This playoffs has solidified Dame as the unequivocal #2 PG in the current era. Bill Simmons of late, has repeatedly called him the 4th best guard of the last decade behind Steph/Harden/CP. He has surpassed Westbrook and Kyrie. He is now almost a lock for HOF given his longevity of success and his stats. But the other narrative that is building of late among basketball media is that Dame's always going to be overshadowed by Steph similar to Clyde being clouded by MJ's greatness. There's only one way to change that narrative. Dame needs to have a historical series to inch closer to Steph's level. Steph is 6-0 against Dame in their careers in the playoffs. With KD being iffy, this is Dame's chance to go at that throne.
I believe he will go nuclear. Being in shadows of Westbrick he finally had opportunity to show he is better and finally put a stop to nonsense, then Kyre self distructed without lebron, and now for 1st time he is in WCF finals, this his opportunity to destroy steph and be first to KO Warriors and the kid from Oakland KOs them when they playing last games in Oakland before moving to San fran, this like a epic story I believe he is more motivated than anyone after getting swept 2 years in row , this is his redemption his year!
There will certainly be more motivation for Dame in this series vs the semis against DEN. I really hope being in his hometown will get him out this fatigue.
As great Dame was against OKC, he was dissapointing against Denver (except for game 1 and 6), CJ and Hood carried him, he needs to play like he did against OKC, no excuses of double Teams or whatever i don't care, you a superstar and you have to deliver, period. Do it Dame, please
I heard this somewhere, but in the last few years, Dame's usage against Denver is by far the lowest against any other team. And it has to do with the way the Nuggets completely sell out to get the ball out of his hands. Dame actually plays well against GSW historically.
The great news as I see it is Klay and Steph will have to work just as hard to guard Dame and CJ so those 4 might cancel themselves out. That leaves the role players. Dame will get better looks this series than against Denver.
Im going to expand upon this tomorrow night before tip off. Ive been thinking about this too and have alot to add on this.
And for some silly reason, they don't double team and trap Dame like every other team. I think Dame has Klay figured out.
Will Zach clobber Clay? Will Green have fines to pay? Will Dame win the day? Will Blazers win away? Tune in Tuesday.
Why do you suppose he was so 'disappointing'? Because he was double and triple teamed, that's why. This means someone else is open. Do you think Stotts realized this?
Kerr is a great coach. He will make the adjustments. I really hope Stotts can grow another level against Kerr. I believe this series will be won by coaches. I'm not scared of their squad. We got the firepower to match them. We just need to make sure we don't fall behind by 20 points in the second quarter. Cause they won't miss shots like Denver did. I love the composure CJ has played with. Dame can learn from CJ on this.
Dame is one of the most compose players ive ever seen. Cj seems to be even more so. Crazy stoicalness from our guards.
But MJ was better than Clyde, and Steph is better than Dame. Not that Dame and Clyde are chopped liver, they are great, but not the greatest.
Mman i dont have the time tonight and i want to do the research and be detailed in it tomorrow. But you are right. However only a few things go different ways and it could be reversed.
if Durant is out put CJ on Iggy, Harkless on Klay, and Dame can man-up Curry like he did Westbrook. Or, put Dame on Iggy and CJ/Mo can chase Steph/Klay around
Bruh.... If Clyde had HALF the work ethic and determination Dame does, he'd be JUST as good as Jordan. That's why we should've drafted Jordan. He would've made Clyde a WAY better player. People keep giving Clyde too much props. That team wouldn't have been shit without Terry Porter. #yesisaidit