AROUND the NBA:

[windjc]

I think Caruso on Wemby was Daigneault's decision and it kinda worked. Not like the Spurs had a great game on offense. We focus on the possessions where Wemby was able to catch the ball deep in the paint but more often than not OKC's ball denial worked and the possession ended with a late shot clock drive into a clogged paint or a turnover.
But you are spot on with the neutralize something else part. One big chess match. Both teams have to make choices like this. Wemby isn't getting an open lane as the roll men. Isn't getting any short roll touches. Has a more favorable matchup if he actually gets the ball.

Spurs almost look like the Mavs in 2024. Sweeney's scheme. Deliberate decision to give up corner 3s from Dort and Caruso. Funneling the offense into a mobile rim protector (Lively, Wemby).

Wemby could have scored every possession if he was dedicated to going in front the rim. Look at the last few possessions. It was soooo easy. As great as he was he could have punished Caruso endlessly and without much effort.