I'm looking forward to seeing Iguodala match up with LeBron. I'm looking forward to significant minutes for Jrue. I'm looking forward to seeing Thad Young go to work on JJ Hickson. I'm always excited to see LeBron play, the guy is a special, special player. The one thing I just can't stand is all the douchery that goes along with watching the Cleveland Cavaliers play.
The Cavs are a very, very good basketball team. Personally, I don't think adding Shaq has made them better, but Parker and Moon have helped on the wings. They should make some noise in the playoffs this year, but at some point this season some opponent is going to pick up the torch from Joakim Noah and put an end to this dancing on the bench nonsense:
I would say I'd like to see the Sixers be the ones to do it, but they've got enough things to worry about in this matchup, leave the comeuppance for someone else.
Let's just do a quick strengths/weaknesses:
Cleveland: 41.9% from three (2nd in league)
Philadelphia: 41.7% allowed from three (last in league)
Cleveland: 76.4% defensive rebounding rate (2nd in league)
Philadelphia: 29.6% offensive rebounding rate (3rd in the league)
Cleveland: 24.6% offensive rebounding rate (25th in the league)
Philadelphia: 71.1% defensive rebounding rate (28th in the league)
The first split is almost a death sentence. The Cavs have three guys shooting better than 44% from distance (Mo Williams, Anthony Parker and Boobie Gibson). LeBron has even raised his three-point percentage to league average. This could get ugly very quickly if the Sixers are lax on the perimeter.
The other splits are probably what's going to decide this game. Can Cleveland keep up their excellent defensive rebounding numbers with the Sixers crashing the offensive glass? Probably, but it depends on which lineup Philly uses. On the other end, Cleveland isn't very good on the offensive glass, but the Sixers are horrible at securing defensive rebounds.
Mo Williams and Anthony Parker will both be challenging matchups for Jrue (assuming he's starting in the back court with Iverson). Neither is much of a threat to penetrate, but they both love to spot up for jumpers. He needs to stick to his man when the ball is in LeBron's hands especially.
I hope we don't see one of Iguodala's "muscle up" games on the offensive end, where he seemingly tries to prove his worth next to LeBron. We need him on the defensive end more than anything, and honestly there are much more favorable matchups for the Sixers on the offensive end. Play D, get in the open floor and finish, when you get the ball, drive to the hole consistently. We don't need Iguodala settling for 20-footers tonight, not that we ever really do.
Cleveland is playing the second night of a back-to-back, but they basically cruised to their 10-point win over the Nets last night and only LeBron and Mo Williams played more than 27 minutes. Their legs should be fine and I don't see the back-to-back as enough of a factor to pull these teams close enough for the Sixers to steal a win. I fully expect to see some energy early, possibly a lead into the second half, but an eventual loss. Their pride will probably keep them in it, but at some point Cleveland will step on that. The final score will be dictated by when that shift happens.
It'll be interesting to track the minutes for the Sixers bigs. Especially if Marreese Speights does make his return. Here's my best guess:
Key to The Game: Three point line. If _________ the Sixers will win: Iverson reverse-ages about 10 years and drops 40 pts on efficient shooting. (actually, even that probably wouldn't do it.)
This is your game thread, I'll be here throughout so join me to cringe whenever LeBron does something for dramatic effect.
not sure i'm excited about an injured iguodala matching up against LeBron. Not that it really matters, eventually the entire roster will end up switching onto LeBron. Even though the Cavs offense is predictable as hell, we're still going to get burned on these dumb rotations.
Jrue's big area of weakness defensively has been covering up on 3pt shooters (and its not like he's gone to learn anything on this team.) Should be interesting to see if he's made some progress in this regard. With his length and quickness he should be able to bother shooters.
At least we don't have to hear that stupid godfather soundtrack blip when Mo hits a three-pointer. Although, the Wach might try to please all the bandwagon Cavs fans by playing it.
Zumoff just gave LeBron the equivalent of 2 minutes of head in his intro. I guess CSN figures they'll actually have some people watching so they should make a big deal about the other team, since that's why they're watching anyway.
did anybody see the last play the cavs run? LeBron literally ran in circles around Shaq (equivalent of about 5 screens) before he got the ball in the wing.
4 points, 5 assists, 2 steals for Jrue so far. He did get caught on an Ilgauskus back screen that sprung Mo Williams for an open three. Luckily, Mo missed it.
