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I clicked on this Cavs/Knicks game and in no way was I prepared for an Andre Drummond 3 in transition in the first 30 seconds.
(i'm still all for growth and players expanding their game and bonus points for the footwork to get behind the arc. i also was not ready)
This sequence feels like it was mailed straight from the early/mid 2000s.
...I like Issac Okoro's game and Cleveland needs to give him the minutes to grow.
The Knicks look like more and more like a Thibs team in the half court and I still don't know what it means. They're going to execute which they need to do. But. Crisp and executing alternates with stagnant and without purpose depending on the possession.
I still love what the Cavs are doing with their double drags. Second screener slips which forces the weakside to come in early and the big to make a decision on staying with his or guarding the man coming off.
(player development point for Garland: keep that ball in the left hand, the play is creating the space for you no need to push it out. get that footwork right so you can go right into a 1-2 pullup with the space you have. feels like he realized he was open late)
*whispers* is Dean Wade just Great Value Kevin Love? *runs*
I would like to see more of this kind of control from RJ Barrett, especially in transition. Playing at his own pace here, shows the hesi, reads the defense, hits enough of the turbo button to turn the corner and finish.
*sigh* ok Andre Drummond my apologies.
(i will say being able to mix in a make from a 5 most teams believe can't shoot can be helpful. keeps the floor spaced. also putting bigs in a spot where they either have to help or are going to help.)
if you're wondering why Mitchell Robinson is in question to start for the Knicks it's probably plays like these. Cross matched in transition, he has Wade. Leaves Wade to take Bolden. Tells Quickley to switch as they stand next to each other. Wide open 3.
(player development point for Robinson, it's not a perfect world but you have to communicate that early. if the switch isn't natural or late than don't do it. these are the plays that will drive Thibs up two walls)
It's a zone but it appears Immanuel Quickley is unafraid. He's going to let it fly.
It feels like Julius Randle is going to thrive under Thibs and all I want to do is send him some film of Z-Bo.
Darius Garland does a great job of getting in the paint. The next step for him is going to be making the right play once he does so.
Cavs go back to the double drag with Drummond slipping and you can see what it does to the defense. Randle's job is to show because there are two screens, but Drummond's slip takes him out of it. Garland able to turn the corner and finish.
Simple 1/2 court execution from the Cavs here. Zipper for WIndler right into Elbow action. Nice cut but a nice pass from Drummond here.
Obi Toppin has shown some passing chops in this game. Feels like his 3PT shot is going to alter his ceiling but he's not afraid to make the right basketball play.
Like this flow from the Knicks. Instead of a P&R, Robinson flashes, Smith hits him and cuts. Swings to Quickley right into a P&R. Watch Toppin on the weakside rises from the corner and leaves it empty. No late help on the roll since corner is empty. Quickley sees it, throws lob.
Another solid play from Quickley. Always like to see young guys being patient and reading the defense. Comes off P&R, big is there but strongside is overhelping at the nail. No rush, absorbs the help and hits Knox for a 3. Little play but it counts.
(player development point for Okoro here, nail help is great but you never want to overhelp. His help basically replaced the show from Maker. Help and stunt would have allowed him to recover, once he held it's tough to get back at this level.)
Another little play from Quickley here. Gets the kick from Barrett, doesn't force a 3, drives the closeout, draws the help and kicks to Knox. Those are big time plays that will keep you on the floor.
