[Grades] Grades v. Blazers 12/8/2012

[The_Jamal]

DeMarcus the last 3 games:

20 PPG, 13 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.0 block, 45% FG, 80% FT, and 7 FTA/game

Funny enough, when DeMarcus plays great basketball, the team goes on a 3 game winning streak. Just got to keep hoping he understands that he cannot take nights off from being the man and giving us this sort of production on a nightly basis

 

[Kingster]

Again, fast pace caused by turnovers. Once the Blazers stopped turning the ball over our offense struggled because we weren't getting easy baskets in transition. That said, its good to see the team capitalising on such turnovers. That is certainly very important, my point is just that we can't rely on these baskets alone to win games.

Our scrubs led the way to this blowout. Garcia, Salmons and Outlaw all played very well. Keith Smart pulled another Keith Smart in benching Jimmer ... so much for settling on one guy eh? Like others have said, we've played much better the last few games when Cousins has been playing with energy and also not getting into foul trouble.

What difference does it make? It's a fast break caused by a team that is committed to run. I don't think it makes a difference whether it's precipitated by turnovers or defensive rebounds; the running was started by both and they should run off of defensive rebounds and turnovers. The point is - we need to run the ball in order to win. The last three games showed that. Obviously, that doesn't mean we're going to win every night when we run the ball. But we have a heckuvalot better chance of winning when we run that when we don't.

 

[mac]

What difference does it make? It's a fast break caused by a team that is committed to run. I don't think it makes a difference whether it's precipitated by turnovers or defensive rebounds; the running was started by both and they should run off of defensive rebounds and turnovers. The point is - we need to run the ball in order to win. The last three games showed that. Obviously, that doesn't mean we're going to win every night when we run the ball. But we have a heckuvalot better chance of winning when we run that when we don't.

The difference is we were able to be successful because they were off of turnovers. If it was off normal shots the other team would be back in transition, and we can try and run all we want but we wouldn't be able to score many points off of it. You can't just run and push the pace on every single possession and throw half court offense out the window. I don't know about you but I haven't seen a single team ever do that successfully. I'm perfectly fine with us running the ball; just not as our main offensive strategy.

I'll agree with you on one thing - which is that our best shot at winning NOW is by running. Thing is, I'm thinking more long-term and more concerned with us executing in the half court. You don't need to teach a young team how to run very much off of turnovers. As long as they space the floor correctly while running they'll end up with an easy basket 80% of the time.

All I'm saying is don't simply equate running to winning. Once we play a good team that doesn't turn the ball over or gets the benefits of calls we won't get as many easy opportunities, and at the end of that I don't want to see you say something like "the team didn't win because they didn't play at a fast pace". The difference between just running and playing a slower tempo is that you can orchestrate a slow halfcourt offense unless you play a really superb defensive team. By setting screens and running plays you can get guys free for shots every single game. Running on the other hand, is very dependent on creating turnovers and opponents having poor offensive balance which affects their transition D.

 

[MizzouKing]

Finally able to see a Kings game, I was pretty impressed with the defensive effort! They're starting to buy in, but they're also getting better at it. Also really impressed at how they got back to team ball after squandering the 2nd quarter with a bunch of solo acts. More buy-in and hopefully lessons being learned.

I was aghast at Thornton's inability to pass the ball whenever his ticket was called...he seems to think every shot is a great shot when the ball's in his hands, never looking to get it to a teammate with a better shot. Finally, why does this team seem to think they have to make a move very early in the shot clock on every possession?

Overall I see progress for sure...a good night for Kings fans!
MK

 

[bajaden]

The difference is we were able to be successful because they were off of turnovers. If it was off normal shots the other team would be back in transition, and we can try and run all we want but we wouldn't be able to score many points off of it. You can't just run and push the pace on every single possession and throw half court offense out the window. I don't know about you but I haven't seen a single team ever do that successfully. I'm perfectly fine with us running the ball; just not as our main offensive strategy.

I'll agree with you on one thing - which is that our best shot at winning NOW is by running. Thing is, I'm thinking more long-term and more concerned with us executing in the half court. You don't need to teach a young team how to run very much off of turnovers. As long as they space the floor correctly while running they'll end up with an easy basket 80% of the time.

All I'm saying is don't simply equate running to winning. Once we play a good team that doesn't turn the ball over or gets the benefits of calls we won't get as many easy opportunities, and at the end of that I don't want to see you say something like "the team didn't win because they didn't play at a fast pace". The difference between just running and playing a slower tempo is that you can orchestrate a slow halfcourt offense unless you play a really superb defensive team. By setting screens and running plays you can get guys free for shots every single game. Running on the other hand, is very dependent on creating turnovers and opponents having poor offensive balance which affects their transition D.

Mac, what your saying is that we were able to make a cake because we had flour. Of course we were successful because we ran off turnovers. Thats what running teams do. And the turnovers hopefully come from good defense. Now you can argrue it anyway you want. You can say we were lucky that they were missing shots, or you can say our defense caused them to miss shots. Thats up to you. Personally, I think its a little bit of both. Good defense, and some good luck thrown in.

