PG: Derrick White 24' - 11.5
SG: James Harden 21' - 16.7
SF: OG Anunoby 20' - 8.2
PF: Paul Millsap 15' - 12.7
C: Nikola Jokic 23' - 14.8
Bench: Kyle Korver 15' - 8.0
Bench: Aaron Gordon 24' - 9.8
Bench: Reggie Bullock 23' - 6.0
Rotation:PG: Derrick White 36 / James Harden 12
SG: James Harden 24 / Kyle Korver 24
SF: OG Anunoby 30 / Reggie Bullock 12 / Aaron Gordon 6
PF: Paul Millsap 24 / Aaron Gordon 24
C: Nikola Jokic 38 / Paul Millsap 10
87.7/88
vs
PG: Chris Paul (38) / Charlie Ward (10)
SG: Mitch Richmond (36) / Charlie Ward (12)
SF: Jayson Tatum (22) / James Posey (26)
PF: Amare Stoudemire (32) / Jayson Tatum (16)
C: Al Horford (34) / Marcin Gortat (8) / Amare Stoudemire (6)
Matchup:- Defensive assignments straight up. When Gordon is in, he spends time on both Richmond and Amar'e.
- We are pretty much well suited to guard Dr P's team. Anunoby and White are great counters to Paul and Tatum, with Millsap/Jokic/Gordon providing cover against Amar'e and Horford. We have a lot of defensive versatility to cover up for matchups like Harden on Richmond, even though recent years' Harden has seen a defensive improvement. Dr P can run into issues defending White-Harden as a defensive use for Tatum against quick guards isn't ideal.
- We built a team that should fit very well around Jokic. Spacing all around with Harden, White, Korver, Anunoby, Millsap, Bullock and reliable lob threats like Gordon. We also got some nice playmakers in White and Harden to set Jokic up.
- We have the best player in the series in Jokic, plus a great second option in Harden, and overall superior depth in my eyes. While Dr P has a solid leading five, with Korver and Gordon off the bench we have 6 players who displayed All-Star worthy performances and are significant offensive threats.
- With Horford having his hands full trying to contain Jokic, Dr P's interior may be exposed. We are less prone to a similar issue as even though Horford has range, either Millsap or Jokic will stay closer to the basket guarding Amar'e.