AI3 can run off screens and Jrue can handle it. I like that combo with this team, maybe we can see it a little more. AI can guard a guy like Gibson who is a spot-up shooter.
Iguodala should have passed to Young on that break instead of Green to the left, but he didn't see him and Green hit Young for a (much tougher) layup anyway.
think the rib injury is causing iguodala to keep the ball away from his body (kinda like how shady mccoy carries the ball) instead of closer in which is more difficult to strip?
Think the Sixers are more effective offensively with Iverson on the floor because they don't run that shell of an offensive they call the PO? Even on simple drive and kicks we are getting better looks than those dribble handoffs
If Iggy can play the 2, this will be the best perimeter defensive combo in the league within the next few years. Maybe close to it now, in fact. Larry Brown would have loved these guys in man-up defensive system back when he was here and in DET.
I don't like the way Thad's shot looks when he catches the pass from his left, he kind of contorts his body to get into the shot and it just looks off.
Why does dalembert always thinks that when he gets and offensive rebound he has to shoot it again? he never passes the ball when he gets the offensive board, he shoots it doesn't even matter if he is falling or something
That was sick defense by Iguodala on LeBron, and that's the only type of help you need on drivers. The big coming up to challenge the shot. Perfect defensive possession.
You can use TS and the result is the same there. Not sure it matters how many of his points are in transition, especially when he's the one initiating the break.
Such a whiny punk to be so big. Yet, AI got hit worse than that every night, didn't have stand at the line acting like he got sweat in his contacts either.
That switch took way too long. If you watch the play before Jrue gets under the screen and I think AI9 wanted to do it again but Jrue stuck with him. AI9 lets Williams drift to where he didn't even need the back screen. I was frustrated though, EB could have got on that screen.
It's a team with a solid identity and a plan that knows how to win close games against a team that doesn't. That's a little bit of LeBron for the difference and a lot of Eddie Jordan.
Willie Green got lucky two plays in a row so he thinks he can guard Lebron rediculous. But holiday was obviously tired that allowed Williams the 2 jumpers so he did need a break. But it is poor coaching because he should have sub him at a better part of the game.
on both williams jumpers the cavs picked off jrue holiday. one three was over excellent defense by Iguodala and the other was no help for Iguodala who was picked off by Shaq.
Yet the call was on Jordan who trusted Willie to get a good shot. Even when Willie is hitting his shots (pretty good tonight), they are difficult looks.
Does anybody else wonder why they handle pick and rolls like that at the end of the game. It's just an automatic switch without any fight and the guy is not even screening hard. Have we ever tried going under the pick and giving LeBron a deep three instead of a switch onto Willie?
Are you actually discussing defensive tactics regarding an Eddie Jordan coached team? You might want to get a thermometer because you gotta have a fever or something.
:-)
I know, right. But honestly it's not even that hard of a concept. They would want two things off a LBJ/Mo Williams pick and pop. Either: 1. Confusion on the switch and Williams popping open (even with a back screen because AI9 wasn't close enough anyway) or 2. Easy switch, LeBron on Willie. Why not try and say, alright LeBron we're going under and giving you a second to look at a wide open 27 footer and if you beat us, that's how it will happen.
Exactly right! Even if they give up that 3, it won't be a good shot for LeBron because it'll be 10 seconds into the shot clock. He doesn't want to be forced to do that.
That's logical and smart. 2 things Jordan is not, especially about D.
I can't lie, I expected them to lose, but to lose mainly because the coach just crapped the bed, looked at it, looked at you then grinned while licking his braces is just...
Sam plays 16 min w/8 boards. Subbing Green for Holiday when he's been making plays all over the floor on both ends for you. Just moronic
This is why I got frustrated and said Jrue and AI9 screwed it up when Williams hit the second shot, but honestly I was just frustrated and blurt stuff out in the heat of the moment. It's not their fault that they are not taught how to defend that play. Just like their whole defensive system, their heads are exploding on how to execute it properly. Just tell them to play hard and stay with your man and not load their head with all of these switches and rotations. Jrue's defensive instincts might impress me more than anything concerning his game (and he's got a lot of impressive tools. Same with AI9. I can't fault the effort at all tonight from a bunch of guys.