I'll give you this, its harder to run off made shots. Not impossible, if your going against a bad defensive team, but extremely hard if you are. The point is, the Portland announcers said before the game that the teams game plan was to get the Kings into a halfcourt game. So its not like they weren't trying. We ran, and we won, so kudo's to the Kings for at least one nignt. If we hadn't hit our outside shot, we probably wouldn't have won either. Some nights it just bounces your way.

 

[Kingster]

The difference is we were able to be successful because they were off of turnovers. If it was off normal shots the other team would be back in transition, and we can try and run all we want but we wouldn't be able to score many points off of it. You can't just run and push the pace on every single possession and throw half court offense out the window. I don't know about you but I haven't seen a single team ever do that successfully. I'm perfectly fine with us running the ball; just not as our main offensive strategy.

I'll agree with you on one thing - which is that our best shot at winning NOW is by running. Thing is, I'm thinking more long-term and more concerned with us executing in the half court. You don't need to teach a young team how to run very much off of turnovers. As long as they space the floor correctly while running they'll end up with an easy basket 80% of the time.

All I'm saying is don't simply equate running to winning. Once we play a good team that doesn't turn the ball over or gets the benefits of calls we won't get as many easy opportunities, and at the end of that I don't want to see you say something like "the team didn't win because they didn't play at a fast pace". The difference between just running and playing a slower tempo is that you can orchestrate a slow halfcourt offense unless you play a really superb defensive team. By setting screens and running plays you can get guys free for shots every single game. Running on the other hand, is very dependent on creating turnovers and opponents having poor offensive balance which affects their transition D.

Then we don't disagree. The Kings absolutely, positively must run NOW in order to have a chance of winning. That doesn't guarantee them victory, but it definitely gives them a better chance than if they walk the ball up the floor. Walking the ball up the floor is a virtal guarantee of losing for this team. I don't think I've ever advocated running off made baskets, and I've never seen it this year on this team. They must run off of turnovers AND defensive rebounds.

Longer term, yes, they must incorporate a more precise half-court offense into the overall scheme. But they've got to crawl before they can run. Smashing their face into the halfcourt wall of dribble, dribble, force/turnover, will do nothing longer term for the success of this team. It will just destroy morale. They need to experience some winning and fun with the running game to gain the morale and motivation to slowly but surely learn the precision of a half court offense. What could easily happen is that the Kings could become a pretty good running team and approximate that .500 record, but then hit a wall at around .500 because they're not great at running a half-court offense. That's fine. At that point they can fully commit to get better on the half-court offense. In the meantime, it serves no purpose to destroy the morale and overall esprit de corps of this team to belabor a half court offense.

 

[Tyndel]

Then we don't disagree. The Kings absolutely, positively must run NOW in order to have a chance of winning. That doesn't guarantee them victory, but it definitely gives them a better chance than if they walk the ball up the floor. Walking the ball up the floor is a virtal guarantee of losing for this team. I don't think I've ever advocated running off made baskets, and I've never seen it this year on this team. They must run off of turnovers AND defensive rebounds.

Longer term, yes, they must incorporate a more precise half-court offense into the overall scheme. But they've got to crawl before they can run. Smashing their face into the halfcourt wall of dribble, dribble, force/turnover, will do nothing longer term for the success of this team. It will just destroy morale. They need to experience some winning and fun with the running game to gain the morale and motivation to slowly but surely learn the precision of a half court offense. What could easily happen is that the Kings could become a pretty good running team and approximate that .500 record, but then hit a wall at around .500 because they're not great at running a half-court offense. That's fine. At that point they can fully commit to get better on the half-court offense. In the meantime, it serves no purpose to destroy the morale and overall esprit de corps of this team to belabor a half court offense.

Isn't that what we did last year with basically the exact same players?

I am amazed at how easy people think it is for a leopard to change its spots. If you are going to do something do it right from the start. That doesn't mean we can't run but running is a matter of being in physical shape and not being too worn out and can be done at any time you don't make it the central theme of your offense its secondary and resultant of good defense. Remember we ran without good defense last year and it worked amazingly well.... When it matters the game will be won or lost in the 1/2 court.

 

[Padrino]

Isn't that what we did last year with basically the exact same players?

I am amazed at how easy people think it is for a leopard to change its spots. If you are going to do something do it right from the start. That doesn't mean we can't run but running is a matter of being in physical shape and not being too worn out and can be done at any time you don't make it the central theme of your offense its secondary and resultant of good defense. Remember we ran without good defense last year and it worked amazingly well.... When it matters the game will be won or lost in the 1/2 court.

indeed. it must supplement offensive/defensive discipline and focus...

 

[mac]

Mac, what your saying is that we were able to make a cake because we had flour. Of course we were successful because we ran off turnovers. Thats what running teams do. And the turnovers hopefully come from good defense. Now you can argrue it anyway you want. You can say we were lucky that they were missing shots, or you can say our defense caused them to miss shots. Thats up to you. Personally, I think its a little bit of both. Good defense, and some good luck thrown in.

