Big O wrote:I thought the platooning of Tyus and MGH in crunch time was interesting. Very indicative of how Thibs must view their skill sets.
I wouldn't be surprised if we see some Shabazz tonight as someone will need to make up Teague's minutes.
That's usually when he likes to cut his rotation! For a glimps there last night we saw about 8 minutes of lineup flexibility. It was short lived tho. Then he basically stayed with the starters for the whole 3rd while they were getting killed.
- I like Murray, was high on him from the beginning
- I'd like to ask those who harp on the lack of assists from Wiggins, how is he supposed to get them? Seriously. He's such a small part of the half court offense, if he doesn't shoot when he finally gets a touch, how is he going to contribute at all? It's really unfair criticism.
- The first half of basketball was beautiful to watch. They ran, they moved the ball, they shot and they hustled on defense. If that's a sign of things to come i can get excited.
- Looks like we're going to get to see what Tyus can do over an extended period of time. Im optimistic. Going to have to make a move though. Will need a PG for depth.
- I agree with Abe on Crawford. I like what he provides in less than 20 minutes, but I don't need to see more than that.
- The Bucks aren't as good as the sum of their parts. I expect KAT and Jimmy to keep us in the game tonight with a decent chance to win.
I was at the game last night...here are some thoughts and comments based on others questions:
- What I saw live from Wiggins is that he is a solid long-range shooter when he gets ball in a position to shoot without making any move. When he has to take even a step with the ball, he is simply a different....and much less accurate shooter. His motion just seemed different to me when he tried to bounce to a different spot to shoot. Maybe the bad handle plays into this. Otherwise, it is the same disappearing act. First half he was awesome and engaged. Second half....barely knew he was there.
- Taj is awesome. It's actually what I expected when we signed him. I wasn't worried about the money, as I knew he would provide a stable player for this team. His stats will very rarely be gaudy, but he is simply a great basketball player.
- Love Crawford....but as Abe said, there is a point of diminishing returns with him. Despite that, love the player. You want guys on your second unit that do something extremely well...and Crawford scores. He scores clutch baskets...often of the circus variety. You cringe when he shoots half his shots, but when hot, they all seem to fall.
- Towns....meh, he wasn't great. Couple good moments, but not a huge factor.
- Now, for the grand finale....Jimmy Buckets. After watching him this season, I honestly don't know if there are 5 other players I would take over Jimmy for my team. Heart and Soul.....he exudes both. What a class act. BUT, I will state that along with all the good, he was also a source of some of the issues that developed late in this game. In the first half, it was a ton of great ball movement with easy scoring opportunities, but it ground to a halt for quite some time in the 2nd half when all of our players decided to play a ton of isolation ball. Jimmy was a big part of this problem. The fact is, he ended up carrying the team and winning the game....but it could have gone very differently. Many on this board lament Thibs for this iso stuff...but I am just not sure who is to blame.
It was my first live game this year, so overall, awesome game to attend! This team isn't a finished product, but our key guys certainly are awesome and can play with anyone.
Hicks123 wrote:I was at the game last night...here are some thoughts and comments based on others questions:
- What I saw live from Wiggins is that he is a solid long-range shooter when he gets ball in a position to shoot without making any move. When he has to take even a step with the ball, he is simply a different....and much less accurate shooter. His motion just seemed different to me when he tried to bounce to a different spot to shoot. Maybe the bad handle plays into this. Otherwise, it is the same disappearing act. First half he was awesome and engaged. Second half....barely knew he was there.
- Taj is awesome. It's actually what I expected when we signed him. I wasn't worried about the money, as I knew he would provide a stable player for this team. His stats will very rarely be gaudy, but he is simply a great basketball player.
- Love Crawford....but as Abe said, there is a point of diminishing returns with him. Despite that, love the player. You want guys on your second unit that do something extremely well...and Crawford scores. He scores clutch baskets...often of the circus variety. You cringe when he shoots half his shots, but when hot, they all seem to fall.
- Towns....meh, he wasn't great. Couple good moments, but not a huge factor.
- Now, for the grand finale....Jimmy Buckets. After watching him this season, I honestly don't know if there are 5 other players I would take over Jimmy for my team. Heart and Soul.....he exudes both. What a class act. BUT, I will state that along with all the good, he was also a source of some of the issues that developed late in this game. In the first half, it was a ton of great ball movement with easy scoring opportunities, but it ground to a halt for quite some time in the 2nd half when all of our players decided to play a ton of isolation ball. Jimmy was a big part of this problem. The fact is, he ended up carrying the team and winning the game....but it could have gone very differently. Many on this board lament Thibs for this iso stuff...but I am just not sure who is to blame.
It was my first live game this year, so overall, awesome game to attend! This team isn't a finished product, but our key guys certainly are awesome and can play with anyone.
Great report Hicks.
My thoughts/theory on Wiggins shooting this year is because he likely spend bunch of time on his 3 point shot and probably his catch and shoot 3's because it made sense based on Adding Butler. It was looking great early on right? Sometimes a long 3 point shooting stroke can be different than the stroke of a FT etc. I think he worked so hard on his 3 point shooting he may have kinda messed with some of his other shooting. Obviously it's all been concerning but I haven't panicked. Sure the guy has never been an amazing shooter but I just don't think the guy will keep shooting this poorly from the FT line. His shot isn't broken.
Also I'm curious what you and Q think looking at Wiggins physically. I was watching the halftime interview of one of these last 2 games and he just looks like a man no more skinny Wiggins. Giannis is no skinny dude either. Both guys are still young and will probably get noticeably stronger although Giannis is ahead of Wiggins there plus he is just longer.
leado01 wrote:He doesn't have the ball in his hands that often to dish assists - he tends to get it later in the clock being the 3rd option on the floor. Wiggins stock is going up in my mind - I think he is seeing more of the court - last night he had a few great dishes that weren't converted for wide open 3's.
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No more excuses. Remember, Wiggins is #8 for mpg. Of the top 50 players for mpg...
Wiggins - 1.7 apg (23.3% usage)
Ariza - 1.7 (13.4%)
Taj Gibson - 1.4 (14.3%)
Deandre Jordan - 1.2 (13.8%)
Carmelo Anthony - 1.6 (24.7%)
So, he's near the same level right now as a late-career Carmelo Anthony having his WORST NBA season. Great.
