[Grades] Grades v. Bulls 2/3/2014

[Bricklayer]

Another "All-Star" bites the dust.

Woot! Isn't life just more fun when Boogie is back? So this went about as well as you could ever have expected it to. The Bulls have no talent, so decided to play some football instead. Boogie showed no signs of rust at all and dominated the middle. IT stepped back and contained himself as an efficient 3rd option, Rudy got going after a terrible start, and get this: we brought the defense. Cousins was a big part of that actually, but it was mostly team wide. Now the Bulls can't score anyway, but tonight was extreme ugliness. We held them to 28% shooting on the night. 28%! Joakim Noah got thrown out and had a colorful expletive for each of the zebras in order -- if we ever were to pair he and Cuz the refs would show up at the arena in ear muffs. We left Cuz in to start the 4th and with help from an unexpected source (Jimmer fighting for his rotation spot after McCallum fell on his face in the first half) rather than the lead shrinking, it exploded into a 30pt rout. It was a beat down, and with the Big Three back together we were finally back in the beat downer's role rather than the beat downee.

Your Consoritum Graders tonight:
Bricklayer
Henkel
Rainmaker
MassachusettsKingsFan

Boxscore

Stats: 25min 14pts (6-12, 0-0, 2-2) 6reb 1ast 2stl 1blk 6TO
Gay ( C+ ) -- Rudy was just OK tonight, but fortunately for the Kings that was all they really needed out of him. The first quarter was probably his weakest of the game. He just wasn’t scoring, and aside from a few nice passes inside to DMC, he was invisible out there. He would eventually get some of his offense going, and that included a nice (and important) 6 straight points late in the second quarter that would stretch the Kings lead to 7. I don’t want to give too much credit to Rudy and that flurry of points, but the Kings never looked back from that point on. He would chip in with a few more drives here and there, but outside of that run he was never really the focal point of the offense. I don’t know if it was in the scouting report or what, but when Rudy got the ball it felt like he was trying to drive with it most of the time. I like the attitude, but he was getting the ball stripped from him quite a bit tonight. Turnovers were certainly an issue. He made a solid contribution on the glass, which contributed to how badly the Kings destroyed the Bulls in rebounding (53-30). This was a blowout, and Gay only played 25 minutes. I’d have to think if he played his season average his numbers would look a little more impressive, but he was still a positive contributor tonight, and a C+ seems appropriate for what he gave the Kings in this one. --Mass

Stats: 20min 2pts (0-1, 0-0, 2-2) 4reb 0ast 0stl 0blk 2TO
Thompson ( C ) -- we were a man down, so I took all the lesser grades on the night (PFs and SGs), and man did they put the lesser in lesser. There's almost nothing to talk about with JT tonight. With the Big Three reunited, there was not a ball to spare for our SG and PF. Just before half all three of the Big Three were in double figures, while Marcus and JT had 0pts apiece. Then JT hit two FTs for his only points of the night. I don't think JT had even taken a shot and his only offensive highlight, so to speak, was getting off balance on a post move, missing it, and picking up an loose ball foul trying to get the ball back. So with the offensive side of the ball out of the picture, how did he do on the side where he was going to have to make his money tonight? Ok. Not great. Tonight wasn't a night where his contributions keyed our defensive effort, and I think Acy was actually the better PF tonight on both ends. But after Boozer scored on him to start the game, JT was back to playing Cuz's silent in the background wingman. He's not primarily responsible for Boozer's bad night, later in the game he would get backdoored by Gibson for an alley oop. But he was typically in the region. In a huge change from our normal issues, the Bulls got very few unchallenged shots inside, and while it was Cuz who was notably active back there, in the background Jason was stepping over to rotate as well. Had a few loose fouls in the early going , never was much on the boards as Cuz just dominated the glass, but...Jason did not stand out in any good or bad way. Just there, filled the role. And so wil get that grade.--Brick

