The Raps' current defence is giving up the three. They're middle of the pack for 3PA allowed, but a very poor 27th overall for 3PT% against (.371).
Pop, who's always ahead of the curve, now has a roster without much three point shooting - and he's fine with it (Spurs are 26th overall for 3PA). But he knows denying and defending the 3 is critical - Spurs are #1 for opp 3PA (only 19 allowed per game - Sacramento gives up 29, worst in the NBA) and #2 for opp 3PT% at .315, right behind Golden State.
If the two best teams in the league are honing in on defending the 3 point shot, it doesn't seem like a great thing for the Raps' defence to be giving up. I suppose Pop knows he likely needs to get through GSW to make the Finals, so that gives impetus to defending the 3, but Cleveland, Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, and Charlotte are all top 10 in 3PA. A little worried this could come back to bite the Raps in a playoff series...
Pop, who's always ahead of the curve, now has a roster without much three point shooting - and he's fine with it (Spurs are 26th overall for 3PA). But he knows denying and defending the 3 is critical - Spurs are #1 for opp 3PA (only 19 allowed per game - Sacramento gives up 29, worst in the NBA) and #2 for opp 3PT% at .315, right behind Golden State.
If the two best teams in the league are honing in on defending the 3 point shot, it doesn't seem like a great thing for the Raps' defence to be giving up. I suppose Pop knows he likely needs to get through GSW to make the Finals, so that gives impetus to defending the 3, but Cleveland, Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, and Charlotte are all top 10 in 3PA. A little worried this could come back to bite the Raps in a playoff series...
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