Can someone explain Splitter/Diaw guarding Wade?

[Keepin' it real]

I'm a huge fan but not an Xs and Os expert.

Can someone explain why the Spurs had a center and a forward guarding DWade? I don't understand. I know the media was making fun of it in the postgame. It really does seem like a questionable tactic.

I don't understand why Green/Leonard/Ginobili/Joseph aren't the ones guarding Wade at all times. If anyone can educate me, I'd appreciate it.

Oh, and I won't even mention the LeBron vs. Bonner matchup. I'm still pretending that didn't happen.

[SpursRock20]

Because the Heat went small, and Pop tried sticking to his guns anyway. It might have worked better if we could have utilized the mismatches on the offensive end.

[TheGreatYacht]

I think Pop is hoping that Splitter or Diaw can magically turn into Roy Hibbert and David West to punish the Heat on the inside.

[dallasmaverickslose]

It could have worked but Splitter picked the wrong day to play softer than heb tortillas and on top of that wade had the game of his life.

[tesseractive]

Because the Heat went small, and Pop tried sticking to his guns anyway. It might have worked better if we could have utilized the mismatches on the offensive end.
Remember folks: smallball is totally the worst thing ever and we should totally use our size and all the things that got us here to administer a beatdown on smaller lineups.

Except when that doesn't work, and then it's all Pop's fault for not making a totally obvious adjustment.

[SpursRock20]

Remember folks: smallball is totally the worst thing ever and we should totally use our size and all the things that got us here to administer a beatdown on smaller lineups.

Except when that doesn't work, and then it's all Pop's fault for not making a totally obvious adjustment.
I agree. But going big is futile when Splitter is getting stripped by the smalls and can't find a way to get to the hoop.

[exstatic]

If there is a mismatch, big on small, you want it to be on the one(s) you want shooting jumpers, Wade and LeBron. If you tried to match on Chalmers or Cole, they either continue to shoot over, or force the close out and drive by the big. Wade and LeBron got hot. They're not likely to shoot like that again, even if offered the jumper.

[exstatic]

I agree. But going big is futile when Splitter is getting stripped by the smalls and can't find a way to get to the hoop.

Even the announcers saw that the Heat were playing him to pass. He needs to AGGRESSIVELY and SELFISHLY attack the hoop to score, translate: TWO HAND DUNKS. Miami cannot stop that with small ball.

[itzsoweezee]

My guess is, by guarding Wade, Tiago can stay near the lane. If he's guarding Miller, then he'll be floating out on the perimeter where his defensive dominance in the paint will be completely lost.

[m33p0]

prior to his game 4 performance, a traffic cone could guard wade.

also, green got beat twice on wade's crossover... got beat badly.

[therealtruth]

The game plan was to basically zone of Wade so I don't think it was that bad an idea. But Tiago screwed it up by jumping on the pump fake. He shouldn't have been that close to Wade. All he needs to do is contest the shot.

[therealtruth]

Even the announcers saw that the Heat were playing him to pass. He needs to AGGRESSIVELY and SELFISHLY attack the hoop to score, translate: TWO HAND DUNKS. Miami cannot stop that with small ball.

Him and Manu are having the same problem. They're too predictable to guard. They've got to be more aggressive and think attacking the basket and getting free throws. Put the Heat in foul trouble.