by Dee4Three on Sat Oct 28, 2017 12:41 am
Great to see the C's win with defense last night. Jaylen struggled from the floor, and Tatum didn't get the ball much. Semi on Giannis in the second half was awesome to watch, he kept shutting him off, even making him put up an airball. Giannis had 8 points at the very end of the game in garbage time, he should have ended the game with just 20 and only a couple points in the second half.
Rozier and Smart also started slow. But both got it going in the second half at one point. One thing that bugs me about Marcus Smart is how long he holds onto the ball... he literally will act like hes directing traffic at the top of the key for a solid 12-15 seconds, and either pass it at the end of the shot clock where someone has to take a tough shot, or take a tough shot himself (Usually popping a contested 3). Granted, he hit a couple... but I don't like that offense. Meanwhile, he could have been running pick n rolls, or atleast be getting the ball to Tatum (who was on the floor with him the whole time basically) coming off screens.
Irving and Horford looked great together. Good chemistry, even an out of bounds play at the end of the 3rd with an alley oop to Horford from irving from under the basket (With 0.5 seconds on the clock). Horford is straight up scary if he's hitting three's like he is, he even hit one off balance at the end of the shot clock. Horford basically controlled the game offensively and defensively. Irving looked more comfortable, people have to realize that he is getting doubled a lot more in Boston. In the second half, he was doubled almost every time he touched the ball. Because of his ball handling, he was able to spin out of several of the double teams and find his teammates. Irving hasn't looked selfish at all to me this season, he always has his head up looking for someone. Scoring 24 with being doubled that much is pretty impressive.
Getting Baynes was genius. He impacts the game on both ends of the floor, he's a bully inside and it's great. He's like Kendrick Perkins with a nice mid range shot (When Perkins was younger). He's not afraid to go up on multiple defenders for a poster (Tried it twice last game). He's wide, so in the pick n roll game he is helpful even if he isn't scoring, because he's getting the guard (Like Rozier last night) a good look at the hoop.
I like games like this, because it was on the road and the players who were previously having stud games (Like Brown and Tatum) weren't involved as much. It was a grind it out game against a decent team.
In regards to the Clippers game... Blake Griffin is playing at an MVP level right now. I have caught 3 of the Clippers games via league pass, he is so confident. This is the best I have ever seen him play. In the past, we have had explosive Griffin with a questionable outside game, and a Griffin that has lost his explosiveness but with a better outside game. This year, he is both. It's only 4 games in, I just hope he stays healthy and can continue it. I think the Clippers are better this year because of the addition of Gallo, Beverley, Lou Williams, and Milos (When he comes back). Austin Rivers is underrated in my opinion as well. Deandre Jordan is averaging 18 rpg.
Heartbreaker for the Blazers though.... McCollum and Lillard had help in this one from Aminu and Nurkic, it just wasn't enough. Over the last few years I have seen the Blazers lose so many close games.