In a way, it is kind of ridiculous to play the “What if” game, because you can always come to whatever conclusion you, as a subjective creature, want to reach. We postulate over what would have happened if Monty played this lineup or that lineup, gave X guy more minutes or Y guy less, but really we could never truly know what would have happened in such a scenario. Furthermore, we could never know how Phil Jackson would have adjusted or how the players who actually did play would have responded. All we can really know is what did happen, and what did happen in game three is simple; we got our butts kicked.
As is the case when looking back at most games, the game was neither as lopsided as it appeared, nor was it as close as it appeared. I know that seems impossible, but depending on your perspective and how you want to see the game, you could both argue that the Hornets were in the game late in the third/early fourth and you can argue the Lakers should have won by 25+. Somebody wanting to make the first case will say that the Hornets got close several times and if they just hit a few more open threes and made 80% of their shots “at the rim”, then they could have pulled out a victory or at least kept it close.
Meanwhile, it is easy to imagine a world in which Emeka does not go 7 for 9 and the Lakers do not spend the entire third quarter taking jump shots as opposed to getting the ball inside for easy buckets. The point is, that it could have been closer or it could have been even more lopsided, so imagining ways in which you could have coached the team to victory is only fair if you are also willing to admit that you could have also coached them to an even greater defeat. We are all geniuses when we look back, but how well can we project forward? Let’s give it a shot. Here are my game four adjustments.
1.) Take Trevor off of Kobe Bryant…. and perhaps off the court all together
When Kobe takes 15 shots or less the Lakers almost always win, when he takes 25 or more they almost always lose. In between? Well, you guessed it; sometimes they win, sometimes they lose. The point is that you want Kobe taking shots, but most coaches build their game plan around putting their best defender on Kobe and sacrificing in other areas. Why?? You WANT him to shoot. You WANT him to try and go off on you so that his teammates become resentful and disinterested.
While Trevor has done an amazing job on Kobe, it has come at the expense of getting some additional offense on the court and it has also been a disaster for whomever the two guard is for the Hornets. Whether it is Jack, Green, or Belinelli, that guy is now forced to check Artest, who has been a matchup nightmare for any of those guys due to his sheer strength and physicality. All you have to do is look at Artest’s numbers in this series compared to his regular season numbers to see what this cross matchup is doing. His has nearly doubled his rebounding average, increased his field goal percentage by seven percent and is scoring five more points per game.
People are so afraid of Kobe’s swift execution, but it is much worse to suffer a slow, methodical death at the hands of lesser players like Artest and Bynum. And that brings us to….
2.) Take Okafor off of Bynum
With all due respect to Emeka, this is just not a good matchup for you. Thankfully, he was able to get some offense going against LA late in game three, but all the effort in the world will not help him to win this matchup on the defensive end. It is purely an issue of size, not desire or will, and the coaching staff is kidding itself if it thinks that any kind of motivational talk or clever scheme can provide the remedy in this situation. The only solution is to move Okafor off of Bynum and to throw different looks at the big man for the rest of this series.
Start the game off by putting Landry on Bynum and Emeka on Gasol (he has done a fabulous job on him). Landry must always be behind Bynum, never attempting to front him or get angles on post entries, and as soon as Bynum gets the ball, a quick double forces the ball out of his hand. You live with making the Lakers perimeter players beat you from the outside. With Ariza on Artest, instead of Kobe, you use him to double as often as possible because he has the length to both bother Bynum AND to close out more effectively on shooters. At other times, you send CP3 down to double for three reasons: Fisher is their least dynamic scorer, CP3 can get steals, and if Bynum starts being too aggressive against the double team, CP3 can flop and get calls.
During the stretches when Bynum is on the court with the Lakers second unit, put Gray or Mbenga on him and force Shannon Brown or Matt Barnes to beat you from the perimeter. Go to zone for stretches against that lineup after made buckets and force them to be patient. That is not something the Lakers second unit usually succeeds at, as they tend to rush the offense and/or get out of it far more often than the first unit.
3.) Run, Run, Run…. and Finish!!
