05-03-2022, 06:58 AM
(This post was last modified: 05-03-2022, 07:02 AM by HoosierDaddyKid.)
(05-01-2022, 01:57 PM)burekemde Wrote: Ayton cant cover Maxi on defense at the 3. Maxi can cover Ayton when we play defense and give him plenty of trouble.
To me that sounds like we have the upper hand in this matchup.
Maxi is key to this series, as his skills translate to counter Ayton. More than Powell. Although pick and roll with Luka and Powell will be hard for Ayton as well.
Maxi is decent defensively, but he can't guard Ayton in the paint. Can he make a play or two against him ? Sure. He'll hit some 3's if Ayton is in drop coverage, and he may even contest shots. But for the most part, that's a net-negative. Powell doesn't even have a chance. Ayton said in the press conference after the game, that he was glad he didn't have to tussle with Valanciunas anymore.