By the way, the small lineup, which supposedly is better against the three in Jordan's system, has now allowed 18/33 threes in the past two games. That's 54.55%.
And they lost this game by 20 points if not for Jrue's defense tonight.
Yeah that's a myth that it's better against the three. With a logical defensive coach, yes, that would probably be true. Jordan's small lineups create mismatches and that means even more crazy helping and rotations than usual. No need to apply normal logic to this guy which is sad.
As soon as Willie Green went in for Jrue at the 2 minute mark, I put on my coat and left. This coach is absolutely incompentent. Do you think, Brian, the coach realizes your statement. I honestly do not think he does (depression continues).
I publicly would like to thank Jrue for an enjoyable game to watch tonite at the Wach. His defense was awesome. Would like to see some other guys step up with him (no one covered Mo when he got picked. No one, they just stood around and watched).
Off topic after the game but those Nike ZOom Lebron VI's are the nicest nikes I've seen in a million years.
They look like Air Force Ones without all that space panel shit that is constant on new shoes. I just realized his official shoes have that space panel crap, nevermind.
On topic, plz give Jrue as many minutes as possible. The ends need to get fired and John Wall, blah blah blah.
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not sure i'm excited about an injured iguodala matching up against LeBron. Not that it really matters, eventually the entire roster will end up switching onto LeBron. Even though the Cavs offense is predictable as hell, we're still going to get burned on these dumb rotations.
Brand benched again, Ig at SF and Thad at PF
I hate this lineup, Cavs are not the Warriors, and it will show I'm afraid
Lebron is such a Dooshcebag, I will forever respect Noah for standing up to this dancing bitch.
Is that anything like a douche-bag?
Over/under pts scored by shaq 16.5
Jrue's big area of weakness defensively has been covering up on 3pt shooters (and its not like he's gone to learn anything on this team.) Should be interesting to see if he's made some progress in this regard. With his length and quickness he should be able to bother shooters.
At least we don't have to hear that stupid godfather soundtrack blip when Mo hits a three-pointer. Although, the Wach might try to please all the bandwagon Cavs fans by playing it.
Zumoff just gave LeBron the equivalent of 2 minutes of head in his intro. I guess CSN figures they'll actually have some people watching so they should make a big deal about the other team, since that's why they're watching anyway.
Otherwise would not have known anything about that Lebron guy...
Someone tell Jamie Maggio Shaq wasn't a free agent signing.
She's just a pretty face. I doubt anyone actually listens to her.
Jrue should not be the double if they keep Parker on the blocks against Parker.
Parker on the blocks against Iverson.
LeBron misses a jumper and the Wach crowd groans. I hate this shit.
11-2, not the Sixers. Let's see what play Eddie Jordan draws up in this timeout.
Dalembert with 3 stupid plays already
Lebron is a champion of karate and friendship to everyone
What a joke this is shaping up to be so far. The Cavs must be in giggles with these mismatches. Thad on Hickson, AI on Parker, what a damn joke
Speights in already :) AHHAHAHAHAHHAHAAAAAAA
i'm interested to see speights and brand play together.
M16 picking up right where he left off.
wow wtf lebron. holiday spreading the ball around.
Get that Brand guy out of there, he's a scrub. 2/2, 4 points and Shaq won't come out on him at the elbow.
did anybody see the last play the cavs run? LeBron literally ran in circles around Shaq (equivalent of about 5 screens) before he got the ball in the wing.
Speights is an animal. Let's see some D on Shaq though
eddie jordan is praising speights' defense on that lebron dunk.
Pretty cut by Jrue there.
Settled down somewhat, thanks mostly to Jrue who's having a monster first quarter. Down 8 now w/ 2:37 to go.
Got here late, Jrue made 2 great steals in the past couple of plays. Thad shouldn't post Varejao, face up from 15 and go accdordingly.
4 points, 5 assists, 2 steals for Jrue so far. He did get caught on an Ilgauskus back screen that sprung Mo Williams for an open three. Luckily, Mo missed it.
i think that's more on the big man guarding ilgauskas. They need to call that pick out beforehand.
Yep, probably. Still worth noting.
iguodala needs the ball in his hands more. or at least run lebron off a couple more Brand screens.
i like how iguodala just swatted gibson on the break and the crowd doesn't even react.
Iguodala's hurt. He's wincing after every play.
