I do not think the team should play in a run and gun style similar to the Suns or Knicks play. But I do think we should run more. Nate is very good at suddenly having the team change the team's type of defense we play during the game. We switch from man to man to a zone at times so often that the other team becomes confused as to what defense we are actually running. With this Portland roster I would use change of tempo as a weapon also. Play our usual style of ball but suddenly at different times during the game I would crank the tempo up. Full court press, half court press, run.. run... run. And then just as quickly when the other team is on their heels switch back into a low post power game/ pick and roll offense where the other team is tired and more vulnerable to picking up easy fouls. A team this deep can and should run more. Not all the time and it should depend on the team we're playing against. Teams like SA and Boston I would start off playing our normal pace, a pace that they love but because they are aging teams, I would at different times throughout the game unleash the hounds and try and run them out of the gym. The Lakers do not seem to like the tough grind it out style of ball we use against them when we play them in the RG. I wouldn't run against them. Maybe when Kobe is on the bench to throw them out of rhythm. I think this team has the personnel to be very versatile, it is a strength. A strength that I don't think Nate has yet to take advantage of.
Damn it, I knew I should have added the part that with Miller's increased 3pt attempts last night it's clear that Nate is good at turning 'dre into Chocolate Blake.
Actually, it's those of us that are hard on Nate that get all the crap. Say one thing that is a little anti Nate and get killed. Should we run more....yes. Should we be like the Knicks....no. Continuing to slow down the game takes away so many easy baskets. Letting them just open it up a little bit would also create more FT opportunities. Opponents getting into early foul trouble would be a nice change. Wihout some easy baskets this team stands no chance of being a real threat. Nate should losen up a little, but I agree that he does well switching defenses up.
Nice one, MM. Back on topic, I was REALLY impressed with the set/running balance the Celtics employed last night. That team is scary good.
You know I've never really thought Doc Rivers was that great of a coach. I would rate Nate higher but Doc seems to getting better, learning and trying new things while Nate just kind of stays the same.
The one quote from Nate that seemed to bother me was after the Houston game, and he said we had 26 turnovers because we were trying for the "home run ball" too much and trying to "play to the fans" rather than keeping the game simple, which meant slowing it up and not going out for the fast break. I don't think our guys were getting overly fancy on the floor, throwing missed alley-oops or behind the back passes. There was one play where Andre passed to a streaking LA but it sailed over his head and that was it. It's a little frustrating to hear how Nate is so controlling and stubborn when we do look good the few times that we do run a bit. Not all the time, but if we have the chance to leak out -- do it.
