rapsuperstar31 wrote: ↑Tue Apr 21, 2026 12:53 pm
I'll be curious to see if Denver goes more zone in the next game or two. Denver played a lot of zone against OKC in their series last year, and it really bothered SGA the first few games before he figured it out.
It probably also helps them conserve energy, so I expect to see more of it as well. I can see Conley getting a little more run in that scenario since we would need his smarts to help break the zone in addition to his re-discovered shooting touch.
I know Finch would likely lean into Kyle a bit more and have him stationed in the middle of the zone, but I think Denver would gladly stay home on the perimeter and dare SloMo to shoot over the top of the defense (whether it's Jokic or Gordon or JoVal playing Center) with that little push shot of his. While he can make that shot, it's not a particularly efficient one and something Denver would happily live with.
rapsuperstar31 wrote: ↑Tue Apr 21, 2026 12:53 pm
I'll be curious to see if Denver goes more zone in the next game or two. Denver played a lot of zone against OKC in their series last year, and it really bothered SGA the first few games before he figured it out.
It probably also helps them conserve energy, so I expect to see more of it as well. I can see Conley getting a little more run in that scenario since we would need his smarts to help break the zone in addition to his re-discovered shooting touch.
I know Finch would likely lean into Kyle a bit more and have him stationed in the middle of the zone, but I think Denver would gladly stay home on the perimeter and dare SloMo to shoot over the top of the defense (whether it's Jokic or Gordon or JoVal playing Center) with that little push shot of his. While he can make that shot, it's not a particularly efficient one and something Denver would happily live with.
It won't change the fact that they have nobody to protect the rim. Still the same tactic. Attack the rim and kick to shooters.
I haven't paid too much attention to who Murray is guarding, but the Wolves should be attacking with whoever Murray is guarding. Run into him, flop a little bit, get him in foul trouble. If we can get Murray in early foul trouble where both Joker and Murray are on the bench to start the 2nd and 4th quarters, the Wolves can really take advantage of those non Joker minutes.
rapsuperstar31 wrote: ↑Wed Apr 22, 2026 10:46 am
I haven't paid too much attention to who Murray is guarding, but the Wolves should be attacking with whoever Murray is guarding. Run into him, flop a little bit, get him in foul trouble. If we can get Murray in early foul trouble where both Joker and Murray are on the bench to start the 2nd and 4th quarters, the Wolves can really take advantage of those non Joker minutes.
To your earlier point, I really think Denver is going to go more zone and pack in the paint to slow the game down and protect Jokic and Murray. That's gotta be one of their chess moves. Julius runs more cold than hot from outside, Ant hasn't regained his pre-injury form, and Naz has been off for weeks now. I think they want us shooting versus penetrating.
You can only play zone so much before it breaks down. If Denver does play some zone, I would focus on getting the ball to Julius at the nail and let him break it from the inside. A good coach like I think Finch is won't be shut down by a zone.
Coolbreeze44 wrote: ↑Wed Apr 22, 2026 2:23 pm
You can only play zone so much before it breaks down. If Denver does play some zone, I would focus on getting the ball to Julius at the nail and let him break it from the inside. A good coach like I think Finch is won't be shut down by a zone.
I think you nailed it, except it will be SloMo at the nail! (j/k - both will have their chances against a zone.)
(j/k - both will have their chances against a zone.)