Rummpd
04-22-2011, 06:40 AM
Per my many posts I have been as upset as anyone about the lack of play of Splitter and have trashed Pop for it, and still believe he needs to play some, if not substantial minutes.
However, last night I watched a recording of both games with the Grizz and it appeared Blair in game 2, despite horrid play on the offensive side of the ball, was really getting into Marc Gasol's head with his physical play. Even Dice with his otherwise poor play until the end was flinging elbows and out of nowhere on a few occassions Bonner actually was manning up and at least attempting to get extremely physical with Zach Randolph - who seemed amazed each time that someone was trying to manhandle him (of all people). Most of all Duncan, was as physical inside as I have seen him in a long time, and probably got shafted on 1-2 additional non block calls then the 3 he got counted for. Pop must have really quietly got on the bigs for "being soft (Duncan excluded he has been tough both games)", as the difference in physical intensity, which was much more than anything seen in a similar taping of game one was substantial by Blair, Dice and Bonner.
Despite the above, I do believe that if Pop was to get smart he would have the same lineup continue to hound the bigger Grizz and then at some point send Splitter in for one primary mission - draw some charges and frustrate the bigs. Marc Gasol's go to move appears to be a subtle lowering of his right shoulder then he usually pivots to the right, right before trying to move up a foot or two for his shot - he did this same move with slight variations four attempts in a row from about the 8 minute mark of the first quarter to the 6 minute mark of the 2nd quarter in game two at least. If Splitter (or Duncan with their height) just stood their ground each time and raised their arms Gasol's shot actually comes off about 3/4th of his height most of the time, and can be blocked. Also, if he turns into the defender, and they stand their ground with their feet outside the circle - he may well get multiple charges called on him.
I think this is also why Pop is sometimes sending a second smaller player at either Gasol or Randolph - Gasol often has the ball low for part of his shooting motion, while Randolph is more unpredictable but tries to do a lot with the ball moving around (and is often fairly successful, he really has some great and crafty footwork, shakes, and almost Hakeemish type of moves) but primarily tries to go to his left and the ball is exposed enough that steals are very plausible and the Spurs did pick a few off in each game inside. Also Randolph gets a lot of junk type of shots and that is my issue with Pop - height would make a big difference on him. Bonner actually played good fundemental defense on him mulitiple times but just does not have the reach to bother Randolph's shot which tends to come off, unlike Gasol, from a higher and softer angle.
In fact, based on what I have reviewed Bonner would be more effective on Gasol more and put other bigs on Randolph. Duncan did get some play on both and the danger is the pussy type of fouls the zebras are calling as Randolph is really a crafty player. Meanwhile, conversely Gasol is fairly thuggish, with not much in his offensive arsenal. He is tougher for sure than his brother but not nearly as skilled (and I would argue not much better than Splitter right now, but of course one plays while the other sits and sits).
Bottom line, is that it seems Pop is making many fine adjustments already but will he make a few more? The more he gets physical on Gasol the more he will shrink IMO, and if it means going deeper into the Spurs bench great! If Pop continues his adjustments inside defensively (and the SAS team did rebound fairly well and they were blocking out Randolph especially for boards), the utility and first game dominance of the Grizz bigs will diminish further. Randolph may continue to score some but he is not an Amare type who will go off for 40+, so primarily shutting off or at least holding down Gasol seems very plausible and then it will be harder for ther rest of the Grizz to keep hitting their shots (or at least I hope).
The Grizz bigs are big and physical but they are not without flaws and after watching the difference between the inside play of the SAS in the two games, I am much more confident that the Spurs will win the series, and could sweep the rest if they (Spurs big) continue to step up and the coach adjusts a little bit more.
However, last night I watched a recording of both games with the Grizz and it appeared Blair in game 2, despite horrid play on the offensive side of the ball, was really getting into Marc Gasol's head with his physical play. Even Dice with his otherwise poor play until the end was flinging elbows and out of nowhere on a few occassions Bonner actually was manning up and at least attempting to get extremely physical with Zach Randolph - who seemed amazed each time that someone was trying to manhandle him (of all people). Most of all Duncan, was as physical inside as I have seen him in a long time, and probably got shafted on 1-2 additional non block calls then the 3 he got counted for. Pop must have really quietly got on the bigs for "being soft (Duncan excluded he has been tough both games)", as the difference in physical intensity, which was much more than anything seen in a similar taping of game one was substantial by Blair, Dice and Bonner.
Despite the above, I do believe that if Pop was to get smart he would have the same lineup continue to hound the bigger Grizz and then at some point send Splitter in for one primary mission - draw some charges and frustrate the bigs. Marc Gasol's go to move appears to be a subtle lowering of his right shoulder then he usually pivots to the right, right before trying to move up a foot or two for his shot - he did this same move with slight variations four attempts in a row from about the 8 minute mark of the first quarter to the 6 minute mark of the 2nd quarter in game two at least. If Splitter (or Duncan with their height) just stood their ground each time and raised their arms Gasol's shot actually comes off about 3/4th of his height most of the time, and can be blocked. Also, if he turns into the defender, and they stand their ground with their feet outside the circle - he may well get multiple charges called on him.
I think this is also why Pop is sometimes sending a second smaller player at either Gasol or Randolph - Gasol often has the ball low for part of his shooting motion, while Randolph is more unpredictable but tries to do a lot with the ball moving around (and is often fairly successful, he really has some great and crafty footwork, shakes, and almost Hakeemish type of moves) but primarily tries to go to his left and the ball is exposed enough that steals are very plausible and the Spurs did pick a few off in each game inside. Also Randolph gets a lot of junk type of shots and that is my issue with Pop - height would make a big difference on him. Bonner actually played good fundemental defense on him mulitiple times but just does not have the reach to bother Randolph's shot which tends to come off, unlike Gasol, from a higher and softer angle.
In fact, based on what I have reviewed Bonner would be more effective on Gasol more and put other bigs on Randolph. Duncan did get some play on both and the danger is the pussy type of fouls the zebras are calling as Randolph is really a crafty player. Meanwhile, conversely Gasol is fairly thuggish, with not much in his offensive arsenal. He is tougher for sure than his brother but not nearly as skilled (and I would argue not much better than Splitter right now, but of course one plays while the other sits and sits).
Bottom line, is that it seems Pop is making many fine adjustments already but will he make a few more? The more he gets physical on Gasol the more he will shrink IMO, and if it means going deeper into the Spurs bench great! If Pop continues his adjustments inside defensively (and the SAS team did rebound fairly well and they were blocking out Randolph especially for boards), the utility and first game dominance of the Grizz bigs will diminish further. Randolph may continue to score some but he is not an Amare type who will go off for 40+, so primarily shutting off or at least holding down Gasol seems very plausible and then it will be harder for ther rest of the Grizz to keep hitting their shots (or at least I hope).
The Grizz bigs are big and physical but they are not without flaws and after watching the difference between the inside play of the SAS in the two games, I am much more confident that the Spurs will win the series, and could sweep the rest if they (Spurs big) continue to step up and the coach adjusts a little bit more.