This is so easy to say, but in reality it is difficult to do against this team because you have to get stops and you have to get rebounds. In game three, the Lakers missed 39 shots, but they got the offensive rebound on 14 of those occasions. The Hornets did get 7 steals in the game, however, and were able to push in those scenarios, but unfortunately most of those opportunities ended in missed layups or long distance bricks. It sounds oversimplified, but they have to convert these opportunities for multiple reasons.
First and foremost, converting those opportunities leads to more points, and the team with the most points wins the game. Secondly, it gets the crowd involved (the Hornets crowd at least ( %&*$ the Lakers fans). That crowd was dying to get excited in game three, but a 2 for 13 showing from deep and more than half a dozen missed layups will not get the crowd into a frenzy. Lastly, made shots mean that the Lakers have to take the ball out of the basket and delays them getting into their offense.
The last point is the most important, as we saw the Hornets go into a quasi full court press on Friday night after some of their made buckets and free throws. They are not looking for steals as much as they are hoping to limit the options that the Lakers offense has on each possession. The triangle is a very fluid offense that adjusts to how a defense is playing it. The ball rotates to opposite ends of the court where the triangle can be reset in any number of different ways. If that offense can get set up with 21 seconds on the clock, it can theoretically attempt 3 or 4 different variations in that one possession. But if you can delay that and force them to use time getting the ball up the court, then you may only have to defend 2 or 3 different variations. Over the course of the game, that can make a huge difference.
This adjustment coincides with adjustment #1- as it kind of has a built in assumption that the Hornets have two ball handlers on the court, capable of attacking from either side of the court. If Jack and Paul are both on the court, then that means that one of those two will have to cover Kobe. Combine that with the fact that Okafor can not cover Bynum, and what you are faced with is a couple of intriguing possibilities, one of which includes a super small backcourt with a super big front court. CP3 and Jack pushing and creating, with Landry/Okafor/Gray controlling the boards and setting screens on either side of the offense.
Again, this is all just game plan and theory. The truth of the matter is that you can have the best plan in the world, but if your troops do not execute, then it is all for naught. A game plan can not make open shooters drain their shots, it can not make you hit free throws, or prevent a 7 footer from doubling his season total in three pointers made in one game. Sometimes dumb luck just rears its ugly head, but a better game plan ensures that it is going to take more than just dumb luck to beat you.
Notes From the Arena
- I (Joe) am doing the recap. If anyone has anything they want to ask of the players after the game, post it in the comments and I’ll do my best to get an answer.
- Season ticket sales are over 7500.
- Monty sent in a formal complain to the league about a number of calls, specifically three-second violations that weren’t called against the Lakers. They agreed with some of it.
Notes From Monty’s Press Conference
- Monty cancelled practice this morning and went to church with him family instead.
- “If I could get a cortisone shot, shoot my knee up, I would sign a two day contract and play tonight, because I couldn’t get through a 10-day.”
- “He jammed it last game, and I took him out early” – On Paul’s hand
- “He’s a gamer. Sometimes I have to be his brains. We’ll see tonight how it goes, but he looked alright yesterday in practice.”
- “He jammed his thumb. We’re thankful it wasn’t the wrist.”
- Last two games we have allowed their bigs to catch in the paint. They are in the paint for more than three seconds. Put that on the record. It’s been embarrassing that they have been able to stay in the paint on offense.”
- “We gotta get those guys outa the paint”
The funniest exchange of words was between an LA reporter and Monty on the idea of Okafor flopping on defense against Bynum-
Monty: “I hate the flopping that goes on in the NBA. It’s kind of sad. I feel it takes away from the game. These situations you don’t even have to. He weighs 310 pounds and he’s hitting guys in the chest. You have to move.
*audible coughs by what I think was a member of the Hornets pr staff warning Monty*
Reporter: “Why do you think they’re getting away with those calls”
Monty: “I’m not going to go there. I don’t want to get fined. You should get fined for asking me that. You’re trying to set me up.
*laughter*
Reporter: “I should get a raise for that”.
*awkard laughter resulting in awward silence”
Monty: “I’ll let that go…”
Here’s a video Monty showed his squad to inspire them-
84 responses to “A Series on the Brink: Game Four Adjustments (Game On: Lakers @ Hornets)”
A line up of Paul/Jack/Landry/Okafor/Gray means that the team’s five best players (probably) are on the court together at the very least which has to count for something …
I actually prefer:
F-Okafor/ F-Landry/ C-Gray/ G-Ariza/ G-Paul ….
