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[Saberestar]

WCF is going to be hard no matter what. You're fighting for a chance to be in the Finals, so it's not going to be an easy round like with the Nuggets. Having said that, the Jazz looks too depleted and Gobert (as usual) is being exposed in the playoff.

Regarding the Clippers, they're going to have a hard time running that small-ball lineup that has been working so well for them. Ayton is one of the best premier defender at the center position, unlike Gobert. Paul George has given Ayton problem on the switch, so Ayton need to be hitting the film room. But Paul George is the exactly the kind of forward, Ayton should be able to shut down completely. Ayton will obviously murdered them on the offense board on the other end.

Suns need to punish that small ball lineup. The Clippers have been pure garbage when they're not utilizing the small ball lineup.

The problem is that they are not small.

Marcus Morris 6'8
Paul George 6'9
Nicolas Batum 6'9 (Yeah, he is that tall, I know that they say he is 6'8).
Leonard 6'7...but he has crazy strength and length.

I think these four guys will play around 40 mpg against us. We need to target the 5th guy (Reggie Jackson, Kennard, Zubac, Beverley...) but Beverley/Jackson are good defenders too.

Any info about Conley playing the next game?

[bwgood77]

I'm with the majority here that the Clippers worry me more than Utah.

That said....I do wonder how much fire power they really have. After Kawhi and PG their scoring (in the playoffs) falls off a cliff. Reggie Jackson has played well, but you have to wonder if the Clips will go to a more defensive minded guard like Rondo or Beverly to counter Paul and Payne, but those two in a combined 30mpg this playoffs are averaging 7.9ppg.

Mann and Zubac who are also part of their rotation are are averaging 4.9 and 3.8ppg respectively.

Batum is limited on offense as well, and while Kennard can score, he can be targeted and exploited on defense.

It makes me wonder if the superstars do it all playing 40+mpg approach is sustainable. The Clippers already have played more games in the playoffs than Phoenix has and still have at least two more to go before they face us.

Well they had the best offense in the regular season or nearly did if they fell out of first, and shot over 41% from 3. Marcus Morris was over 47%. But yeah, after him Kawhi, George and Jackson all shot around 40-41% from 3. But they can all score from all over.

They just have the superstar power, especially with Kawhi, are the best shooting team in the NBA, have solid switchable defenders, and have another gear when needed. They are missing Ibaka which hurts a little, but they still are playing in the toughest matchups and are as well as anyone. Obviously we have looked good but moreso once AD was hurt (of course it coincided with Paul being back) and then against the short handed Nuggets....but we did dominate.

We definitely have deeper depth, but their stars will play a ton of minutes.

And they also finished only a few games back of us and Kawhi missed 20 games (they went 11-9 in those) and George missed 18.

Of course Utah rolled and dominated throughout the regular season and 1st round too and are tied up here without Conley, so we will see. Kawhi is just built for the playoffs though and arguably the best postseason player in the NBA when it comes to willing a team to win when needed.

[bwgood77]

The part about how they couldn't defend the way they are if Conley was there, bodes well for us because if they did on Book then CP3 could make them pay as long as he handled, though it might be tough down the stretch of the 1st and 3rd if our sub patterns stay the same.

The Clippers have sold out on Mitchell. That means guarding him with a primary defender, putting help on either side of Mitchell and loading up on the weak side of the ball. They do not think any of Mitchell’s teammates can hurt them offensively. They are not respecting any of Utah’s pick-and-roll actions, or dribble handoffs, or any of the movement offensively that’s made the Jazz such a good team this season on that side of the ball.

If Conley were healthy, the Clippers couldn’t play such a defense. He’s dynamic off the dribble, capable of getting into the lane and collapsing a defense, and making plays. He would give Mitchell the ability to take possessions off, and his presence would allow for more open looks for people such as Joe Ingles, Bogdanovic and Jordan Clarkson. But, Conley hasn’t been healthy. He hasn’t played in the four games of this series, and the Jazz have sorely missed his presence, even in the games they have won.

