05-26-2021, 05:11 PM
(05-26-2021, 04:56 PM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: I’ve seen this sentiment more than once and have to ask what KP did wrong in Q-2 last night. He was 3/4 FG including 1/1 from three for 8 points. Plus, he had a board, a steal and a block. Team went on a 10-4 run, but overall his 8 minutes were +0. I had a call and missed this segment (Bally doesn’t pause well).
During the first half, which the Clippers ultimately won, their entire strategy was to use the pick and roll to get their main ball-handlers downhill, in the paint, against KP 1 on 1. He didn't handle it very well, which greatly contributed to Kawhi's all-time great offensive half of playoff basketball. I can't remember who the color commentator was, but he went on and on and on about how effectively the Clippers were using KP's lack of mobility against them, and each time he spoke, I felt as if he was taking the thought right out of my own head.
Offensively, yes, I thought KP had a very efficient game for all 4 quarters.
And, to his credit (and Carlisle's, and the rest of the team, for making adjustments), KP hung in there and fared much better in the 2nd half, I thought, even making some nice defensive plays as others have pointed out. Ironically, based on @"F Gump"'s comments earlier, what stuck out to me most were a few instances of him being stuck on an island on the perimeter against a more skilled player and coming close to holding his own.
I definitely got "KP is trying harder and playing better" out of this game, but I don't know that I got "he finally gets that he's a center" out of it. That's what raised my eyebrows earlier. Either way, though, it was a step in the right direction and the series record reflects that.