04-08-2024, 10:52 AM
(04-08-2024, 10:21 AM)Jason Terry Wrote: We found the right small ball lineup
Maxi
PJ
Exum
Luka
Kyrie
Exum is the glue to that unit. It’s a good lineup to go to when we’re down big. We’ve seen how effective this can be: Luka/Kyrie/Exum vs Luka/Brunson/Din
Exum is obviously about to get 30+ minutes a game in these playoffs. The two man chemistry he’s built with several players plus the elite on ball defense. Not to mention he can dribble the ball without turning it over. The elite 3pt shooting is the cherry on top
Good vibes
One of the things about this lineup that makes it better than any small-ball lineup we've had, is how good the rebounding is with this lineup. Every player is at least a decent rebounder and Luka and PJ are borderline exceptional. PJ is a much better rebounder and defender than Powell and has long enough arms to be a presence in the paint. All lineups prior to the mid-season trades were deficient at defensive rebounding and protection in the paint.
This current group players allows for a lot of versatility in how to defend various teams.