Okay so right now after Kuminga's best game of the season please weigh in: would you trade him straight up for Franz Wagner? I think I still would, although I admit it's not an easy call. Okay lemme go get my flame-proof suit on.
Was at the game last night. Fitting tribute to DM, a man who means a lot to the organization and to the NBA.
As for the game, the Kerr did a good job with the minutes, not just because of the back to back with the Kings coming in tonight, but because this is what an older lineup needs: the energy of young capable players carrying the team. Kuminga was awesome, pressuring the ball handlers, staying with his man, fighting through screens, getting back for rebounds. The focus was there all night. There was one possession where he was on-ball and switched 3 times in 5 seconds, never giving up an advantage. On offense he was unstoppable going at his man, and the Hawks had no answer. When he was off ball, he was engaged, and his movement created a few buckets--just take a look at Steph's assist on his back cut. If JK plays like this, he deserves to play 30+ minutes a night.
Podz's energy was much needed. When he came in with his hustle, grabbing some rebounds, pushing the ball up, it felt like the team started to get in a rhythm. He had some timely cuts and drives, either finishing himself or creating advantages for others. He played within the offense but was not limited to the predictable standard motions. His creativity also helped in late shot clock situations when nothing else was happening. This is why he needs minutes--when other guys aren't going offensively, Podz adds a jolt of aggressiveness and energy that opens things up. It's like the veterans needed to see, 'oh we need to attack more and not just run through our motion offense'. Eye test matches the fact that he was tied for a team high +19.
TJD was active on defense and affected many shots--got 2 blocks out of it. On offense, his screen and roll game is there--cuts opened up really good scoring opportunities. Gotta work on those FTs though. This will open up more minutes for him, because defenses have to account for him rolling to the basket, which opens up space for ball movement as defenders tag and have to recover opening up chances to attack closeouts.
Here's hoping that these young guys get more minutes, not just to ease the load on the vets but also because they are needed to contribute now.
Other observations:
CJ was a surprise. I groaned each time he subbed in, but he was serviceable. His defense was not horrible and the effort was there. Didn't expect him to go 3-3 and 2-2 from 3 PT. When CP comes back, the offense will run smoother because defenses can't ignore a man. CJ made them pay tonight (won't hold my breath for this happening every night though).
Curry's shot felt off (3-8 on 2s and missed a few layups), but he stayed aggressive, got to the line, and made his FTs. Oh, and he was hot from 3. Still an offensive weapon defenses have to sell out to (try to) guard.
Klay looked like he was playing within the offense. Good game from him, nothing felt forced.
Team defense looked connected. The Hawks tried a few times to take advantage of size mismatches, especially when Warriors played 3-guard lineups, but the help and rotations were pretty decent. Good energy and communication.
Okay so right now after Kuminga's best game of the season please weigh in: would you trade him straight up for Franz Wagner? I think I still would, although I admit it's not an easy call. Okay lemme go get my flame-proof suit on.
Was at the game last night. Fitting tribute to DM, a man who means a lot to the organization and to the NBA.
As for the game, the Kerr did a good job with the minutes, not just because of the back to back with the Kings coming in tonight, but because this is what an older lineup needs: the energy of young capable players carrying the team. Kuminga was awesome, pressuring the ball handlers, staying with his man, fighting through screens, getting back for rebounds. The focus was there all night. There was one possession where he was on-ball and switched 3 times in 5 seconds, never giving up an advantage. On offense he was unstoppable going at his man, and the Hawks had no answer. When he was off ball, he was engaged, and his movement created a few buckets--just take a look at Steph's assist on his back cut. If JK plays like this, he deserves to play 30+ minutes a night.
Podz's energy was much needed. When he came in with his hustle, grabbing some rebounds, pushing the ball up, it felt like the team started to get in a rhythm. He had some timely cuts and drives, either finishing himself or creating advantages for others. He played within the offense but was not limited to the predictable standard motions. His creativity also helped in late shot clock situations when nothing else was happening. This is why he needs minutes--when other guys aren't going offensively, Podz adds a jolt of aggressiveness and energy that opens things up. It's like the veterans needed to see, 'oh we need to attack more and not just run through our motion offense'. Eye test matches the fact that he was tied for a team high +19.
TJD was active on defense and affected many shots--got 2 blocks out of it. On offense, his screen and roll game is there--cuts opened up really good scoring opportunities. Gotta work on those FTs though. This will open up more minutes for him, because defenses have to account for him rolling to the basket, which opens up space for ball movement as defenders tag and have to recover opening up chances to attack closeouts.
Here's hoping that these young guys get more minutes, not just to ease the load on the vets but also because they are needed to contribute now.
Other observations:
CJ was a surprise. I groaned each time he subbed in, but he was serviceable. His defense was not horrible and the effort was there. Didn't expect him to go 3-3 and 2-2 from 3 PT. When CP comes back, the offense will run smoother because defenses can't ignore a man. CJ made them pay tonight (won't hold my breath for this happening every night though).
Curry's shot felt off (3-8 on 2s and missed a few layups), but he stayed aggressive, got to the line, and made his FTs. Oh, and he was hot from 3. Still an offensive weapon defenses have to sell out to (try to) guard.
Klay looked like he was playing within the offense. Good game from him, nothing felt forced.
Team defense looked connected. The Hawks tried a few times to take advantage of size mismatches, especially when Warriors played 3-guard lineups, but the help and rotations were pretty decent. Good energy and communication.