Nice box out there Thad, leaving sideshow bob all alone for the follow dunk.
3/3 for Brand. 6 points.
Great offense from AI to Brand, great D by Brand on Big Z and AI coast-to-coast to Thad. Nice job by AI and EB.
willie in. it's either gonna be a 14-10 Sixers run or a 10-2 Cavs run, depending on how hot Willie is from the field.
Down six after the first. Anyone think they have a chance right now? Oddly, I do.
AI3 can run off screens and Jrue can handle it. I like that combo with this team, maybe we can see it a little more. AI can guard a guy like Gibson who is a spot-up shooter.
Willie at the point now.
AKA, drive the lane at will.
Not Leonard Weaver
Iguodala should have passed to Young on that break instead of Green to the left, but he didn't see him and Green hit Young for a (much tougher) layup anyway.
anybody not understand all those dribble handoffs 35 feet from the basket?
hahahaha that fan was practically drooling sitting behind LeBron.
Terrible shot by Willie, made. Let's see how that develops.
Willie loses boobie gibson on the other end. He drills a three.
nice, Willie. Leave Green for a wide open 3.
Gibson*
CLE extending the lead w/ LeBron on the bench? Probably not a good sign.
Willie's a ticking time bomb ready to over-help Iguodala with Delonte.
Sam in the doghouse now?
We need to rebound better so of course he's in the doghouse.
Thad's keeping us in offensively.
was that really goaltending? i thought that was clean.
When LeBron shoots it, it's goaltending.
Moon has no prayer against Thad on the blocks. Keep going to it.
Actually, I guess that was off a switch.
Another bad jumper goes in for Willie. Is this going to be one of his good shooting games?
AI9 is really hurt and really hurting us.
was that really goaltending? i thought that was clean.
I'm talking about getting stripped twice, wincing and lacking explosiveness.
Didn't see, CSN had an angle under the net on the GT.
YEAP, willie is hot
3/3 for Willie. Another bad shot. Ride him, I guess. West goes right by him on the other end.
It was an open 3 of what look to be a play run for that
Iguodala getting frustrated. Didn't look like the shot he goaltended was going in
Didn't look like goaltending, couldn't tell if it was going in. Stripped twice though, not good.
think the rib injury is causing iguodala to keep the ball away from his body (kinda like how shady mccoy carries the ball) instead of closer in which is more difficult to strip?
Just a little bit of D Willie. Please
Sam's stone hands rob Jrue of his 7th assist in the first half.
Nice break, pass was a little off by Jrue, but Thad picked him up. Makes up for the gimme dunk that Dalembert blew the last time down the floor.
I know it's a small sample, but Thad has been a monster recently. Amazing tip as I'm typing it too.
Did LBJ walk there?
Dre gets leBron back
That was a Jrue possession. Locked down Mo Williams, then covered up for Iverson too. Unreal.
GREAT defense by Holiday
somebody please teach SammyD how to set a proper screen. EB, teach him something please
Get over the hump. Don't get close and then let up.
Holiday trying too hard to make the spectacular pass on that break. 4 point swing.
Not sure the bad decision was the pass, the bad decision was who he tried to pass it to.
don't think that pass had any chance regardless of who he was passing to, but i may be wrong.
what happen to Jrue on that defensive play, he just let MO run the court with no D
He got picked by LBJ in the back court, no one stopped the ball.
Oh it was a pick by Lebron DAMN no help defense there
Yeah, that one was on Iggy. He needs to stop the ball there.
i don't think that was on iguodala, there was a closer defender that iguodala pointed to stop the ball.
Think the Sixers are more effective offensively with Iverson on the floor because they don't run that shell of an offensive they call the PO? Even on simple drive and kicks we are getting better looks than those dribble handoffs
Yes, I do.
If Iggy can play the 2, this will be the best perimeter defensive combo in the league within the next few years. Maybe close to it now, in fact. Larry Brown would have loved these guys in man-up defensive system back when he was here and in DET.
Iguodala can play the two
There is no if about it
How about "If (the coach) Iggy plays the two"
THAT was a fucking goaltend god damnit.
Easy call too.
6 rebounds by THAD he's been a monster on the glass these past two games
He's definitely born again hard.
12 minutes in the first half for Speights. That's easing back in for ya.
Pretty solid first half, led by Thad and Jrue. Down by 5. How do they come out to start the third?
