A tough 105-103 loss in this game. The end tale of the tape will show many missed free throws ended up costing us the game, coupled with some very poor three point shooting decisions. I had to think about this game for a while to give it a fair review. The play of Bailey and Brown was definitely a highlight for me (except the silly fouls when they were in the bonus in the third quarter). Brown was able to press up the court as was Twyman and it made it hard for the 'Squatch to get in rythm during the second half. SirVal had a couple good drives, a couple good passes and a couple threes. Bailey had a remarkable 8 blocks including passages of play where he blocked two consecutive by Montreal's top scorer. When he went out injured, I was worried as to where the energy would come from.
I still don't know why Crook was benched. I have no problem benching players, but usually a couple shifts is good. To sit down your star player for over 2 quarters is extreme and I hope Lewis had good reason. I am all for it if it keeps the team in line. In reality, we are missing a special piece of coaching. Overall the product is better than last year, but that is due to player abilities. I saw 2 plays run, a high screen (usual play) and then some high/ low screens. Even at higher levels, they run specific clearouts for specific players to hit the mismatches. For a few minutes Sanders was matched against a much smaller player and we could not take advantage. Whereas the Montreal players were constantly moving to support the ball and get open. In the fourth quarter, our intensity was high, stopping perimeter play, but our down low players could not stop the layups and second chance points.
Here is what I liked about the game: Full Court man to man press got them out their rythm
Play of Bailey and Sir Val was good and Cordell mostly came inside instead of focussing on jump shots. Jimmy was also solid. Sanders did as expected, Ramey was solid although he shot an airball.
Ran at least two plays including some screens off the ball
Less heave and hope three pointers
Defensive intensity
Shorter game intro...
Their coach was funny!
What I didn't like: Randy Gill- classic whiteboy syndrome, he was an assho....
What is going on with Kevin? In preseason (injured) he was getting to the hoop and took over the third quarter in one game.. we need that back at the point to open lanes for shooters
No adjustments for mismatches
No Eric
Tyrone trying to strip their 7 footer- play him straight up!
Random Rant:
Not starting our top lineup..Why is Dandridge still starting? The team needs to understand when the players are working to their best ability. Who shoots well coming off screens? Who needs to have a set shot? Can anyone work downlow? To me, it looks like Crook, Sanders, Silverhorn (or Cordell/Bailey if we want to go big), Jimmy and Kevin (when fit). I know it doesn't give you a pure shooting guard, but most of these players can hit that long 2...Zach does not shoot well from the cornersor middle but is light's out from the right and left of the key...I have not seen one player post up yet, not even our 7 footer, everyone wants to attack off the dribble..what a great pass to Ramey from Val for the alley oop...where was the interior D in the fourth...Why does Dandridge shoot at will..we missed Silverhorn...
Rick Lewis
I want to say that Lewis is a very well spoken man with a great ability to relate to people and create a connection. I would imagine this is why he has done so well til now as a coach. It must be hard to coach players that are trying to get a good statline in order to try and make it to the show. To think we can get players to give up for the greater good, may not be possible in this league. I don't believe that because we didn't see QC or MTL take really poor shots. Our team, while talented, is selfish. We seem to have a great team spirit (all credit to coach and owner) but are not basketball smart as a team. We need to really play to our players strengths. Lets get some movement to open lanes and get our feet moving instead of chucking up threes when noone is under the net to rebound. That part is frustrating to fans and players alike. I hope that by the second half of the season, Lewis will allow the team to evolve and get them playing better as a team, instead of just individuals.
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