Stats: 34min 25pts (8-15, 0-0, 9-15) 16reb 4ast 0stl 1blk 4TO
Cousins ( A ) -- The return of our foundation into the lineup saw an immediate reversal of fortune, where after dropping our last six games we thoroughly routed and blew the Bulls off the floor. Boogie started this one on a mission and seemed destined for a gigantic night as he came out and put up 11 pts/7 rebs in the 1st quarter, mostly by over-muscling and over-powering the Bulls frontline. Boogie absolutely dominated inside early on and Chicago had no answers as the only thing which could stop him was himself, and he did just that, getting into foul trouble(picking up 3 before half) which limited his mins and disrupted his rhythm. The 2nd half saw continued dominance from Boogie, not only on the offensive end but also by cleaning the glass. Something we saw tonight and must have been apparent to just about every Kings fan was his presence, the attention he commands and willingness to move the ball added multiple dimensions to our offense which have been sorely missed since he picked up the ankle injury. Tonight our attack mostly went through Cuz, the guys played off him and it truly had a positive effect on our offense. Guys were getting good looks, open looks. The ball was quickly swung off the doubles/triples he drew and Chicago couldn't keep up. He was the focus of Chicago's defensive attention, causing them headaches while practically allowing his teammates to attack 4v3 or 4v2 due to the defense overloading against him in the hope of stopping him. It really was just hope and Boogie did what he wanted most of the night. Apparently frustrated the stuffing out of Noah and after banging against Boogie for a little under three quarters, decided he had had enough, picking up his 2nd tech on the night and went to the showers early. Noah as we all know is no slouch defensively and for Cuz to bully him, treat him like a kid who hasn't yet reached HS graduation, then has to go home and watch that same guy represent the East in the All Star will not be fun, but should add motivation. I thought Boogie came out with a chip on his shoulder from the opening tip tonight and believe it's largely due to the perceived All Star snub. Watch out NBA. --Rain

Stats: 24min 4pts (1-6, 0-3, 2-2) 2reb 2ast 0stl 0blk 0TO
Thornton ( D ) -- same guy who scored 42 two weeks ago believe it or not. And nights like tonight are why that just does not matter anymore. Not able to function in the shots starved environment presented by the Cuz/Gay/IT trio. Started off the game missing his jumpers, and was quickly ignored afterwards. Got to the line once forcing a dumb take on the break into a guy's chest. Got chased down from behind on one break and had his shot blocked. Had no particular effect on the other end either, got shot over by the taller Chicago wings, and Malone was off searching for a SG again, first trying McLemore, then when that was no better, going to Gay. --Brick

Stats: 31min 19pts (7-9, 0-0, 5-6) 3reb 3ast 0stl 0blk 2TO
Thomas ( B+ ) -- With Cousins back and his role diminished did a nice job of picking his spots without forcing much. Wasn't involved early as we were looking to set up Gay and Cousins against their perspective match ups. Started to play his way into the game mid way through the first. Had a nice pick and roll with Cousins, which was followed up with a nice floater in the lane. Kept finding his way into the lane as he manage to split on a couple floaters in the paint. Finished the quarter impressively as he found Acey down low and then found him again for the corner three as time expired. Didn't get much rest as momentum was shifting. Not a pretty game at this point as sloppy play and the Bulls style bogged down the offense. Helped turn things around to close out the half. Hinrich and Augustin just couldn't stay in front of him as he manage to get inside for a pretty little floater off the glass. Got inside a couple more times before the half including a easy drive right to the rim to closes it out. A quite third quarter, but with Gay and Cousins rolling there's no shame, maybe even virtue, in taking one shot and blending in. Isaiah's defensive effort and hustle was solid tonight, but to be fair the Bulls guards couldn't hit anything including their open looks. Didn't log a minute in the fourth as Cousins and Jimmer closed things out. After a rough stretch it was nice to see Isaiah under control and looking to pick his spots as the offense flowed mostly through Gay and Cousins post ups in the high and low post. Better off the ball then he's given credit for and despite his weaknesses can be valuable spacing the floor. If he sticks around post trade deadline it should be interesting to see how he develops as the third option. --Henkel

