I remember the double techs. I remember the one flagrant. And I remember them acting like the victims and having a total meltdown. It was glorious.
And I'm saying a lineup change now wont improve the team. It will weaken it. It will create doubt in some players.
You mean those same players that already doubt their shot so much that they: a) put us in a 10 point hole within the first 6-9 minutes of Games 6 & 7, and b) barely played in the second half of Game 7? Yeah, I'd hate to see them question their role... It's really a silly argument, no offense intended, as it's exactly the approach Stotts appears to take, because Harkless disproved it himself by coming out with improved energy off the bench in Game 7, and working closer to the basket where he's vastly more effective.
No its not. You are talking offence. IM talking defense. Those two that put us in a hole were super tired. after a four OT game. Are you saying they now permanently suck because of it? You are gonna turn your back on the guys that got us this far just because of a bad match up and them being exhausted? That is whats silly to me, but to each thier own.... In your scenario, then Denver should have benched Millsap too right? Cause he sucked the last two games as well.
Also. Show me a team that has swapped two starters in the playoffs that wasn't due to an injury or suspension? Coaches dont do it because they understand cohesion. Lots of teams have players who dont perform or play well in the playoffs. Should Houston Bench CP3?
Denver benched Will Barton in favor of Torrey Craig after starting Barton the first couple games against the Spurs.
Barton started all but 5 of the games he played, just like Moe. The fact that he wasn't healthy all season doesn't change the fact that he was a starter when healthy. Until the playoffs.
I still stand by my premise though . You don't change a third of the starting lineup that has worked all season because of two bad games in one of the most unique series we have seen, with the matchup and the OT.
1) I'm talking offense AND defense. Neither could guard Millsap's shadow at the start of the games, but Harkless came back with inspired defense in the second half after being benched, so it obviously didn't hurt his confidence on that end, either. 2) Why were Moe and Aminu that much more exhausted than their teammates? Or all of Denver's lineup, for that matter? And why did it last multiple games? That's quite a stretch. 3) Our starting forwards have been our glaring weakness for several seasons now. We found significantly better options in the playoffs. It's not about turning our back on them, it's about changing their role so we aren't at such a disadvantage. They can each play half a game, subbing for each other so 40% of our lineup isn't a liability. 4) Millsap only sucked the last two games because Collins was guarding him instead of Aminu's lame attempts! That's an even bigger stretch than #2.
Harkless has been noted to have confidence issues and clock out. Remember last year? We hit the wall before they did. Aminu and Harkless are our defensive guys. Defense is about effort and wears you out quicker. True, but significantly better? I doubt that. Collins handling him couldnt have anything to do witgh Millsap also being tired could it? Listen, IM not denying we need upgrades there. IM denying that its such an issue we should change our lineup now.
Zach Collins growing up in front of our eyes. If we can’t get that PF next year, he gets my vote to play with Nurk.
Big series for Zach. Could see him getting 30+ minutes in some games. Should be able to stay out of foul trouble a bit better with no real big for GS (I don't think they'll be able to play Bogut much). It'll be interesting to see how he handles himself emotionally. Klay, KD and Draymond did a lot of talking towards the end of the last game in Portland so he's definitely coming into this with some extra motivation (not that he he needs it). Just hope channels it the right way because we need him.
Everyone will need to constantly be in his ear to make sure he doesn't go over the line. I want him going right up to that line without crossing it, while trying to get Klay/Draymond to cross it. Don't get the last word in - bask in the fact you're under their skin.