In the hours before Game 4, Snyder said Conley is “making progress” towards a potential return. In the meantime, the Clippers, to their credit, have figured the Jazz out offensively. And that’s one of the biggest reasons the two games this weekend in Los Angeles haven’t been close. That puts the onus on Snyder and the Jazz to figure out how to attack the Clippers defensively in Game 5. And it’s more than just schematic. The Jazz haven’t matched the Clippers’ physicality. They haven’t matched the Clippers’ urgency, and they haven’t matched their energy.

“They were at a different level tonight, and we couldn’t buy a bucket,” Mitchell said. “But even when we don’t shoot well or play well offensively, we have to continue to guard. We found a few things in the second half. We started being aggressive, and we have to continue that. We have to come out in Game 5 and we have to be ready. If we can do some of these things, we have a chance to be in good shape. The way we played in that second half, that’s who we are. That’s what we do. We need to take that home and we need to play with that same energy.”

What the Jazz did in the second half, especially offensively, was play with more force. They played with more toughness. They played quicker and made better decisions. They made shots because they got into a rhythm. Trailing by 24 at halftime, the Jazz weren’t going to win, barring a comeback for the ages. But, they had to try and find something that they could point to as a positive and carry over. And they did so offensively.

What has to be concerning to the Jazz is that they allowed Los Angeles to dictate almost every important possession of Games 3 and 4. They allowed Paul George to dominate in almost the same manner that they’ve allowed Leonard to dominate. They’ve allowed the Clippers to shoot the ball extremely well in the past two games, from inside the arc and from 3-point range. They’ve allowed the Clippers’ role players to turn in important contributions.

In short, the Jazz haven’t taken much away from Los Angeles in the past two games of the series.

“We didn’t have the sense of urgency that we should have,” Bogdanovic said. “They hit a lot of shots. We didn’t distribute the ball, especially in that first quarter. In the third quarter, we started to play with the sense of urgency that we should have had in the first quarter. We have to stay connected and stay together. They protected their home court. Now, it’s our turn to protect our home court.”

In order to do that, the Jazz have to find a way to defend better, a lot better. In order to do that, the Jazz can’t allow George to play at a superstar level. He’s a great player but, of George and Leonard, George is the one who is easier to make a dent against defensively. If both are playing at the level they were at the past two games, it becomes hard for the Jazz to win the series.

And in order to do that, the Jazz must defend the 3-point line a lot better than they did the past two games. And they must limit the Clippers’ role players. It’s the same recipe from Game 3. But that recipe for the Clippers repeated itself in Game 4, and the result for the Jazz was predictable.

Most importantly, say those prayers if you are a Jazz fan. A Conley return would significantly help Utah in this series. If he doesn’t, playing a better Game 5 on Wednesday night becomes even more important than it already is.

[King4Day]

WCF is going to be hard no matter what. You're fighting for a chance to be in the Finals, so it's not going to be an easy round like with the Nuggets. Having said that, the Jazz looks too depleted and Gobert (as usual) is being exposed in the playoff.

Regarding the Clippers, they're going to have a hard time running that small-ball lineup that has been working so well for them. Ayton is one of the best premier defender at the center position, unlike Gobert. Paul George has given Ayton problem on the switch, so Ayton need to be hitting the film room. But Paul George is the exactly the kind of forward, Ayton should be able to shut down completely. Ayton will obviously murdered them on the offense board on the other end.

Suns need to punish that small ball lineup. The Clippers have been pure garbage when they're not utilizing the small ball lineup.

The problem is that they are not small.

Marcus Morris 6'8
Paul George 6'9
Nicolas Batum 6'9 (Yeah, he is that tall, I know that they say he is 6'8).
Leonard 6'7...but he has crazy strength and length.

I think these four guys will play around 40 mpg against us. We need to target the 5th guy (Reggie Jackson, Kennard, Zubac, Beverley...) but Beverley/Jackson are good defenders too.

Any info about Conley playing the next game?

I walked by him at a Carolina Panthers game once and didn't think he was 6'9. I'm 6'5 and felt like he was the same height as a friend I went to HS with (who was 6'8). Not a huge difference but I wonder where the measurements come from (and if it's with or without shoes).

[darealjuice]

Wow, sounds like Harden is going to try playing today. Not sure that's a good idea given how finicky hamstring injuries are, but I guess they're desperate with Kyrie out.

