After the game, the coaching staff held a review meeting about the match.
The new veteran coach, Paul Silas, asked, "Randy, Chip, has our consistency declined a lot compared to last season?"
Ingles responded, "Scoring from breakthroughs, defense, and stability have all declined. Even when we were not in good form last season, we could rely on breakthroughs and defense to ensure a relatively high level. Tonight, we lacked that. We were missing players who could threaten with their drives and cuts, and Emeka’s scoring opportunities were reduced.
His colleagues nodded in agreement.
This involves a very "counterintuitive" point. People generally think that having many three-point shooters and creating space makes it easier for centers to score more points, but in reality, this situation is limited to only a few centers like Peak Yao and Shaq.
Actually, a team’s ability to drive and cut into the basket strongly is what creates more scoring opportunities for centers, like the OK connection, mostly involving Kobe driving or cutting to receive the ball and pulling the opposing center away to feed O’Neal, rather than passing to O’Neal from the perimeter...Of course, this is based on the wing shooters ensuring a basic threat of spaced-out three-pointers.
For most centers, if their teammates are three-point shooters, their scoring often relies only on offensive rebounds and second-chance points. If the opposition just places a big defender under the basket, they struggle to score through isolation plays.
Okafor’s one-on-one ability is considered very good, but even he becomes ’most centers’ when facing a strong low-post defender like Bogut.
Randy Brown said, "However, our three-point performance has improved a lot from last season. Tonight we made 11 three-pointers; last season, we rarely hit more than 10 in a game. When Jack draws a double team through isolation plays, our wing shooters seize the opportunity well, giving Raymond better catch-and-shoot performances."
Vincent expressed, "Jack’s performance was astonishing. Reed scoring 43 points is already very scary, but I didn’t expect Jack to actually get 50 points!"
Carlisle added, "I also didn’t expect Jack to outdo Reed in one-on-one. Jack is better mid-distance, but Reed excels in three-pointers, and in terms of attacking the basket, Reed’s physical conditions are also better; defensively, Reed is stronger and more forceful, creating more possibilities. Jack, on the other hand, is more stable and times his shot disruptions better...Strength-wise, I think Reed is a bit stronger, but Jack is an incredible player."
Randy Brown commented, "Game intelligence and choice of plays are also parts of strength. He knows better than Reed what to do during the game, and he is more resolute and confident, not doubting himself after a miss or two. Watching him play, I am always reminded of the greats like Bird and Michael; even if he misses several shots in a row, when the ball comes back to him, I still think he can score."
Carlisle remarked, "Exactly, that’s Jack, an extraordinary player."
Bickerstaff, who had been quiet, interjected, "I just think he prefers shooting."
General Manager, please don’t be so antisocial!
Everyone’s in awe, and you say something like that, killing the mood!
Carlisle glanced at Bickerstaff and said, "Regardless of what Jack thinks, having him makes our job a lot easier. When we need time to think about tactics, giving him the ball is a great choice...Chip, about enhancing our threat on drives, what are your thoughts?"
Ingles was ready and flipped open his notebook, saying, "Our players who score more from the inside include Rajon, Raymond, Jack, Alan, Paul, Emeka, Nazr, Kendrick, Grant.
Nazr and Kendrick are both positioned to catch in the three-second area; they can’t create a threat, only finish.
Alan is versatile, can shoot and cut, and is adaptable, but his athletic ability is limited, and his potential isn’t great.
Raymond and Rajon’s one-on-one attacks are too easily defended, so they’re not suitable.
Grant has decent skills and intelligence, and his athletic ability is better than we expected, but he is older and has injury concerns. I don’t recommend him for this role; playing off-ball like Alan and scoring on cuts suits him better."
Carlisle asked, "So the possibility to enhance this aspect lies with Jack, Paul, and Emeka?"
Ingles confirmed, "Yes, the best option is to develop Paul’s cutting and ball-handling drives. His ball control improved significantly this summer and conditions are ripe for developing this skill, but it requires practice, and having him take on this role now would be a bad choice.
Rick, you mentioned last summer about the impact of Gerald’s departure on our attacking strength. I thought the improvements in Paul and Alan could compensate somewhat, but unfortunately, Alan’s talent is too ordinary, and Paul’s improvement in attacking wasn’t as significant as I expected."
Emeka is well-suited for this; his performance on cuts after setting screens on the perimeter is good, but his weight is a bit too much at 260 pounds (118 kg). Running at that weight is too heavy. Barefoot, he’s only 6’9", and losing 10 pounds would suit him better, improving his cutting speed and follow-up on fast breaks."
Jack, on the other hand, faces an age issue. His height, weight, and skill are adequate, and with age, his strength naturally increases, naturally enhancing his performance in attacking the basket."
Carlisle nodded, "Jack is the least of our worries in this regard...Chip, the adjustment in Paul’s playing style is up to you, focus on practicing his attacks and playmaking. Let him gradually find his rhythm through intrateam scrimmages and real games with teammates."