0 assist by AI9 but he hasn't being the playmaker, 4 ast for iverson and 7 for Jrue
I suppose the fact that breathing and moving probably hurts him might have something to do with it.
He shouldn't be playing
but he has made 12 pts on 4/5 shooting
Anyone watching on league pass? They just showed about 5 Luke Ridnour highlights vs. the Blazers. Guess who he burned on every single play.
The guy some people I've heard argue was the Sixers quarterback or some other BS defensively.
yep
I don't like the way Thad's shot looks when he catches the pass from his left, he kind of contorts his body to get into the shot and it just looks off.
that block by lebron was not necessary at all. you should just grab that ball. as usual lebron needs his theatrics.
Why does dalembert always thinks that when he gets and offensive rebound he has to shoot it again? he never passes the ball when he gets the offensive board, he shoots it doesn't even matter if he is falling or something
I love Iverson getting to the line like this.
Come on Dalembert. This has been his worst of the year.
Sammy's the worst outlet passer I've ever seen. I honestly don't think that's an exaggeration, either.
He's the worst a lot of things...i mean dribbling...?
Damnit Dalembert.
iguodala hasn't touched the ball this half.
Well, at least that was a good foul on Slaq.
Dalembert had one sick outlet pass the other night, hit AI in stride at about the foul line on the other side. Usually, they're garbage, though.
Sammy's gonna stay in the doghouse with the start to this quarter.
Attaboy Jrue.
even injured, Iguodala outruns a lot of guys. he does seem to be shying away from contact today though.
4 on Sammy. That's probably a good thing.
Terrible foul there. Man, even EJ knows what's going on,
"Sam don't reach."
Eff me. They can't sit this kid when Lou comes back.
how many times have we heard that? "Iversonnnn, yes!"
It's going to be scary when Iverson gets back into game shape. I just hope EJ has Lou come off the bench. Loving the Iverson/Jrue combo.
That was sick defense by Iguodala on LeBron, and that's the only type of help you need on drivers. The big coming up to challenge the shot. Perfect defensive possession.
Great run, a lot of harmony and effort. Great decision by Jrue to hit AI as the trailer.
welcome to the game, andre. in dramatic fashion.
Bad call on Jrue.
Iguodala looking spry out there now.
I was wrong early. AI9 has been a warrior considering he can't breathe.
difference between Iguodala and Thad.
Iguodala = 14 points on 6 shots.
Thad = 16 points on 15 shots.
Points per shot's a bad stat (I've said it before, but it's worth repeating).
Also, how many of Iggy's attempts are coming in transition?
You can use TS and the result is the same there. Not sure it matters how many of his points are in transition, especially when he's the one initiating the break.
8 assists, 1 turnover for Jrue.
Jrue is lock down and I love it
Don't like that three from Jrue. Like the kick out to the third row by Speights even less. Set it up and run some offense.
Sick ball movement, the whip pass from Jrue to EB, then the touch pass to Speights at the elbow.
beautiful kick out by brand for a speights J
HOLY FUCKING SHIT!!!
dammit, my feed froze right before that dunk. all i got was the audio.
YESSSSS AND NOOOOO lol boobie for 3
I almost feel bad for Mo Williams trying to work against Jrue. He's overmatched.
carney sighting, in for iguodala, along with Green for Jrue. Key stretch here.
Green, Carney, and Iverson. What the hell??
Come on, don't blow w/ the bench here.
Match-up zone here. I don't like it the middle is wide open against it.
Good foul by Sp8s. Hit him right on the dome. Little bitch.
Such a whiny punk to be so big. Yet, AI got hit worse than that every night, didn't have stand at the line acting like he got sweat in his contacts either.
Iverson complains more than almost any player in the league, hit or not - what the heck are you talking about?
Complains sure, but not the standing around milking the attention. AI works the refs
SLAP!!! loll
OK. You stole those last 2 minutes with the bench, down three. Now get Carney and Green out of the game immediately.
83-80, Cavs.
wasn't a bad defensive possession by the Sixers on that last shot by LeBron. Just a tough shot over about 3 guys that happened to bounce in.
Fuck, that's a circus shot that was honestly just lucky.
Great to see M16 taking aim again on the offensive end.
