Game Thread Dec 16, 2023 08:00PM MT: Jazz at Kings

[kabenac]

I love that our two best scorers came from the Cavs in one trade!

 

[sip]

That was a nice loss. I was a little worried that if we started to gain some momentum that our priorities would become all screwed up. We can never count on Hardy to do the right thing so it wasn't a surprise to see him bring Kessler off the bench as a reward for his great game against the blazers. It is pretty obvious that he works best as a starter right now and bringing him off the bench is stupid.

 

[bookworm]

THT, Sexton, Jordan all ball stopper, no ball movement big problem. Hardy need fix.

 

[str8line]

Who are the stars that have to consistently demand to get the ball?

Even half-way smart teams know who their best player and they don't have to demand the ball.

THT definitely thinks he's the best player on the court. Sexton often does. Clarkson does as well.

So true.

 

[Isaiah 1:13]

That was a nice loss. I was a little worried that if we started to gain some momentum that our priorities would become all screwed up. We can never count on Hardy to do the right thing so it wasn't a surprise to see him bring Kessler off the bench as a reward for his great game against the blazers. It is pretty obvious that he works best as a starter right now and bringing him off the bench is stupid.

With all of the phantom injuries and our forever changing lineups it seems pretty obvious to me that we’re creating self limiting road blocks for ourselves to ensure the tank holds without a diminution of effort. Kessler coming off the bench has to be viewed through that lens I think. No doubt in my mind that we’re committed to using our only first this season.

 

[underdog]

How?

And don't tell me he should do stuff that amounts to stopping the ball, forcing up shots, overdribbling, screaming and banging his chest. We already have plenty of dudes doing those things.

He got 27 minutes and 13 shots. You don't "take over" anything with those kinds of numbers. I mean it's not exactly news that as a big, Lauri mostly depends on his guards (and by extension, his coach) to get him the ball in his spots. And when he does get it, good & efficient things happen.

Meanwhile, over at Twitter McCade Pearson is running a smear campaign with the premise that Lauri should be shooting less and passing more:


Go figure. That's just insanely stupid. Nothing wrong with facilitating if your teammates are better scoring options than you, but Lauri is basically never in that position on this team. And a high unassisted % isn't some holy grail in today's NBA. It may just as well speak of low efficiency scoring.

Anyway, IMO Markkanen is just a symptom here – people are frustrated about the season and don't know what Ainge is even trying to do, so the anger gets spread around.

Agree, what a dumb take. Players can be great in different ways. Lauri’s game is all about efficiency. He is the top player in the NBA in points per touches. Obviously needs to get the ball in his hands more often, but it’s not happening with our guards on a consistent basis.

 

[HeatCheck]

THT, Sexton, Jordan all ball stopper, no ball movement big problem. Hardy need fix.

Actually I do think Sexton has been doing a much better job moving the ball now that they're not trying to force him into that PG role anymore.