Hornets (14-12) at Celtics (13-12) Game #26 12/16/16

[jpotter33]

Al is going off defensively right now.

I just don't understand how we can upgrade our defense so much with Horford but be so much worse from last year.

It's gotta be the lack of rebounding. Our guys can't focus on playing good D when they have to gang rebound

Rebounding certainly is a part of it. I think that's a big reason why AB particularly has taken a major step back defensively. But he's been coming back around lately.

But I don't think it's all of it. There just seems to be a lack of overall intensity this year compared to last year. I think we thought we were better than we really were, which made our guys take their foot off of the pedal defensively. Hopefully this lackluster start (compounded by injuries) has stopped that nonsense.

[tarheelsxxiii]

Nice ball movement, whipping it around the horn and making good decisions.  That starts with IT.  Defense is there now, too.  This team seems to put together nice 3rd quarters, but only to dig themselves out of a hole the 2nd unit left them in before the half.

[walker834]

I am very impressed with this team the last few minutes.  Our talent level is showing.

[walker834]

Frank the tank though. Can't let him get going.

[mr. dee]

I am very impressed with this team the last few minutes.  Our talent level is showing.

I hope they sustain it.They certainly released the pedal in the 4th during the Rockets and OKC game.

[jpotter33]

Smart has been careless with his some of his passes tonight. He's got to stop that. Taking care of the ball is one of his best attributes offensively.

[trickybilly]

Al is going off defensively right now.

I just don't understand how we can upgrade our defense so much with Horford but be so much worse from last year.

It's the 64thousand dollar question at the moment.

My feeling is the reasons are manifold, and it's entirely likely that Brad is experimenting with a few things at the expense of defense..

[alewilliam789]

Jeesus Smart what the hell is that

[walker834]

WE got that bread and butter with IT and Horford. If we coast and know when to do what that's what it's all about.  Horford is now playing inside more.

Great teams do this. Horford and KO great 2 man game there.  Boogie who?

[BitterJim]

Good result but that was ugly

[jpotter33]

Excellent ball movement! Two cross-court baseline passes by our bigs lol

[fantankerous]

Al Horford is so good.

[tarheelsxxiii]

Offense is unbearable without IT in there.  Terrible possessions, over and over... luckily refs keep bailing us out with fouls against Al. Kelly is the only other guy with a brain out there.

[BitterJim]

Excellent ball movement! Two cross-court baseline passes by our bigs lol

Ugh, I hated that pass by Kelly and Al passing up the open 3

[jpotter33]

This is how we should use Amir - as the backup big to Horford. It shouldn't take this long for Brad to realize this.

Granted, he's also still playing Smart off the ball, sooooooo....