02-07-2024, 12:22 PM
(02-07-2024, 03:36 AM)SleepingHero Wrote: Thank you for making the Dirkie thread/poll!
I went with the obvious choice in Kyrie tonight. I mean he was a menace. He set the tone and basically couldn't miss all night. He came up clutch time and again. He hit 2 big threes in the 4th to basically seal it. Plus his detonation on that alley oop was really special.
Luka had an incredible night. Is it possible to say he had a relatively quiet 35 points? His 3rd quarter was bonkers. His 2 threes basically from half court and various post moves put the Nets in a spin cycle. He also really has stepped up on defense. He's in the 98th percentile on post defense and is now holding opponents to I believe 52% TS on drives which is really good. On the 2nd night of a back to back he plays 43 minutes and grabs 18 rebounds to go with 9 assists???? It's baffling how good this guy is. Honestly as I'm typing this out I'm shocked I'm not voting for him. He is a monster. Luka go get some ćevapčići and a beer! You deserve it.
Honorable mentions to Josh Green and Maxi.
Josh has really started to carve out a role here. He has started to become MUCH more aggressive. That's all he's needed to do and we're seeing how well he fits. Obviously there are some moments where he refuses to look for his own shot. There was one in the 4th where the Nets were doubling Kyrie and Luka and Josh was quite literally wide open for 3 but opted to look for the pass twice. Somehow the ball found its way back to him the same possession again wide open for 3 and he nailed it. THATS GROWTH! THATS HUGE! That's also exactly what we need. He's become used to being able to rise from a triple threat position to knock down a 3 and I can't say enough how much it brings a tear to my eye. I was down in the dumps with him and had all but given up hope. I was an original purchaser on Green Island and I came real close to selling. I basically leased out my land. I'm glad I kept it though cause I'm... in the Green
Maxi! He came back down to earth tonight posting regular Maxi numbers. That's okay. He still played incredible defense all night and even found ways to find his shot on offense. He too looks like he's playing with great confidence. I'm glad he's healthy. Please again bubble wrap the dude wherever he goes and hopefully every play until April. We need him healthy.
Grant Williams had once again a strange game. The dude flat out does winning plays on defense and offense. He has some moments that makes me think "Don't get rid of this guy, he does exactly what we need." I mean he straight up blocked the crap out of Claxton to deny a dunk out of nowhere! He grabbed a really key offensive rebound to build momentum. He played some great defense all night. He called for the challenge that all but killed BRK's chances. But then he has moments that makes you think "are we sure this guy is an NBA player and not some champion buffet eater?". There was a moment in the 3rd I believe where Kyrie had the ball iso'd on the wing with Grant in the corner. You could see Luka on the opposite side YELLING at Grant to go set a screen for Kyrie or clear out. Not sure exactly what. Either way Grant stood still and Luka threw his hands up in frustration and looked to the bench. Kyrie still put up a dazzling move and scored over DSJ so it didn't matter. When stuff like that happens, my eyebrows raise. It's not the first time Luka has blown up at Grant. It wasn't even the first time that game.
Still Grant had some nice plays, even if he had an overall whatever game.
Excellent analysis on Williams. I see much of the same. I want to know who does Grant listen to? He is ours probably so I want him to improve and to rise up without trying to do stupid stuff. Having our team healthy will help him find out and fit his role only if he listens and learns. He does have some defensive skills and hustle skills but I worry he completely lacks offensive skills in more ways than just shooting.
Kyrie all the way for me. He rose above because he dominated.