04-23-2024, 01:24 PM
(04-23-2024, 01:11 PM)Chicagojk Wrote: I really want the mavs to be the more aggressive team tonight. Attack. Lets do that than looking for mismatches. I know that is a big part of our offense but I hope to get guys like Gafford going early.
In all honesty, the shots Harden hit are probably something you need to live with. MOst of them were with a hand in his face. Contest his shots. You just need to keep him off the free throw lane or throwing lobs. Make him try to finish in the paint.
The road teams not winning yet on the playoffs is a bit concerning but both Philly and LAL should have taken home those games.
Cannot really get Gafford going if the Clippers contain the pick and roll. In game one they switched all non center screens and played drop defense when Zubac was involved. But they didn't give up the open lob behind Zubac. The weak side defender played off DJJ/PJ in the corner and prevented the easy pass to Gafford/Lively. Need better 3-point shooting to open up the lane.
Watching Harden in the first game it almost felt like Luka was wearing a Clippers jersey. If he plays like this there is nothing you can do. Maybe box-and-one or traps as soon as he catches the ball but you aren't getting away with schemes like this when the other team also has George, Westbrook, Powell and Mann (maybe Kawhi). Hopefully he has his usual playoff meltdown.