I was wrong about this team..

[timpiker]

I've always respected Brad but this year just takes it to a whole new level.   It's almost Auerbachian. 

[Goldstar88]

I've always respected Brad but this year just takes it to a whole new level.   It's almost Auerbachian.

If he can trade for some pieces at the deadline(ideally another center) and the C?s go on a deep playoff run, that would be something!

[Indocelts]

I actually predicted the Cs would have a 50+ win season, but the first 14 games made me wonder if tanking was better. Well, who knows?

I think they have been playing well because:

1. The Cs play to their strength. Players are doing what they are good at. JB focuses on 2pt game. Neema on rebounding. PP n White provides the 3pt shoot (with bad result the first 14 games hence the bad record), and they have been making it with high rate lately. Simons came as advertised.

2. Bench improvement. I had no idea Walsh and Minott would be this good. They look confident to cover Tatum's minute. Gonzales provide a Smart-like energy.

3. Mazulla keeps improving. Gone is the day when he let a dwindling lead without taking a time out. He keeps tweaking his strategy for better too (i.e JB 2pt shot). He makes playing  for the young players fun.. Kudos to him.

4. Defense. It's always there, except for the opponent offensive rebound.

Things to improve:
1. Turnovers (looking at you JB). Setting a correct pick wthout offensive foul is a must.
2. Joe's ATO. Despite all other improvement, this is still a weakness.
3. Getting a real center. The West is full of huge centers which will give the Cs trouble. Brad, do your magic.

Last, I hope when Tatum comes back he will also play to his strength. I don't want him shoot 10 3pt shots with 33% rate. He needs to drive, get some FTs and rebound.

I still want the Cs to win it all this season. 🙂

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

As of now I was wrong about them, but keeping this up over 82 games is going to be tougher than doing it for 20+ games.

Also, I can't imagine the Cs making it through a whole regular season without a significant injury?that hasn't happened since '08, I think?and any such injury to a key player is likely to slow them down.

All that said, I'm quite surprised at how well they've played, especially Queta and Walsh.

[keevsnick]

As of now I was wrong about them, but keeping this up over 82 games is going to be tougher than doing it for 20+ games.

Also, I can't imagine the Cs making it through a whole regular season without a significant injury?that hasn't happened since '08, I think?and any such injury to a key player is likely to slow them down.

All that said, I'm quite surprised at how well they've played, especially Queta and Walsh.

Ya, they are only like 1.5 games ahead of the 9th seed.

Now regardless of what seed they are I think they've clearly been better than we thought, but if they suffer a few injuries and finish around .500 I don't think that would be shocking either. Just have to hope luck holds.

[aefgogreen]

I've always respected Brad but this year just takes it to a whole new level.   It's almost Auerbachian.

I think Joe Mazz deserves some credit as well.

[Roy H.]

I've always respected Brad but this year just takes it to a whole new level.   It's almost Auerbachian.

I think Joe Mazz deserves some credit as well.

Yeah, this is the best coaching I've seen from Joe.  Winning games with only one legit big is impressive.

[slamtheking]

I've always respected Brad but this year just takes it to a whole new level.   It's almost Auerbachian.

I think Joe Mazz deserves some credit as well.

Yeah, this is the best coaching I've seen from Joe.  Winning games with only one legit big is impressive.

agreed.  I think he deserves credit for getting this team playing hard and committing to it.  should also get credit for biting the bullet on the initial search for the real performers on this team and now getting to a firm rotation of those that can play and contribute.  He's also learned not to hoard all of his timeouts and call them a bit more to stem the other team's roll.

still needs to learn how to draw up good ATO plays.