This is actually the best line-up the Hornets have!
L_REAZY
I like the idea of that super small/super big lineup. Gray on Bynum, Okafor on Gasol, Landry on Artest and switching Chris and JJ on Kobe. Let Trevor and Marco get some run against the second unit to see if they can produce a nice + against the Lakers second unit. We need to throw the kitchen sink at them tonight. Also, F**k every local who comes to the Hive in your Lakers gear chearing for those dicks.
Thank u Mr. McNamara! I have been saying take Ariza off Kobe for 2 days now and make someone else be the sacrificial lamb. Whether it’s Marco or whomever, someone needs to entice Kobe to go “hero” mode and shoot 30 times for 30 points. Ariza is the only guy who can match up with Artest and that may free up even more energy for Ariza on offensive end as he has been ultra aggressive the last 2 games. If Kobe makes tough shots so be it, cuz when he is on there isn’t a player in the league who can stop him so don’t waste Ariza and ruin the structure of the defense. Make Kobe deviate from the triangle or low post offense and maybe we can hope he has a rough night and pull out a victory.
We need a decent SG (Kevin Martin and my dream! He is the face of the Hornets!). And urgently. Belinelli is a joke in the Lakers fans. To win Game 4, we must count on another epic performance of CP3. Therefore depend on Belinelli, Green, Okafor, Gray… suicide! GO CP3! You’re the man!
Just one thing.
Set Beli free to live and joyn his lost basketball happyness.
Instead of Monty and Paul and Ariza and West and Oka and Green and Jack and all the rest of the NOH black team.
Really?……………………..We all are disappointed and angry at Beli, but really? I think Gray is doing a honorable job during this series, but I guess he don’t count, eh.
Ariza has ever been a joke, especially with his incredible percentages on scoring terms.
Paul is the real black hole of this team.
You must be crazy troll. LMAO.
Anyone that comes here and has to bring race up because of their favorite player is either crazy, a troll, or both. Ha!
Great post MM!
Too bad you are not an assistant coach.
Joe, ask Aaron why he didn’t play much in game 3!
Put Marco on Kobe. Put Ariza on Artest.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Monty give this a try. While Trevor is ok on Kobe, I sometimes think he’s a little too nice when guarding Kobe. I know you used to play with this guy Trev but you’re not on his team anymore.
He’s wearing a knee brace and was on the floor warming up for hours before the game.
Who’s wearing a brace Joe?
It was so frustrating to see Aaron Gray only get 7 minutes of playing time last game. I agree that he definitely needs to be the one on Bynum. I have no idea why Monty went away from him especially since he has been so effective. Does anyone know if he tweeked his bad ankle or anything Friday? What’s his status for tonight?
After the game Gray said that he was a step slow, didnt mention his ankle because he doesn’t want to make excuses, but I do believe it was the ankle that kept him out.
I think if the Hornets are going with the 3 guards tonight, they need to push the tempo and run in transition, if Green is on the court for the 3 guard lineup and we don’t push, we have no chance.
BTW do have have live chat tonight?
Marco has done great work defensively on Kobe in the past. Of course he can’t handle Artest’s toughness, but check the stats. While both are on the floor, Artest has not had a great scoring advantage even though Marco has not found his shot the last two games.
Artest has averaged 33 minutes per game. Marco under 25.
In the New Orleans defensive scheme, the off guard is supposed to hustle back on offensive shots to slow down or stop any runout by the other team.
Ferpiel understands something basic and important about Marco, thanks for that. But he’s got to make his shots.
Brazilain Hornet: stick to the jogo bonito meu irmao.
Não entendi, meu irmão… Mas de qualquer forma, valeu!
I recall Mek saying awhile back that shot-blocking is about altering and making shots difficult, not necessarily actually blocking shots. I only wish DJ understood that and merely contested a bunch of shots so we could play him slightly more while our bigs rest.
Interesting game plans, let’s see what we can do.
When Phil Jackson was asked if he might return to New Orleans after retiring, Jackson replied, “I refuse to comment on the grounds that I might incriminate myself. Just don’t drink the water.”
