ReasonablySober wrote:I cringe when Bobby gets the ball on the block and we revert to basketball circa 1994, but I recognize it's vitally important to get him going.
This post is good to highlight what Portis did last night for us.
Portis was key to our offense.
Portis literally torched every PF Indy threw at him... He gets going ... Indy tries Isaiah Jackson on him, who was really good against us in RS, Portis scores 3 baskets in row extending the lead, and forcing Indy's coach to call a Time Out.
Then in the second half, he again scores consecutive baskets against Siakam.
Once we went away from that ... Siakam didn't have to work hard on their D and had the energy to torch us.
Unfortunately Khris cannot handle Siakam ... But this matchup goes both ways cause Khris when locked in is huge too.
There was a moment where Siakam guarded Brook at the post, Brook threw a lazy off balance long hook and missed .... I was like wtf Brook?
So in the long run Brook + Portis whenever guarded by Siakam they need to get physical at the post, score on him, put him on foul trouble and make him lose energy to become less efficient on offense.
Overall I am happy with the team.
Doc needs to adjust and draw plays to exploit the Dame full court double press.
Pat Bev was huge as many said. AJ Green though missed 3s, slowed down TJ, being physical. I am neither worried about AJ neither Beas. They did their part just enough to keep the lead and the W. Can the do more ? For sure... Everybody can improve. I am so happy Doc won the 1st Coach Matchup with a Giannisless team. We were more prepared and Dame's performance is the reason I post to keep him out of trade talks.
I really hope Doc prepares the team well for the 2nd match. The flop cards are on the table, we have to play smart and double down on our strengths.