Matchup Preferences?

[Jommybone]

. . . The coaching mismatch could be a real factor against LA, where Lue seems to let the inmates run the asylum. But does anybody really want to bet against playoff Kawhi?

Who wants to bet against playoff Kawhi? Coach Lue and dumbass Rajon Rondo, that’s who. 

Kawhi checks back into Game 1 at the 8:29 mark of the 4th quarter, having posted 23 points through the first 3 Qs. He immediately takes and makes a shot on the Clips’ ensuing possession, wresting a 91-90 lead from the good guys, 8:10 to go. Over the next 6 minutes and 36 seconds (12 possessions), Kawhi gets exactly 1 shot. ONE! And no FTs either. 

Coach Lue calls timeout at the 1:34 mark, now in a 105-100 hole, and somebody reminds the Clips that they have Kawhi. But it’s way too late at this point. And the desperation defensive scheme employed from that point forward leaves Mavs shooting layups or FTs the rest of the way (4 possessions, 8 points).

Kawhi did get shots or FTs on 3 of the final 5 possessions, the last one coming in garbage time, down 10 with 0:05 on the clock. But if anybody thinks that means Rondo will learn his lesson and quit Rondoing, I’ve got a bridge to sell ya.