Michaellam1987 wrote:This only works when Maxi is at his record high confidence offensively, as known as the time vs UTAH in the playoff. However, the Maxi now is at his worst shooting the 3 ball, so afraid to have the ball on his hand, tried to drive the ball 1 or 2 times, but usually resulted into TOs. Bad screener overall, that often need some extra bunch and easily lead to offensive foul. Poor rebounder as well. You can see HOU double team hard on Luka w/o Lively or Gafford on the court, since everyone know Maxi will only shoot when he is wide open.
Maxi played bad also in March 22, and his advanced stats as a 5 were always bad in RS.
5 out small ball isn't the team's bread an butter, this team is clearly different now, it's a big team that plays physical, protects the paint and works hard on the glass, but every team needs a curve ball.
I love this version of the team, but they looked helpless against good stretch 5s, whether it was BOS, IND or to lesser extent MIL, and teams will go small against them in the PO, I can't imagine Diagnault just forfeiting a series because Gafford, Lively and PJ are bullying his team, he'll go small and start firing 3s.
The team also rarely switches all screens, they are protecting Luka and Kyrie now, but they need to practice that for closing minutes in the PO, because they will need it, and with Gafford it may not be a great idea.
There are many things Kidd needs to prepare for, have reps on video to review before going into the PO, a game you're up 30 is a good time for it.