What an ugly win! There are a few deep thoughts milling through my brain, but I feel feverish, so they’re not coalescing like that should. Still, I’ll try to spit them out.
- Yes, he’s the 6th man, so in a way you’d expect every starter to get more shots, but really, Boobie should’ve been in double digits today. He did have touches where he could’ve forced it – and good for him for making the extra pass – but he should’ve had enough touches for another 4 or 5 shots.
- That thought got me thinking about the principes of the triangle offense. The idea is that through floor spacing, proper angles and movement, the defense is forced to play honest. Any overplaying results in easy back door moves and easy shots. A night like tonight where nothing is falling just craves a half court system that produces a few easy buckets.
- Think about it – The bench bunch were the only ones hitting shots. Specifically, Boobie was the only shooter we could have any faith in. So we set up the triangle with Boobie in the corner, Z in the post and Lebron on the wing. It’s Andy/Gooden’s and DB/Larry/Sasha’s job to leave space while setting picks for one another opening those backdoor chances.
- With that space, the defense is trapped. Lebron’s man can’t leave him – he’s Lebron! Boobie’s man is afraid to sag – that open shot is probably what we want. Z then has time and space to work out of the post. This is exactly why Phil Jackson always says the triangle works best with a dominant big man, especially one who can pass.
- Anyway, the fact is our offensive system is one that’s designed for a certain player to get a shot. When a play is called, it’s almost certain that player will take a shot, and on the odd occasion that doesn’t happen, all we hope for is a quick swing. It’s also why so often we have our wing players taking long jumpers with the clock winding down – the first shot wasn’t there, and there is no second option.
- Any system will have its variation, and our would be more Lebron-centric, but that customary floor spacing and correct angles makes every pass easier, making every player a better ball-handler and passer, taking the pressure off of Lebron or whomever starts the play, and opening up more space for cuts. I guess every time I watch a Lakers game I think about how our personnel would fit and with our mid-range capabilites, passing from the forward spots and shooting (we have enough shooters – somebody will be on), I think we could excel in a system like and games like tonight would never happen.
Still, kudos to the Cavs for getting it done with what they have.
- Props to Z for doing the tip drill to the tune of 8 offensive rebounds.
- Fist pump to Devin Brown for being a huge catalyst yet again.
- Thumbs up to Sasha for being a bit more aggressive. He still struggled, but he was looking for easy points, and that’s how he’ll break this funk.
- Three cheers to Larry Hughes for not hurting the team.
- Fatherly pride for Boobie for having the maturity to play a team game, even when he’s coming off the bench and not getting many shots.
- And of course, all hail King James.
Go Cavs!
Why is it always Andy giving the awkward hugs?
