Not having CP on the floor really hurts Redick, who likes to receive in his spots in rhythm.
Redick is money off the curl for sure.
Yes Griffin has been in beast mode, and yes he tires like everyone else. I don't worry so much about his assist totals being indicative of any problem in our defense. It's just the nature of their offense combined with him running the point often with CP out. The Clips have a high volume offense and their mode is to look to score early in the shot clock. So, that entry pass that Blake makes is supposed to be scored off of. Those assist totals are going to be there anyway, unless we can convince Doc to let sonny boy control the ball for 48 minutes.
The thing is, this series is less a battle of the coaches' ability to adjust to one another, which both have done about as well as one can humanly expect, and definitely better than anyone here has the qualifications to criticize. It is more about playing philosophies; Moreyball vs. Old School. As a Rocket fan, I have undying trust in Morey and truly believe that he is almost single-handedly changing the game for generations to come... but that's another story. This series is where we see how locked in our roster can remain to this philosophy in the face of tougher competition than they've experienced all season. They've done a pretty good job of holding true (most of sloppy game one aside, this series really started game 2), and if they stay with it, I think this series is ours.
On defense we need to stay physical and big in the paint, and Dwight has done a tremendous job there. We need to close out hard on the 3 point line which we have been doing. And, all-in all, we need to funnel their shooters to the unsavory spots inside the arc. Yes, they are more deadly than most from that range, but they will take it if you give it to them, especially Paul. While it can't go uncontested, we have to trust that this is the shot we want them to take.
On offense, however paltry we've been from deep as of late, we need to keep seeking and taking the three's. Harden has to continuously test the refs and seek contact driving to the paint. Howard needs to continue to dominate in the PnR and we gotta keep the ball movin'.
Dominating the boards is a given in either philosophy. With both teams being monstrous in the paint, the best we can hope for is to NOT get dominated especially in giving up 2nd chances. We've done fair in this aspect and should continue to.
We have the edge because,( although hampered by injuries or else it would be more,) we have 9 guys to rotate in and out of the lineup who buy into a superior offensive philosophy. On the other hand, the Clips, even without Paul have a starting rotation of players who are extremely talented and adept at running their potent offense. The starting 5 can't play 48 minutes and once they start inserting bench players, their offense falls apart. Whether it's ball-watching Crawford, or nixing lobs because Big Baby, or just simply Hedo, etc., etc.. Their game changes completely.
We have to stick to our guns, not get frustrated and know that in the end, we have a more talented roster that is playing a superior brand of basketball, and trust that will be enough.
Enjoy the series.
Edited by Alituro, 08 May 2015 - 01:15 PM.
