If we had not been red hot shooting, we would have been embarrassed by the size of the loss in this game, because we got murdered on the boards.

We held them on the perimeter pretty well, but took the hit inside. We had real trouble locating their 3-point shooters, but I gather that was part of the stragegy.

Even Matt won't have many games like that. Not often a shooter is in that sort of zone. Pretty amazing.

We were dazzled by Matt's shooting, but he is getting us killed on defense. His first step is just too slow. Several times people drove right by him without much of a fake.

I am thinking we have to see Thornton pretty soon. We are missing too many easy shots inside.

Lionel had a very quiet game but look at the stats. He had seven assists against only one turnover, one steal, and five rebounds. And Vint mentioned his defense particularly on the post-game show.

Alex had three steals. Fowler all over again.

Mike is still playing too many minutes for a big man.

It looks to me like Big Ticket is the leader of this team.

(12-01-2009 08:17 AM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote:  If we had not been red hot shooting, we would have been embarrassed by the size of the loss in this game, because we got murdered on the boards.

We held them on the perimeter pretty well, but took the hit inside. We had real trouble locating their 3-point shooters, but I gather that was part of the stragegy.

Even Matt won't have many games like that. Not often a shooter is in that sort of zone. Pretty amazing.

We were dazzled by Matt's shooting, but he is getting us killed on defense. His first step is just too slow. Several times people drove right by him without much of a fake.

I am thinking we have to see Thornton pretty soon. We are missing too many easy shots inside.

Lionel had a very quiet game but look at the stats. He had seven assists against only one turnover, one steal, and five rebounds. And Vint mentioned his defense particularly on the post-game show.

Alex had three steals. Fowler all over again.

Mike is still playing too many minutes for a big man.

It looks to me like Big Ticket is the leader of this team.

As many have said, stats are for losers. The only one that counts is the final score. But let's talk about our perimeter defense. Why is it when we penetrate and dish or score, it's good play on our part, but when other teams get around our perimeter players and penetrate, it's bad defense by our players. Good guards are supposed to get around perimeter players, and that includes III, Solo, Ricky, and whomever else is playing. But here's the difference. If you noticed when Solo penetrated into the paint, there were two or three trees standing there who smothered him without fouling on several occasions. That's what the inside defenders are supposed to do. But when opponents get around our perimeter players, they get to the basket and score easy baskets or get fouled or both. Our weakness right now is not III or Solo or whomever's defense. It's our inside players not doing a good job of shutting down that penetrator. That's why I think Montrelle could help on occasion. He seems to be the type of player who might be able to protect the basket inside. Instead of focusing on III, try watching other players on the perimeter, and see how many shots are taken over them, and how many times people go around them. It's just part of the game.
And granted, some players are better defensive players than others, but nobody on our team is a good enough defensive player to make up for the offensive firepower that III provides. I remember Malik Dixon couldn't guard a post, but he was one heck of a player because he gave us offensive firepower. And I don't remember Alan Barksdale or Nick Zachary being great defensive players. But I guarantee you any coach on our staff can go out and find a hundred kids who can play good defense, but not one of them can shoot the ball like Malik, Nick or III.

(12-01-2009 10:33 AM)outsideualr Wrote:  Instead of focusing on III, try watching other players on the perimeter, and see how many shots are taken over them, and how many times people go around them.

I certainly am not complaining about III after a game like he had. But his game does have weak points. On-ball defense is one of them. He ain't perfect.

(12-01-2009 10:37 AM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote:  

(12-01-2009 10:33 AM)outsideualr Wrote:  Instead of focusing on III, try watching other players on the perimeter, and see how many shots are taken over them, and how many times people go around them.

I certainly am not complaining about III after a game like he had. But his game does have weak points. On-ball defense is one of them. He ain't perfect.

Agreed. By the way, it was great having you there last night. Wish you could make all the home games. We need great fans like you at the games. Good to see Tweaky, also.

My source says the Montrelle will start seeing some more minutes as the season progresses for that very reason. He's a beast and will help out a great deal. We'll see if their prediction holds true!