Thad's been sitting since the 5:00 mark of the third, why the fuck isn't he in this game?
is it just me or are the cavs a bunch of pussies trying to draw fouls all the time?
Sick dish by Jrue to Sp8s.
He had that one drawn up before half court. Just sick.
"look at this young man" hahahaha
Man Jrue is awesome, no other way to put it.
wtf holiday?
Willie looses Boobie. Damnit.
Bad shot by Jrue on the other end.
But oh my did he ever make up for it. Wow.
Jrue The Mannnnn
that did NOT just happen. NICE play by Jrue. made up for that bad shot earlier.
YESSS brand come on sixerssss
fuckin lucky as shittt
Carney and Willie for Iggy and Thad please.
Not a big fan of Willie being in the game right here.
ever?
Flagrant? WTF?
WTF that's such BS.
GREAT BOARD BY YOUNG TWO TIMESSSSS
Keep isolating Delonte on Holiday, please.
Huge o-board for Thad there.
Miek Brown obliges your wish.
And Jrue stuffs Delonte for the shot clock violation. This is a clinic.
Jrue is a beast on defense, that dude is going to be an all star....YESS 3333
Thad with another o-board for a HUGE three.
LeBitch answers.
Say what you want about AI9, the guy makes difficult jump shots at very clutch times.
Iverson back in after this timeout?
Just stick with their shooters. That's all you have to do. Put Thad on the ball and stick with the shooters.
put JRUE on the ball
Just saying, upside of injury to L-will we're seeing it right now...took jordan a while to get to it though
Nice try Sideshow Bob.
Points on the board, right here.
he picked the ball and DRIBBLE did AI9 touch it?
Damn jumpers.
WHats with this FT disparity at home this year...seems consistent that the opponent gets to the line more - is that the system?
yes. no one fouls you on jumpers. shit.
Both ways. Sixers taking and missing too many. Cavs hitting tough ones.
And ball game. How did Williams get open there?
Damn. Jrue and AI9 f'd up really bad there. You can't give Williams the open look on that simple of a play.
rookies make mistakes, hopefully EJ realizes that
Oh yeah no doubt. Jrue has been unreal tonight, just a miscommunication on the play.
They switched and then AI9 got caught on a back screen?
That switch took way too long. If you watch the play before Jrue gets under the screen and I think AI9 wanted to do it again but Jrue stuck with him. AI9 lets Williams drift to where he didn't even need the back screen. I was frustrated though, EB could have got on that screen.
Gut check here, and really a coaching check. You cannot have an empty possession here or it's over. Need a solid play out of this TO.
Come on guys, we can still get this.
and they can't get the ball in. Nice work, coach.
why the fuck did willie come in for jrue???
Eddie Jordan, head coach
Defensive purposes lol
Willie for Jrue. Stupendous.
YOu absolutely have to have a stop. Jordan has a chance to make a sub, and he goes with Iverson/Green as his back court. Fuck this guy.
ugh. willie.
This guys going crazy form 3'ss FUCKKKK
This is unbelievable. The kid put on a fucking defensive clinic tonight. How can he possibly explain that?
EJ doesn't want to hurt Jrue's feelings by putting him out there in crunch time against guys he's dominated all game.
for some reason, Willie always switches onto LeBron when it's not necessary at all. Iguodala's always like WTF when Willie switches. not even a pick.
I can't take this shit. It's probably a loss either way, but dumb fucking coaching like that. It just kills me every time.
I can't wait to hear how Iguodala lost this game.
It's a team with a solid identity and a plan that knows how to win close games against a team that doesn't. That's a little bit of LeBron for the difference and a lot of Eddie Jordan.
Willie Green got lucky two plays in a row so he thinks he can guard Lebron rediculous. But holiday was obviously tired that allowed Williams the 2 jumpers so he did need a break. But it is poor coaching because he should have sub him at a better part of the game.
Jrue was switched onto Lebron when williams made those two shots.
on both williams jumpers the cavs picked off jrue holiday. one three was over excellent defense by Iguodala and the other was no help for Iguodala who was picked off by Shaq.
It wasn't Holiday on either of those jumpers though. AI9 switched onto Mo, he lost him both times.
my point exactly
did Thad Young really just play center?
yep
LOL willie misses a layup.
And he draws up a play for Willie who takes a 10 contested foot runner. Brilliant.
the play was a quick 2. that botched shot was all on willie, the cavs even LET him take it and he missed.
