Thunder (39-24) at Celtics (42-20) Game #63 3/8/20

[Neurotic Guy]

Interesting plus/minuses at the half (fwiw):   

Tatum and Smart both -5.   
Hayward +25 and Romeo +19.

[SCeltic34]

GWill has really struggled lately on the defensive end.  Still makes good rotations but has been getting torched by smaller players.  Brad might be asking too much of him to try to guard them out on the perimeter.

Unfortunately, there are no good answers for the modern pick and roll.  The Celtics choose to switch on picks, and it leaves G Williams on guys like Paul more often than we'd like.  The alternative is to let the guard try to stay with their ball-handler around the screen, which is a losing proposition against a good shooter.

IMHO they should look at the rules on that particular action.  It's a bit too easy for the offense and a bit too impossible for the defense.  If nothing else, get back to calling moving screens.

Yeah with the way the modern NBA is played I'm wondering if GWill should drop some weight, even if he has to sacrifice strength to do it.  He's not going to be a back to the basket player on a consistent basis and is still plenty strong with his frame.

[Phantom255x]

Romeo and Timelord are making an impact, which is really encouraging. GWill is also making some good plays.

If Langford can keep it up, hopefully it means a lot less Wanamaker going forward. Full health is the goal though

I think for Ojeyele, it's all going to be matchup dependent, but he is someone who can give 6 hard fouls in a game I guess?

[ETNCeltics]

GWill has really struggled lately on the defensive end.  Still makes good rotations but has been getting torched by smaller players.  Brad might be asking too much of him to try to guard them out on the perimeter.

Unfortunately, there are no good answers for the modern pick and roll.  The Celtics choose to switch on picks, and it leaves G Williams on guys like Paul more often than we'd like.  The alternative is to let the guard try to stay with their ball-handler around the screen, which is a losing proposition against a good shooter.

IMHO they should look at the rules on that particular action.  It's a bit too easy for the offense and a bit too impossible for the defense.  If nothing else, get back to calling moving screens.

Yeah with the way the modern NBA is played I'm wondering if GWill should drop some weight, even if he has to sacrifice strength to do it.  He's not going to be a back to the basket player on a consistent basis and is still plenty strong with his frame.

He's already lost a lot of weight. I doubt he would be able to lose very much more. He's just too broad and muscular.

He's not a quick twitch athlete, and nothing is ever going to change that.

[hpantazo]

Hayward having himself a night so far

[SCeltic34]

GWill has really struggled lately on the defensive end.  Still makes good rotations but has been getting torched by smaller players.  Brad might be asking too much of him to try to guard them out on the perimeter.

Unfortunately, there are no good answers for the modern pick and roll.  The Celtics choose to switch on picks, and it leaves G Williams on guys like Paul more often than we'd like.  The alternative is to let the guard try to stay with their ball-handler around the screen, which is a losing proposition against a good shooter.

IMHO they should look at the rules on that particular action.  It's a bit too easy for the offense and a bit too impossible for the defense.  If nothing else, get back to calling moving screens.

Yeah with the way the modern NBA is played I'm wondering if GWill should drop some weight, even if he has to sacrifice strength to do it.  He's not going to be a back to the basket player on a consistent basis and is still plenty strong with his frame.

He's already lost a lot of weight. I doubt he would be able to lose very much more. He's just too broad and muscular.

He's not a quick twitch athlete, and nothing is ever going to change that.

He can still drop muscle mass.  His lateral movement is actually really good for his body type.  Verticality and length are the challenges.

[satch]

Good first half but could have done a better job the last 2 minutes.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

Good first half but could have done a better job the last 2 minutes.

The ends of quarters, along with bad first quarters, have been pretty consistent problems for Boston this season.

[SCeltic34]

Missing great looks to start the 3rd.

[jpotter33]

Getting great looks, just not knocking them down.

[apc]

So Kemba is in some kind of a slump . He shouting % haven’t been great.

[jpotter33]

Hayward having a heck of a game.

[Atzar]

Hayward's in between game is pretty.  Not so good at getting all the way to the rim anymore, but that short jumper is wet. 

[Phantom255x]

Hayward playing like he found out he's having a baby boy in the coming year 

[liam]

Chris Paul gets a friendly whistle....