Inside. The raps have to go inside. Amir needs to get the ball on the PnR and try and get some baskets in the paint. And I'd wish the boys would let him try and get position on Pierce in the post. I don't know why we aren't trying to exploit that matchup? Amir might not be the best post player, but he should be able to get some baskets against Pierce. Same with JV, he needs some touches inside. He never got enough attention in the last game, and we have to go back to him. Give him the ball and tell him to wait and have patience. The help will come and then pass it out. If it doesn't come make a move a get a decent shot off.
Also, if we go with Amir in the post, JV can easily work out of the high block to draw his defender away from the basket. If Garnett helps on Amir there is an easy outlet out to JV for a shot or pass to swing the ball. If the play in the post breaks down, JV is already in position to run a screen or PnR if Amir has to dump the ball out to the perimeter.
Taking advantage of Amir and Jonas inside should also help the Raps control the pace and slow the game down a bit.
Also, I agree with starting Fields. Ross isn't ready for this shit, and the need for him to check the toughest matchup for the Raps isn't helping him. I'm not as concerned about spacing as others are. Get the ball inside to Amir and JV, and if they have any patience at all I bet they get the opportunity to fire some easy passes to a cutting Fields. Fields may not provide the spacing Ross does (is he even providing that so far?) but someone from BKN will have to chase him around the court or he will get some easy looks. Fields will not be able to stop Johnson, but he should minimize Johnson's effectiveness out of the post, where he is doing most of his damage and where BKN starts to run most of their stuff.
Starting Patterson over Amir is unnecessary. Pierce hasn't been the problem we anticipated and unless Amir's ankles are wonky, I'd keep him starting.
Also, if we go with Amir in the post, JV can easily work out of the high block to draw his defender away from the basket. If Garnett helps on Amir there is an easy outlet out to JV for a shot or pass to swing the ball. If the play in the post breaks down, JV is already in position to run a screen or PnR if Amir has to dump the ball out to the perimeter.
Taking advantage of Amir and Jonas inside should also help the Raps control the pace and slow the game down a bit.
Also, I agree with starting Fields. Ross isn't ready for this shit, and the need for him to check the toughest matchup for the Raps isn't helping him. I'm not as concerned about spacing as others are. Get the ball inside to Amir and JV, and if they have any patience at all I bet they get the opportunity to fire some easy passes to a cutting Fields. Fields may not provide the spacing Ross does (is he even providing that so far?) but someone from BKN will have to chase him around the court or he will get some easy looks. Fields will not be able to stop Johnson, but he should minimize Johnson's effectiveness out of the post, where he is doing most of his damage and where BKN starts to run most of their stuff.
Starting Patterson over Amir is unnecessary. Pierce hasn't been the problem we anticipated and unless Amir's ankles are wonky, I'd keep him starting.
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