[spanishninja]

If there is any need for more proof that Booker > Mitchell, last night's game provides ample. The guy either jacks up threes or drives out of control when the 3s aren't falling, without really looking for play the team game or making the play for others. I am so thankful to have a #1 scorer who plays in a disciplined manner.

[Bogyo]

Wow, sounds like Harden is going to try playing today. Not sure that's a good idea given how finicky hamstring injuries are, but I guess they're desperate with Kyrie out.

While I never wish injury on someone, I would not be heartbroken if he went out like KD did with the achilles - trying to force the issue... 3 of the most unlikeable stars of this generation

[lilfishi22]

I think we are going to end up facing the Clippers. The Jazz just don't have enough fire power to overcome the superstars of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. However, I guess if the Jazz just take care of business at home then they'll advance, but I am totally expecting the Clippers to win somehow.

Additionally I have the same worry as the rest of you when it comes to facing the Clippers. Rondo is pretty close to CP3 in terms of basketball IQ, he just can't shoot like CP3 because he has that broken jumper. But the Clippers have Reggie Jackson, Beverly, and Rondo to just pester CP3 all night, and I imagine they'll full court press him the entire series. Payne is going to have to step up big time, along with the rest of the bench. I'm hoping we can utilize Dario and Ayton of course especially when the Suns go through a lull shooting wise. This will be a tough series.

Given we haven't gotten a favourable match up so far in the playoffs, it makes sense we get the lsess favourable match up in the Clippers in the WCF too

Bring it

[lilfishi22]

WCF is going to be hard no matter what. You're fighting for a chance to be in the Finals, so it's not going to be an easy round like with the Nuggets. Having said that, the Jazz looks too depleted and Gobert (as usual) is being exposed in the playoff.

Regarding the Clippers, they're going to have a hard time running that small-ball lineup that has been working so well for them. Ayton is one of the best premier defender at the center position, unlike Gobert. Paul George has given Ayton problem on the switch, so Ayton need to be hitting the film room. But Paul George is the exactly the kind of forward, Ayton should be able to shut down completely. Ayton will obviously murdered them on the offense board on the other end.

Suns need to punish that small ball lineup. The Clippers have been pure garbage when they're not utilizing the small ball lineup.

The problem is that they are not small.

Marcus Morris 6'8
Paul George 6'9
Nicolas Batum 6'9 (Yeah, he is that tall, I know that they say he is 6'8).
Leonard 6'7...but he has crazy strength and length.

I think these four guys will play around 40 mpg against us. We need to target the 5th guy (Reggie Jackson, Kennard, Zubac, Beverley...) but Beverley/Jackson are good defenders too.

Any info about Conley playing the next game?

They aren't small but they aren't big in the sense that our wings can't handle them. It's not like the Lakers and their mega front court where our wings can't really match up size/strength wise. When I see Mook and Batum, yeah they are tall but they aren't really skilled enough to really take advantage of their size. Like if Mook decides to put Saric or Bridges in the post, I'd rather that than Kawhi or PG creating.

Bridges: 6'7
Crowder: 6'6
CamJo :6'8
Saric: 6'9
Craig: 6'7

So their size isn't the worry to me. It's really their shooting abilities as a team and PG/Kawhi's ability to drive and kick. Jokic has never really been the kinda guy to draw a ton of fouls but guys like Kawhi and PG live for that drive to the paint and that's where Ayton could really get into foul trouble early.

[lilfishi22]

If there is any need for more proof that Booker > Mitchell, last night's game provides ample. The guy either jacks up threes or drives out of control when the 3s aren't falling, without really looking for play the team game or making the play for others. I am so thankful to have a #1 scorer who plays in a disciplined manner.

Mitchell isn't healthy and I think he could certainly play better if he was

But to your point, Booker > Mitchell

[Barkley6]

Something I was thinking about today was that so far in these playoffs, the Suns haven't really had to adjust much. We've mostly played the same group. Whereas either Utah or LA have had to make some tweaks and adjustments here and there and have already played a lot of cards to get where they are.

In the LA series for us, we stopped playing Saric and went small for stretches, but even that wasn't a HUGE change for us. I think it definitely gives us an advantage by the time we get to either Utah or LA because they are going to have to use a lot of their potential tweaks to beat a really tough opponent, and we'll just be watching and taking notes.

