TheProdigy wrote:KGdaBom wrote:I'm shocked. Somehow despite being the taller team the Lakers pulled off a huge upset win tonight. How did that happen?
Probably because the Lakers went with a smaller line-up themselves. McGee and Howard only played a combined 8 minutes.
As if Lebron and Davis can be considered small ball. McGee left game after 8 minutes due to ankle injury. Howard DNP CD however definitely goes to your point. His foot speed isn't there. Maybe that was why the decision was made.
I actually think the Lakers only lose games when they try to emulate their opponents. Sort of overlooking teams and toying with them. After a loss they come back asserting their will in the paint again. But this game also just seemed to be all about making shots no matter where they came from. 57% FG overall to 45% overall. Houston doesn't have the luxury of missing much of their shots. Lakers inside game is just too high of probability of successful possessions. 2s can beat 3s
I wanted to see if the Lakers can beat them when Houston is shooting warm and I think they did that this game 2. Aside from Westbrook, Houston was shooting well from outside. Mearly everyone else was shooting 50%.
If the Wolves' future surrounds the 3pt shot, I look at Houston's 53 3FG attempts at the team's 41.5% and now realize that isn't enough alone against a team like the Lakers. They need to be able to defend the paint at least a little. I'd like to think someone like Towns could make that difference but it's not like defense is his best strength. But he's getting more capable as the years climb.