The Immortal Prophecy

[Mike G]

So in summary, you are saying that even as the Cavs are showing signs of fatigue, within a game or a series, you don't adjust your strategy, but continue to fatigue them even more?

Fatigue is that variable which causes all efficiencies to rapidly approach zero. Unless, of course, you're wearing your opponent down as much or more.

3 games in 5 days: After 7 quarters, the Cavs were cruising to a 2-1 lead. In the last 5 quarters -- about 112 possessions -- they're outscored by 33 pts.

Maybe it's just coincidence. Maybe the Warriors heat up at the end of games, and it has nothing to do with weariness in the Cavs' D.
GSW margin by quarter:

Code: Select all

gm   1st   2nd  3rd  4th+    T
1    -10    7     3    8     8
2      0   -2    -1    1    -2
3     -4   -3   -10   12    -5
4      7    5    -6   15    21
avg  -1.8  1.8  -3.5  9.0   

[Kathoro]

How about a compromise? What if James burns a decent amount of the clock dribbling at the top of the key, initiates the pick and roll somewhat significantly into the clock, and then guns away from the three point line?

This might be ideal.

[Kathoro]

It seems like the Warriors switched quite a bit in pick and rolls against James in game 5 instead of handing him wide open threes. With that strategy, the Cavaliers basically have nothing on offense. I think if the Warriors continue switching pick and rolls against James, posting him up against players other than Iggy might be the best option they have. I would avoid posting him against Iggy as much as possible. If Iggy is on James, the best option the Cavs probably have is pick and roll with James as the ball handler and Mozgov as the pick man.

I am highly disappointed that James seems to have completely avoided using his spin move in the paint. I think he could get himself much better looks inside the lane if he utilized more change of direction moves on his drives. It seems as though he is constantly using "mono-directional" drives and forcing up extremely difficult shots at the end of them. Near the end of game 5, he actually made a superb drive in which he simultaneously changed direction and brought the ball behind his back. He should utilize that driving move more often regardless of how flashy it looks. This was actually a favorite move of mine that I used to use all the time. It is a very effective move, especially when performed by the body of James. Old-school coaches might hate it because they misinterpret it as too flashy, but certain types of players should use this move much more often than they do, especially James.

The other thing I'm extremely disappointed in is the lack of minutes for Mozgov. With this big of a talent gap between teams, there is just no excuse for the Cavaliers not to play Mozgov 30 minutes or more per game. He is clearly one of their best remaining players. His net +/- numbers have been staggering in this series. Absolutely unacceptable to play him only 9 minutes in game 5. Over and out.