Lakers_Slapper
Well-Known Member
During game 1, Quinn and the Jazz executed a defensive strategy that led to our loss. It didn't make sense at all. We not only forced, but encouraged and allowed James Harden to go to the strong side, forcing him into a center lane penetration almost every time he had the ball. Our defensive strategy became clear that we would have Gobert collapse on him in the paint. We would be tempting him with an open drive down the center and taking him off of looking for a 3 early in the possession. It didn't work because the second that Gobert took even a step away from Capela to guard a driving Harden, he was left with an easy finishing lob to Capela for the hoop. Or it required help coverage from a wing defender leaving the Rockets with an open corner 3, and/or a few simple passes to get them an open 3 from another spot on the floor.
Their offense took advantage of this, running a Harden led, high key iso, or a Harden led mid court high screen off and on for almost 2 1/2 quarters. We never figured out how to stop him. Whoever we put on Harden, he had his way with them and our defense exploited their list of 3 point Executionists.
It's hard to say what changes need to happen to guard Harden. He falls all over the floor every time you get close to him. I think that we should put Royce on him right from the jump of the starting 5 and have him muscle him straight up as long as he can. Expect that he will get 2 fouls in the 1st, but check him when he drives and really make him feel it . Play some gritty 80's style defense on him and make him think twice about penetrating the lane. I would then love to see Sefolosha play D on him most of the game after Royce goes to the side with his early, hard fouls.
Bring Ingles in off the bench to add a little offensive depth. Use Sefolosha as our secret defensive X factor. What do you think about switching up the starting 5 and bench to put Harden in check? What do you think about using Sefolosha as our secret defensive weapon? He is known for his lock down defense. Any thoughts on our next defensive scheme to stop Harden?
Their offense took advantage of this, running a Harden led, high key iso, or a Harden led mid court high screen off and on for almost 2 1/2 quarters. We never figured out how to stop him. Whoever we put on Harden, he had his way with them and our defense exploited their list of 3 point Executionists.
It's hard to say what changes need to happen to guard Harden. He falls all over the floor every time you get close to him. I think that we should put Royce on him right from the jump of the starting 5 and have him muscle him straight up as long as he can. Expect that he will get 2 fouls in the 1st, but check him when he drives and really make him feel it . Play some gritty 80's style defense on him and make him think twice about penetrating the lane. I would then love to see Sefolosha play D on him most of the game after Royce goes to the side with his early, hard fouls.
Bring Ingles in off the bench to add a little offensive depth. Use Sefolosha as our secret defensive X factor. What do you think about switching up the starting 5 and bench to put Harden in check? What do you think about using Sefolosha as our secret defensive weapon? He is known for his lock down defense. Any thoughts on our next defensive scheme to stop Harden?