billfromBoston wrote:1. Wally is shooting 40 percent for the series and averaging less than 13 points-he's a career 17ppg guy on 48 percent shooting-get over it with the Allen's defense thing-Wally was one of the top 6th men in the league up until he left Seattle, averaging 13ppg in 26 mpg...he's playing below his ability efficiency-wise, but producing up to his ability...
No, he's averaging 14ppg, and he's well past his prime, so that 17ppg isn't what's relevant. He was averaging 8.2 ppg for the season in Cleveland and 10.8 ppg in the Washington series. And he's shooting a lot of 3s so the 41% is deceiving. In this low scoring series Wally has been relatively efficient. Put Pierce on him and body him up a little bit.
2. The Cavs are scoring below 90 ppg on less than 43 percent shooting...they're not going bananas....LeBron has been contained and Wally/West and the rest of the backcourt rotation has been minimal...the only super efficient players have been the frontcourt role players-and only over the last two games...
Every point counts in this low-scoring series. And the worst part is Ray is not even exposing Wally's defensive flaws of his own. At least Posey is hitting shots, 50% of his shots actually.
3. YOU FIND ME ONE TEAM THAT HAS CHANGED ITS STARTING LINEUP IN THE PLAYOFFS AND WON THE TITLE...do that and i'll entertain the idea that switching a HoF player for a role player is a good idea because one plays better defense than the other...It doesn't happen...you stick with what worked for 66 wins and you make your strategy adjustments with the rotation that got you there...you don't make desperate moves, they disrupt chemistry and hurt you in the long run-look at Dallas last year for proof of that.
The Lakers switched Samaki Walker for Horry in 2002 Championship run. The Spurs just inserted Ginobli into the starting lineup. Those are moves by the two best coaches in the league. Adjustments are what coaches of great teams make to win championships.
Pierce and Posey are both doing admirable jobs defensively on LeBron. Pierce is wearing himself out though. Let Posey guard LeBron, and that will allow Pierce to focus on the offensive end. He'll have the energy to drive to the basket, rather than settle for jumpers.
Ray Allen is shooting 33% overall, 20% from 3, can a change really hurt him? Ray coming in against the second string or a winded first string could get him some easy shots, and he could actually get himself into a rhythm.
