05-26-2021, 05:05 PM
(05-26-2021, 04:46 PM)omahen Wrote: Regarding KP I will put very simple comparison. I think most people here really like Zubac, including me. Very good center. But Zubac is being played of the floor and is a zero both on offense and defense in this series so far. KP was not played off the floor, no matter what kind of line-up Clippers bring.
A very good point.
I think your implied conclusion, which I believe is that Porzingis is overcoming this targeting strategy better than Zubac, has some validity, so don't mistake anything else I say as a discounting of that.
But, I think there are differences in their situations. Yes, Zubac is potentially a nice player in some situations, and I like his game, generally. But, there have been times, particularly early in both of these games, when KP has been similarly eaten alive by pick and roll. I think the main differences are that A) Porzingis is much more integral to what Dallas is trying to accomplish on the offensive end than Zubac re Clippers, and B) KP's contract and status within the Mavs organization are both far greater than Zubac re Clippers. I think those factors make it nearly impossible for a coach, even Carlisle, to push him aside for long stretches, even if he did want to (not suggesting he does).
I'm on my third viewing of the game now, and overall, I'd say this was a much better effort from KP in game 2. I hope we get more of this.