What an ass-hat.
Also, at the game Friday, I saw a baby in full lakers garb who had a product induced fauxhawk. I guess that’s cool in L.A. These clowns are too much.
Ass-hat indeed. He just has to take some kind of shot at NOLA. Doesn’t matter how big or small. Like I said, I’ll be glad when he retires and rides off into the Montana sunset. One day he won’t be able to walk on those bad ass hips he has. There. LOL.
Another thing, why would they even ask Phil that question? Better yet, why would anyone even give a flying **** if he comes back to the city or not once retiring? I know I certainly don’t.
I know its too much for me to ask, but it would make my life if PJ’s coaching career came to an end at the expense of the Hornets! Even more so if we closed it out in New Orleans!
Amen RobertM. If the Hornets beat the Lakers there’s no telling what he’d say about the city then. LOL!
Hornets’ Jim Eichenhofer had this to say….
Jim_Eichenhofer Jim Eichenhofer
@LazyCityDesigns I’ll use this analogy: If your 2-year-old cousin calls you “ugly” 10 days in a row, do you still get mad the 10th time? lol
1 hour ago
Jim_Eichenhofer Jim Eichenhofer
On Fri. he made remark about “don’t drink the water” in NOLA, after L.A. media asked about his trip here. RT @HenrySure what did Phil say?
1 hour ago
Jim_Eichenhofer Jim Eichenhofer
Jackson’s comments do greatly bother various members of NOLA media very much. But based on Phil’s history, I think that’s actually his goal
2 hours ago
Jim_Eichenhofer Jim Eichenhofer
I was there. LA media said to Phil “What’s your visit to NOLA been like this time?” They were egging him on. He didn’t take bait… at first
2 hours ago
Jim_Eichenhofer Jim Eichenhofer
My theory: he’s made so many snide comments on NOLA it’s not a story. RT @TJKinney thoughts on why Phil NOLA comments got no media coverage?
Haha. Phil just needs to take the Rasheed Wallace route. “Both teams played hard”.
Joe … ask Monty why we haven’t experimented with the BIG Line-up of:
F-Okafor/ F-Landry/ C-Gray/ G-Ariza/ G-Paul
VS
F-Gasol/ F-Artest/ C-Bynum/ G-Bryant/ G-Fisher ?
L_REAZY
Monty has shot down about eight questions on using Landry at the 3 in the past. He literally just says no.
Put McNamara in the line up. He’s a 6-6 shooting guard that makes fadeaways look 2EZ.
I agree with sending a double team and asking the perimeter players to beat you. It’s funny that even after all I’ve seen Derek Fisher do, and after what Artest did last year in the finals, I still don’t trust them to consistently hit big shots. Also completely agree about double teaming Bynum. Pau just hasn’t gotten it going, and until he does I think single covering him is fine.
I like the super small/big lineup, but it has a couple problems. 1) Hornets can’t really run with them in, especially with Gray having a bad wheel. 2) Kobe would absolutely go off. Lakers are a gigantic team, and it just seems like Paul or Jack could get blocked really easily at the rim if we keep trying to get back in transition because guys like Kobe and Odom are big and fast. Also, Ariza on Artest doesn’t seem like the best idea because as good as Ariza is on defense, Artest is probably twice as strong as him and would kill him on rebounds, just like he is our guards.
That said, I think we take this game because I think either Bellinelli or Green step up. I mean, it has to happen one day, right?
Word has it Monty showed the team this video…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU8DDYz68kM&feature=youtu.be
awesome… keep attackin ariza!
I’m saying it right now. CP3’s thumb is hurt more than the Hornets are admitting. One shot the entire first quarter by your STAR, in a MUST-WIN game, A hurt CP3 and Gray is too much.
We’re not deep to begin with, and this is too much to expect. As long as they don’t give up though, that’s all I ask.
What happened to CP3’s eye?
Nevermind they showed it.
He got elbowed by Artest. But of course, no foul.
I remember some commentator saying inadvertent or not, the refs will call an elbow as a foul or flagrant. Guess that commentator was wrong.
good…when bynum is in.. gray is!…nice adjustment monty.
lets go ariza
Man, Beli, you GOTTA make those wide open threes!
