averaging 11/7 through the first 5 games, on 54% from the field and 42% from 3.

Durant through these 5 games is averaging 34/11/6 with 61% TS. Just a monster series.

Meanwhile, Joe Harris for the series is at 10 ppg on 34% from the field and 33% from 3. Over the last 3 games though, he's at 5 ppg on 20% from the field and 20% from 3. Like omg, this is crazy. Dude has to show up at some point, right? Even chokers have a good game every now and then.

[LewisnotMiller]

Absolute KD masterclass.
I'm sure it's been mentioned, but amongst all the offensive heroics (and my God, they were there) he didn't neglect his defensive duties. He stood tall.

Not my favourite player, but holy hell, you have to give credit where it's due. Signature game.

[Jay555]

The question is: When can Joe get back his mojo?

Never. Dude is a choker.

Let's hope you're wrong. This is the best time to prove he deserves that fat contract and don't turn into another Allen Crabbe.

Let's pray Joe goes for 7/8 on 3's for G6. I will forgive him if he delivers. Need just one game from him this series. Just one game.

[MrDollarBills]

The question is: When can Joe get back his mojo?

If he can ever get his shot off in the flow of the offense.

IMO, he’s lost out because there’s no expected flow. Even though he had open shots tonight, I thought many of them weren’t ones he’d take from his normal spots and/or were rushed.

The Bucks may be too long for him to ever get comfortable in the series, but I don’t think that has to be the case. I think our offensive flow could be much improved, but our coaching staff isn’t making the necessary changes to put us in a position to succeed.

Not having Harden 100% hurts a lot.