12-25-2020, 02:16 PM
Upon reflection and some rewatching, I understand why Carlisle went with Kleber to close, even though it didn’t work.
WCS’s minutes (small sample) were a plus, but rewatching, he really didn’t do a lot to support the idea that he was responsible for the swing. In fact, I have read/heard multiple people (Cato and Henderson) suggest that the Suns were briefly confused by that lineup specifically because WCS was doing the wrong things. Not sure I buy that, but it’s an interesting thought. Either way, I didn’t see him change any shots, grab any tough boards or pull anyone gravitationally to open anyone else up. He DID run the floor well, which I ALWAYS appreciate in a center. This resulted in a fast break bucket in transition.
I am on team “give WCS a chance” don’t get me wrong. I just didn’t see him make such an obvious impact on this game that closing with him was the obvious choice.
What I think Carlisle tried was starting Powell and closing with Kleber, and closing with Kleber is EXACTLY what the majority of Mavs fans have been hoping for. It just didn’t work in game 1.
WCS’s minutes (small sample) were a plus, but rewatching, he really didn’t do a lot to support the idea that he was responsible for the swing. In fact, I have read/heard multiple people (Cato and Henderson) suggest that the Suns were briefly confused by that lineup specifically because WCS was doing the wrong things. Not sure I buy that, but it’s an interesting thought. Either way, I didn’t see him change any shots, grab any tough boards or pull anyone gravitationally to open anyone else up. He DID run the floor well, which I ALWAYS appreciate in a center. This resulted in a fast break bucket in transition.
I am on team “give WCS a chance” don’t get me wrong. I just didn’t see him make such an obvious impact on this game that closing with him was the obvious choice.
What I think Carlisle tried was starting Powell and closing with Kleber, and closing with Kleber is EXACTLY what the majority of Mavs fans have been hoping for. It just didn’t work in game 1.