Klay got free more than a couple times and just missed shots, but that was more about miscommunication on switches. When matched up on more direct iso/pnr possessions, CJ definitely played those at a distinctly higher compete level. Was nice to see.
I'm as big of a CJ fan as there is, but I think what we saw in Game 1 was precisely that: the result of studying. Klay is rather one-dimensional as far as offensive stars go. CJ was able to get up into him because Klay is either a catch-and-shoot guy or limited to straight line drives and sketchy finishes. I want to see CJ defend at that level against someone quicker and more varied in their attack before I'm ready to say he's improved significantly.
The Lazy newscasters all over the country say "there is no way CJ can duplicate this effort". Well, CJ dropped 35 on the same Warriors this year already. So, scoring on these guys is really not an issue for C.J. If the Bench can give us something ...
I need to give CJ a shoutout for his defense....CJ just played the most complete game of his career....he was better than Klay for the first time in a matchup...huge respect for the effort he's brought to the playoffs and hunger he's shown to compete...impressive....I don't ever want to trade him now.
