New wrinkle with the finishing lineup

[TrueFan]

Interesting switch tonight by inserting Jonas for Smart down the stretch. It might had been a game time decision or maybe this is the new goto lineup.

I know I read on Jay King's article how Stevens knows the advanced stats were not good with Smart, IT and AB all in at the same time so this might be a good clue that we will see less of Smart down the stretch and more of Jonas.

[Vermont Green]

Smart, IT and AB all in at the same time

That just isn't enough size.  It isn't really a Smart vs. Jerebko thing.  Isn't it more Jerebko vs. Johnson?

[Csfan1984]

Usually wanting a better spot up shooter when you have a slasher like IT is what good coaches go with.

[trickybilly]

Yeah, I think people are starting to realise that Jonas is the most versatile defensive guy we have, who also happens to be a lockdown shooter

[tarheelsxxiii]

He's our next best 2-way big.  He has been since the playoffs last year.

Otherwise, I imagine this is a locker room issue.  They clearly haven't figured it out yet.   

[TrueFan]

Smart, IT and AB all in at the same time

That just isn't enough size.  It isn't really a Smart vs. Jerebko thing.  Isn't it more Jerebko vs. Johnson?

Not really. Amir never finished the games and is not good enough to be trusted to come up with a big play when needed.

I don't think Stevens would consider Amir down the stretch.

[TrueFan]

He's our next best 2-way big.  He has been since the playoffs last year.

Otherwise, I imagine this is a locker room issue.  They clearly haven't figured it out yet.   

Jonas is a decent two way player and the defense did look really good down the stretch which was surprising considering Smart was not in.

I think it goes back to the IT, AB and Smart combination not working. I think if you swap out Smart for AB the defense still locks down the Hornets.

[NHCelticsFan]

I hope we see Jonas replace Amir in the starting lineup,  Jonas has been playing really well lately, and just gives you that consistent effort when he is on the floor.  Amir seems to struggle to crack 20 minutes anyways, so I would rather just let Jonas start to see if we can get something going with a new lineup.