Gray looking really good again with 7 in only 6 minutes of playing time.
It’ll be a miracle if we pull this off without CP3 at full strength. SOMEONE’s gotta get hot, and I don’t care who. Beli, Green, JJ, SOMEONE, PLEASE!!
Bynums in with 2 fouls. We need to go at him and try to get him his third. Same with Gasol if he comes back in before half. They both got two fouls in the first.
Belinelli is garbage, he needs to be benches for rest of the game.
He’s totally useless if he can’t even hit open shots.
not sure I agree w you, but Kevin Harlan does: “I don’t know why they keep shooting him, he’s just atrocious.” Gotta love tnt’s crew.
becuase of ariza’s pentration, we are gettin easy looks inside. just try to avoid jumpshootin ariza
Agree 100%
I love this ball movement!
I have enough with Belinelli, I mean wow, a pure shooter missed 2 WIDE open 3s?
Not to mention he was eaten up by Artest, I have no idea why he’s in the game at this point.
Kobe got owned by both Ariza and CP tonight lol!!!!
streams any1?
Kobe has upset CP3, thank you! Get em CP!
CHRIS PAUL IS THE GREATEST CYCLOPS EVER
LOL
yes….if kobe hasnt score yet it means hes going to be a ball hog in the 2nd half and no pass the ball
My favorite stat of the half is that the Hornets actually outrebounded the Lakers 19-14, and we have allowed 0 OFF reb in 2nd Q at all.
If Hornets clean the glass 2nd half they have a great chance.
get jack in for belly.
QUICK CANT BE CAUGHT!
FASHO
I came onto this website a while ago and was hard on the hornets because I am from Seattle and want a team badly, but realized that taking the hornets away from you would be just as bad as the people who took the sonics from us. I think the hornets are awesome and would love for them to beat the Lakers and win the championship. Hopefully the Hornets can stay in New Orleans.
We feel the same way. We can’t fight each other. We have to fight against things like 3 teams in LA. That’s what will kill us.
If you the news section, we follow the Kings situation closely. Following does little, admittedly, but education matters.
I hope Seattle can get a team again if some expansion occurs.
Stick around for the playoffs and the offseason.
It is frustrating that everytime Hornets can use a three pointer to boost momentum and Chris sets someone up (primarily Bellinelli) with a great look they miss. This offseason we have to get someone who can make those shots and get rid of Belinelli who has been nothing short of useless this series.
We had one and he got traded… Marcus.
You are the worst poster on this board. Get lost.
Just A Fan is right. Unfortunately.
No one can ever question Paul’s heart after this game.
JJ is absolutely horrible there is no reason Monty should be playing him. He’s a Monty pet and that’s all. Imagine the possibilities if Monty would actually use his head and coach the game.
even thought both jack and belli arent playing good in this game: jack > than belli.
Good thing Monty drew from the deep well of his basketball knowledge rather than your misinformed idiocy.
If you knew anything at all you would know that without all of JJ’s mistakes we wouldn’t have been this close at the end. Watch the game and don’t be biased and you’ll dee the dame thing.
Oops he just hits a huge basket.
Yes he was 1-6. That’s just amazing. Understand the sarcasm.
Come the 4th quarter, Jack off the bench was key.
Huge night for CP3…… 27 pts, 15 assists, 13 rebounds.
Amazing!! No fair I’m up here in Mich. Games like this make me happy that my roommates are Laker fans, I’ll be trash talking for awhile.
GREAT GAME! CP3, WOOOOOO!
I don’t care it’s my mama, I’d hit her too LOL!!
Ask kobe and the lakers if the cake taste good, cause they did was listen to all the experts say they gon sweep us like it was a cake walk. Time to play Ike in L.A. let’s get them in L.A. then back to the big easy
Numbers tonight: One eye. One thumb. Triple Double.
Yessir
Lakers caught Chris-poxs tonight
Grinning.
Leo, you stayed up for the game? What time did it start over there. Wait, it was probably 10 in the morning, wasn’t it?
Haha.. yes. 9:30 in the morning. Too bad I’m at work so I can only look at the online scoreboard once in a while.
Way to win one for the Gipper.
TREVOR ARIZA: The Kobe’s Nightmare!!!