Observations:
-We had 3 new players in the starting lineup, two starters injured, and a key bench player out. It will take some time for the new players to jell with the old. All things considered, an encouraging first game.
-Mack and Lyles were the difference makers, in a negative way. Lyles was hesitating and missing shots he made all summer and pre-season. He was shooting just a bit hard, the shots looked good but a bit rushed. First game jitters I guess. Mack just looked bad on both ends, yet Quin complimented him in the post-game, ugh. Exum actually looked good, just needs to be more decisive.
-We have better passes, so we should get better shots, but I still hate our offensive sets. Team continuity should make it a bit better, saw a few good opportunities that were blown due to hesitation. I know I was spoiled with Sloan's UCLA/Flex/Motion, but it made the Jazz stand out from the status quo and was truly fun to watch. And teams hated to play against us, because it made them work so hard. Our current sets don't do that.
-I like our team. Hill was a great add, and getting rid of Burke was an even better addition by subtraction. Looking forward to see how Exum progresses this year. I think he is going to take off.
Final observation: Basketball is 100,000 times better than baseball. Glad the season has started.
Edit- I forgot to add: Hood can evidently break his ankle just standing in a spot.