Defense was better, especially down the stretch. Still feel like this team is just too soft, that if we don’t out score the other team we don’t win. By that I mean we don’t stop teams from getting what they want in our losses. The adage proves true every season: defense wins championships. This squad needs to find the grit and stone we saw more often last season. Like I said in my P.O.d post the other day, we know this group of players can defend better than this. It’s on the staff to figure out what they need to tweak.
1) AD needs to be force fed inside, starting Knecht seems to be the only way to create the space needed for that to be a solid weapon. I like moving Cam to the bench over Rui. You start talent if it fits together and Rui, LeBron and AD fit very well as a front court. Defensive issues with DK are about the same between DLO, Reaves and nobody is worried about Cam getting hot from anywhere.
2) Cam off the bench works because he helps balance the defense and offense between the units. All the Vando haters/doubters don’t seem to grasp the balance he brings to both ends of the court because he’s the best version of that type of player this team has. Every team needs the lanky, physical, quick of feet type of defender.
3) LeBron needs to shoot more threes. He’s not getting fouls called so might as well…it’s astounding to me that he gets so little respect from the refs.
4) What happened to Gabe Vincent? Dude looks cooked.
5) Not to disparage the old man and his triple double but I’d love for LBJ to shave a turnover or three off the box score.