OKC-GSW - Dec 3

[bdonovan]

Who's watching? My observations:

- Close game 37-32
- Curry not playing
- Overall effort by Warriors is great against a stifling OKC defense
- Podziemski needs to facillitate not just hunt for his shot; needs to be a team player, set screens and create for others - as the leader of the offense
- Kuminga still not playing defense; leaving his man open; same with Pod
- GSW over-helping on D leaving to open shots
- GSW wrestles with a problem all season- players not knowing which man they're guarding. More communication needed.

Hard to imagine OKC losing this game.

[bdonovan]

OK, not too many people watched. Game threads are doomed.

In Curry's absence, Jimmy Butler scored 7 points. Sad. But Podziemski has no business running the offense. He elected to take his own shots, wasn't moving the ball wisely or making smart ball movement, did not set screens.

Against the oKC smothering defense, you can't just chuck to Butler when he's doubled and then hang around the perimeter. Sometimes you need to follow the pass and set a screen.

These are all team play qualities that young Warriors are lacking- especially Kuminga and Pods; but also Moody and Post to some degree.

OKC reminds me of 90's-00's Spurs. Ruthless on defensive fundamentals, making offense almost impossible. They stick to their man. Hands in passing lanes. Always trying to strip the ball.

Unlike the Spurs, they have a bulk to their players like J Will; all of them are peak conditioning and built up. I saw Draymond try to lower his shoulder into one of the various no-name players on OKC and he barely moved.

[ralph_i_el]

OK, not too many people watched. Game threads are doomed.

In Curry's absence, Jimmy Butler scored 7 points. Sad. But Podziemski has no business running the offense. He elected to take his own shots, wasn't moving the ball wisely or making smart ball movement, did not set screens.

Against the oKC smothering defense, you can't just chuck to Butler when he's doubled and then hang around the perimeter. Sometimes you need to follow the pass and set a screen.

These are all team play qualities that young Warriors are lacking- especially Kuminga and Pods; but also Moody and Post to some degree.

OKC reminds me of 90's-00's Spurs. Ruthless on defensive fundamentals, making offense almost impossible. They stick to their man. Hands in passing lanes. Always trying to strip the ball.

Unlike the Spurs, they have a bulk to their players like J Will; all of them are peak conditioning and built up. I saw Draymond try to lower his shoulder into one of the various no-name players on OKC and he barely moved.

I started watching OKC when they got CP3, and they have been my favorite team to watch since then. I get a sense that they are just fantastically well coached. They have talented players, but I am blown away by how they consistently put guys in a position to maximize their talent, and minimize their weaknesses. Cason Wallace is a perfect example of this. In some places, he would have been buried, and not get a chance to develop. In other places, he might be asked to do too much, and develop bad habits. From day 1, OKC figured out where he fit in, and only asked him to do what could reasonably be expected of him...but they expect him (and everyone) to give everything they have, and to play with confidence.

You can tell that defensive effort and scheme-readiness are non-negotiable, which is made easier due to their depth. Guys know that if they don't hustle and defend, someone is right there who would love your minutes.

[bdonovan]

I started watching OKC when they got CP3, and they have been my favorite team to watch since then. I get a sense that they are just fantastically well coached. They have talented players, but I am blown away by how they consistently put guys in a position to maximize their talent, and minimize their weaknesses. Cason Wallace is a perfect example of this. In some places, he would have been buried, and not get a chance to develop. In other places, he might be asked to do too much, and develop bad habits. From day 1, OKC figured out where he fit in, and only asked him to do what could reasonably be expected of him...but they expect him (and everyone) to give everything they have, and to play with confidence.

You can tell that defensive effort and scheme-readiness are non-negotiable, which is made easier due to their depth. Guys know that if they don't hustle and defend, someone is right there who would love your minutes.

Surprised me as well. Daigneault was a G league coach for most of his coaching career before being assistant coaching for just one year in the NBA before becoming head coach.

Carson Wallace is a good example. Coaching seems to have a good idea of what pieces they need and an ability for players to accept their role and buy into the idea of team play. Not always easy to do.

[ralph_i_el]

Surprised me as well. Daigneault was a G league coach for most of his coaching career before being assistant coaching for just one year in the NBA before becoming head coach.

Carson Wallace is a good example. Coaching seems to have a good idea of what pieces they need and an ability for players to accept their role and buy into the idea of team play. Not always easy to do.

Daigneault had some great mentorship