Yet the call was on Jordan who trusted Willie to get a good shot. Even when Willie is hitting his shots (pretty good tonight), they are difficult looks.
my point is it was an easy shot that willie just flat out missed. either way, horrible endgame coaching and willie green made it even worse.
It just makes you sick, doesn't it?
Mo Williams was 0/6 in the game when Jrue was on him, West was 1/6 (not entirely with Jrue on him, but mostly).
Does anybody else wonder why they handle pick and rolls like that at the end of the game. It's just an automatic switch without any fight and the guy is not even screening hard. Have we ever tried going under the pick and giving LeBron a deep three instead of a switch onto Willie?
Are you actually discussing defensive tactics regarding an Eddie Jordan coached team? You might want to get a thermometer because you gotta have a fever or something.
:-)
I know, right. But honestly it's not even that hard of a concept. They would want two things off a LBJ/Mo Williams pick and pop. Either: 1. Confusion on the switch and Williams popping open (even with a back screen because AI9 wasn't close enough anyway) or 2. Easy switch, LeBron on Willie. Why not try and say, alright LeBron we're going under and giving you a second to look at a wide open 27 footer and if you beat us, that's how it will happen.
no the sixers would rather have lebron shave 10 more seconds off the shot clock and then take an easy jumper over 6'2" willie.
Exactly right! Even if they give up that 3, it won't be a good shot for LeBron because it'll be 10 seconds into the shot clock. He doesn't want to be forced to do that.
That's logical and smart. 2 things Jordan is not, especially about D.
I can't lie, I expected them to lose, but to lose mainly because the coach just crapped the bed, looked at it, looked at you then grinned while licking his braces is just...
Sam plays 16 min w/8 boards. Subbing Green for Holiday when he's been making plays all over the floor on both ends for you. Just moronic
This is why I got frustrated and said Jrue and AI9 screwed it up when Williams hit the second shot, but honestly I was just frustrated and blurt stuff out in the heat of the moment. It's not their fault that they are not taught how to defend that play. Just like their whole defensive system, their heads are exploding on how to execute it properly. Just tell them to play hard and stay with your man and not load their head with all of these switches and rotations. Jrue's defensive instincts might impress me more than anything concerning his game (and he's got a lot of impressive tools. Same with AI9. I can't fault the effort at all tonight from a bunch of guys.
Oh, and FIRE EDDIE JORDAN. I watched a playoff team get run into the ground by their retard coach at the end of the game tonight.
By the way, the small lineup, which supposedly is better against the three in Jordan's system, has now allowed 18/33 threes in the past two games. That's 54.55%.
And they lost this game by 20 points if not for Jrue's defense tonight.
Yeah that's a myth that it's better against the three. With a logical defensive coach, yes, that would probably be true. Jordan's small lineups create mismatches and that means even more crazy helping and rotations than usual. No need to apply normal logic to this guy which is sad.
As soon as Willie Green went in for Jrue at the 2 minute mark, I put on my coat and left. This coach is absolutely incompentent. Do you think, Brian, the coach realizes your statement. I honestly do not think he does (depression continues).
I publicly would like to thank Jrue for an enjoyable game to watch tonite at the Wach. His defense was awesome. Would like to see some other guys step up with him (no one covered Mo when he got picked. No one, they just stood around and watched).
How many very close games have we lost now?
losing close games consistently is always. always always always on the coach.
Agree 100%. The fact that this team hangs out with horseshoes and hand grenades just proves that Jordan is inept. They have to win in spite of him.
Off topic after the game but those Nike ZOom Lebron VI's are the nicest nikes I've seen in a million years.
They look like Air Force Ones without all that space panel shit that is constant on new shoes. I just realized his official shoes have that space panel crap, nevermind.
On topic, plz give Jrue as many minutes as possible. The ends need to get fired and John Wall, blah blah blah.
Peights looks less like Marreese the Beast and more like Coocki Monster with the extra weight he's carrying.
Maybe they should have wired his jaws shut during the injury? Reminded me of DC.
Need to start looking at the keyboard when I type. Typos abound!
according to jordan, we played solid defense because "we did not allow dunks."
ummm, excuse me mr. jordan. are you aware of the fact that matchups like willie on lebron are not exhibitions of good defense?