[spanishninja]

If there is any need for more proof that Booker > Mitchell, last night's game provides ample. The guy either jacks up threes or drives out of control when the 3s aren't falling, without really looking for play the team game or making the play for others. I am so thankful to have a #1 scorer who plays in a disciplined manner.

Mitchell isn't healthy and I think he could certainly play better if he was

But to your point, Booker > Mitchell

not specifically talking about right now. Mitchell has always played kind of frantically, and has relied more on athleticism whereas Book has honed his skill. that's another benefit too. less risk of injury.

Mitchell is also not as efficient as Book either.

[bwgood77]

If there is any need for more proof that Booker > Mitchell, last night's game provides ample. The guy either jacks up threes or drives out of control when the 3s aren't falling, without really looking for play the team game or making the play for others. I am so thankful to have a #1 scorer who plays in a disciplined manner.

Mitchell isn't healthy and I think he could certainly play better if he was

But to your point, Booker > Mitchell

not specifically talking about right now. Mitchell has always played kind of frantically, and has relied more on athleticism whereas Book has honed his skill. that's another benefit too. less risk of injury.

Mitchell is also not as efficient as Book either.

Mitchell is not as efficient overall, but man he was on fire in the playoffs until last game and was like 50% from 3 on 35 attempts with and was extremely efficient like his previous 4 games, shooting in the 50-70% range and from 3 like the 40-62% range...with solid defense.

Both him and Book have had their ups and downs. But who's better mostly depends on criteria I think. It's pretty close.

I don't watch Mitchell enough to have enough of an impression but his numbers have looked impressive.

b-ref prefers Mitchell in their advanced #s, Booker more efficient. Mitchell the better defender and more ast/fewer turnovers. What is interesting is that with like BPM and their Net Ratings is has a bigger margin in Mitchell leading Booker on offense than he does on defense....then the VORP and WS, etc

https://stathead.com/tiny/do6rM

[bwgood77]

If there is any need for more proof that Booker > Mitchell, last night's game provides ample. The guy either jacks up threes or drives out of control when the 3s aren't falling, without really looking for play the team game or making the play for others. I am so thankful to have a #1 scorer who plays in a disciplined manner.

Mitchell isn't healthy and I think he could certainly play better if he was

But to your point, Booker > Mitchell

not specifically talking about right now. Mitchell has always played kind of frantically, and has relied more on athleticism whereas Book has honed his skill. that's another benefit too. less risk of injury.

Mitchell is also not as efficient as Book either.

Mitchell is not as efficient overall, but man he was on fire in the playoffs until last game and was like 50% from 3 on 35 attempts with and was extremely efficient like his previous 4 games, shooting in the 50-70% range and from 3 like the 40-62% range...with solid defense.

Both him and Book have had their ups and downs. But who's better mostly depends on criteria I think. It's pretty close.

I don't watch Mitchell enough to have enough of an impression but his numbers have looked impressive.

b-ref prefers Mitchell in their advanced #s, Booker more efficient. Mitchell the better defender and more ast/fewer turnovers. What is interesting is that with like BPM and their Net Ratings is has a bigger margin in Mitchell leading Booker on offense than he does on defense....then the VORP and WS, etc

https://stathead.com/tiny/do6rM

[darealjuice]

Good to see Giannis not taking the 3s the Nets are trying to bait him into. I like seeing him run dribble handoffs with the Nets dropping off of him. He typically makes contact with the defender and give the perimeter players room to shoot/attack.

[bwgood77]

This is brutal too....Tatum not making it cost him $32 million and he got more votes than Kyrie.

Read on Twitter

[darealjuice]

Harden is obviously not right

[RunDogGun]

Well if we win the next series, I don't think we need to worry about the Nets.

[SunsRback4Good]

Harden is obviously not right

Feels like he isn't even on the court. Zero points in 22 min shooting 0-6.

[SunsRback4Good]

Well if we win the next series, I don't think we need to worry about the Nets.

Do you feel bad for Nash/Dantoni? No matter who they have they always fall short with injuries or better team in front of them.