05-18-2024, 02:04 PM
I think it's situational. Gafford and Lively are both getting about the same minutes in the playoffs. In three of the five OKC playoff games, Lively has had three fouls on him while playing most of the 4th quarter I think (I haven't' checked to quarter minutes). That feels to me like they're protecting him for the right time - and with little worry. And I agree with Jom that both centers need the rest as they are being asked to handle much on the interior as well as screen and close out on the perimeter periodically. But it feels like Lively is being trusted in the 4th quarter now, and that's where he needs to be at his best.
The fact that Lively seems to have really mastered his coverage without fouling is pretty surprising for a rookie.
The fact that Lively seems to have really mastered his coverage without fouling is pretty surprising for a rookie.
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