I mean, Miller has had some horrendous games and in some cases, he didn't even finish the games. And yet we are a staggering 12-3 when he starts. 12-3. If it's not a coincidence, why are we so much better when he starts? Thoughtful responses appreciated.
My guess is we have been getting off to better starts than say like last year where we seemed to be down double digits at the end of the first and just made it with our backs against the wall every game. What he may have to do with this, I am not sure especially because he is not exactly helping us score, but his passing may have something to do with it. Regardless, we have been able to get leads or at least, stay close after the first quarter/half and not have to play from like 20 behind all the time.
The conventional wisodm is that Blake and Roy are "comfortable" together, while Miller and Roy have "conflicts". I am beginning to believe that "conflict" is beneficial. Roy is a notoriously slow starter. Since Blake usually just coat-tails on Roy, that means he tends to start slowly as well. Miller won't have any of that. If Roy isn't being assertive, he tries to take over. Because of his age, he isn't as good at it as he used to be...but at least he is *trying* to shake the team out of its' passivity. This may work with Roy simply because he views Miller as a "rival" and doesn't want to get shown up. As long as it works - I'm OK with that.
Screw all of this, and start someone that has the passion, heart, and fire to go all out, all the time...
I think what Miller brings is getting the team established in a rhythm from the earliest moments of the game. Shots seem to have been falling right away and that usually breeds some confidence
I think it has less to do with Miller and more to do with Blake playing less and Bayless playing more.
How many minutes does Miller get when he starts vs when he doesn't? I know a few games he didn't play that much. My guess is who starts is not has important as who plays most.
I think who starts matters. Not getting behind in the first quarter matters. That's the difference now. With Miller starting, even when he has a 'bad' night overall or doesn't finish in the 4th, we are getting off to much better starts. I'm not saying it's the only reason, but it makes a difference.
