KG in the Post (Video Proof)

[ZoSo]

The 12/30/07 game at Staples remains my favorite game this season. Pierce was smoking-hot. Ray-Ray was nailing threes in Kobe’s grille…and…yes…I swear before God as my witness…KG dominated in the paint.

It wasn’t just put backs.

It wasn’t just the occasional up and under.

It was a full array or moves that absolutely debilitated the purple.

I offer this as my proof.

http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/06/time-for-kg-to-make-doc-look-brilliant.html

Now keep in mind that I’ve been a KG fan since he first started in MN. As much as I love the guy, I have generally bought into the criticism that he doesn’t come up big in the fourth offensively and doesn’t provide a huge presence in the post offensively.

But, again, I’m telling you he’s already done both once this year against the ‘Ls.

So what am I missing?

All I can come up with is (1) he is getting consistently doubled; and (2) he lacks either the confidence or the ability to defy the double a la McHale or Kareem.

But I am just not buying the plain old vanilla response “KG doesn’t play in the post,” cuz my memory of the 12/30 game and the linked video tell me otherwise.

[wahz]

Tony and House at the point in those videos. Jackson himself said "they were figuring some things out in the 3rd."

Doc and all have to do something to force KG to play in the post.

[Big Ticket]

Nice post, TP.

Well...

1) He is getting pretty consistently doubled, or having the D sag his way.
2) When he does fight for position, but doesn't get the ball, he goes and gets it - which means on the perimeter.
3) He looked gassed by the 4th quarter, so fighting for position would've been tough.
4) He sets more screens than anyone in the league, many of which lead to a pick 'n pop with him and Ray/Pierce.
5) When he is shooting his jumper so poorly, the defender can sag ever so slightly and take away any pump fake & drive move.
6) Gasol is staying inbetween him and the basket and KG isn't using any of the low post moves I've seen from time to time from him (up and under, pump fakes, jump hook... took one jump hook yesterday and made it effortlessly).

[ScoobyDoo]

I agree, KG may not be kevin McHale or Hakeem down there on the post but...just on his will and athleticism he can be highly effective if he puts his nose to the grindstone down there.

Good video clip. Tommy point.