I'll give you this, its harder to run off made shots. Not impossible, if your going against a bad defensive team, but extremely hard if you are. The point is, the Portland announcers said before the game that the teams game plan was to get the Kings into a halfcourt game. So its not like they weren't trying. We ran, and we won, so kudo's to the Kings for at least one nignt. If we hadn't hit our outside shot, we probably wouldn't have won either. Some nights it just bounces your way.

Well this Dallas game going on is an example of what I was trying to get at. We're ****ed the minute the other team doesn't turn the ball over or is shooting well, because we can't get out and run. You can't force getting easy baskets by running, or can only do so to limited effectiveness - it's very dependent on the opponent's offense. Even if you play good D the majority of the time you'll simply force a bad shot and get a defensive rebound. again making it hard to run. The emphasis on our team should be on learning to execute a halfcourt offense, not just running all the time as some fans seem to think.

 

[rainmaker]

There's a difference between running when you have the opportunity, and just coming down quickly and jacking up the first shot you see. We're more the latter than the former. Works when shots are falling, but generally they're poor shots to begin with, and when they aren't falling we really suffer as a result.

We take a lot of poor shots, a lot of quick shots and a lot of selfish shots. Sometimes we make them and no one mentions it. But as soon as we start missing our lack of an offense becomes quite clear. Running and gunning as a philosophy is fools gold. Using it to cover up teaching a half court system and drilling it into the minds of our young players is a horrible mistake.

 

[mac]

There's a difference between running when you have the opportunity, and just coming down quickly and jacking up the first shot you see. We're more the latter than the former. Works when shots are falling, but generally they're poor shots to begin with, and when they aren't falling we really suffer as a result.

We take a lot of poor shots, a lot of quick shots and a lot of selfish shots. Sometimes we make them and no one mentions it. But as soon as we start missing our lack of an offense becomes quite clear. Running and gunning as a philosophy is fools gold. Using it to cover up teaching a half court system and drilling it into the minds of our young players is a horrible mistake.

Yes. And we should be asking for more half court execution each and every game, not running or a fast pace. It doesn't matter if we lose as long as we see that the works have at least started and are in progress. And player morale means diddly squat to me. I don't care if they're not "having fun" because they're just learning to execute a half court offense and have to set screens and stuff and where not everyone has the green light anymore. If they can't recognise that a good half court offense is essential to long-term winning and championship contention in the NBA then they truly lack basketball IQ and I'd be more than willing to ship them out. I'd much rather us "suffer" for a season or two than end up getting that 13-15 pick or at very best the 8th seed in the playoffs for years to come. And if we'd started on this last season we would be a lot closer to having an offense where guys don't play selfishly or pound the ball or whatever than we are now.

 

[Tyndel]

And we should have already had that season or 2 of learning and losing but instead we ran... helped us hunh? Even smart could have spent last season teaching the guys to do it right and reaped the rewards this season but instead he wanted to throw defense and competing under the bus to put up high losing scores. Time is finite and the windows close too fast to mess around. We will have reke sign a qualifying at the end of the year and walk the next season if he had any sense about his long term nba career because almost anywhere else he will be in a better position to make more money on and off the court and he will have a better chance to win. Cousins will follow a year later because we wasted the last couple years and we should have been winning by now. We have the same players as last year in all our major spots and yet we didn't work on working as a team last year so we are having to learn it now we didn't work on 1/2 court last year so we will have to make it up as we go.... We put off winning this year by running last.

 

[Kingster]

Isn't that what we did last year with basically the exact same players?

I am amazed at how easy people think it is for a leopard to change its spots. If you are going to do something do it right from the start. That doesn't mean we can't run but running is a matter of being in physical shape and not being too worn out and can be done at any time you don't make it the central theme of your offense its secondary and resultant of good defense. Remember we ran without good defense last year and it worked amazingly well.... When it matters the game will be won or lost in the 1/2 court.

What's this "when it matters" bologna? It always matters.

 

[Kingster]

There's a difference between running when you have the opportunity, and just coming down quickly and jacking up the first shot you see. We're more the latter than the former. Works when shots are falling, but generally they're poor shots to begin with, and when they aren't falling we really suffer as a result.

We take a lot of poor shots, a lot of quick shots and a lot of selfish shots. Sometimes we make them and no one mentions it. But as soon as we start missing our lack of an offense becomes quite clear. Running and gunning as a philosophy is fools gold. Using it to cover up teaching a half court system and drilling it into the minds of our young players is a horrible mistake.

Please tell me who is advocating the Kings coming on down the floor jacking up shots. Or hurling up shots. Or throwing up shots. Or gunning up shots. I'd really like to know. How about just running off of turnovers and missed baskets and do it in a fairly intelligent fashion. Do you think they could possibly manage that? Do you think they have enough brain power to not jack up, gun up, hurl up or throw up shots. If they don't, then they ABSOLUTELY don't have the smarts to do a half court offense with any efficiency.

In general, when the Kings run the ball, they have a rhythm to their game, they get more open shots than in the half court, and they have a better chance of winning. I don't even think arguable.

 

[Spike]

In general, when the Kings run the ball, they have a rhythm to their game, they get more open shots than in the half court, and they have a better chance of winning. I don't even think arguable.

It's like last year didn't happen...