 

[Bricklayer]

Bench

Stats: 23min 9pts (3-4, 1-1, 2-2) 6reb 1ast 2stl 0blk 0TO
Acy ( A ) -- Quincy was simply an animal tonight on both ends. He's always been a high energy/high effort guy but tonight he had a larger impact on the game than usual and was a key part in us romping the Bulls. I'm going to talk about Acy's defense first since I put much value on that end. Spent many of his mins matched-up against either Boozer or Gibson and neither was able to get much going tonight as they shot a combined 8-26. Quincy's man to man defense played a big part in that. He team defense was also very good, made quick rotations and got his hands on a few loose balls. Was active on the offensive glass and finished inside, where his high energy/hustle was an advantage. Even stepped out on the perimeter and hit a corner 3 at the buzzer to end the 1st on a setup from Isaiah. Just a great all-around effort from Quincy tonight. A high energy guy who gives it all for us every night and was rewarded in this one with a better statistical night than usual. --Mass

Stats: 24min 5pts (1-4, 0-0, 3-4) 9reb 0ast 1stl 0blk 1TO
Williams ( D ) -- This was frustrating. If you are reading this grade, I’m sure you’ve watched the GIF on this page about 30 times already. And you know, I’d love to talk about something else but that was really Williams’s only memorable contribution to tonight’s effort. For those who haven’t seen it (somehow), late in the fourth quarter Williams anticipated a lazy Bulls pass, got the steal, and proceeded to toss the ball off the backboard (going for an off the backboard dunk) and totally botched it. He looked bad doing it, the Kings looked bad doing it (act like you’ve been there before?) and Malone benched him shortly after. It was dumb, and Williams wasn’t exactly playing well before that, either. He could have used the two points. Most of my notes on Williams’s game tonight involved some level of lazy defense. Lazy closing out on shooters, lazy picking up a man in transition … It just feels like he falls asleep out there a lot. I don’t know its laziness so much as it is slow reaction time, but it’s not good. He wasn’t much of a factor offensively, but in his defense he wasn’t really getting the ball. His rebounding, which is particularly important on a bench unit that includes two undersized PF’s in Acy and Landry, was good. That rebounding, and the fact that his subpar play had no bearing on the outcome of this one are the only things keeping this grade at a D level. --Mass

Stats: 20min 5pts (2-7, 0-2, 1-1) 0reb 2ast 0stl 0blk 2TO
McLemore ( D ) -- another struggling night for Ben. Came in the game missing his jumpers once more, and after the third miss, and with the offense floundering in the 2nd, Malone got him out of there and brought back Gay. Got a lot of late minutes as the blowout expanded. Glided to an easy leakout hoop at the rim in the early 4th. Thought he got tripped on another open court opportunity, but when you saw it on replay it was clear he got bailed out because he literally tripped over his own feet. But on the resulting inbound play made a nice little drive and flip inside for his second hoop. Added an airballed jumper late as our rookie shootist remains the kid who can't shoot straight. Looked out of position at times on defense, but the Bulls were so pathetic it caused next to no damage. --Brick

Stats: 11min 4pts (2-2, 0-0, 0-0) 1reb 0ast 0stl 0blk 1TO
Landry ( D ) -- limited minutes and frankly for a guy that Malone may have caused us to overpay for, doesn't seem to have any role for us right now other than "other big". Hit an early turnaround jumper, and late in the garbagetime hit another, as the stroke is at least looking better. But got nothing accomplished on the glass again, and in his first stint was backed down and overpowered by Gibson for a hoop causing Cousins and Thompson to be quickly called upon again. Lost his minutes to Acy basically, who was giving us a lot more of what we need from the position. --Brick

Stats: 6min 0pts (0-2, 0-0, 0-0) 1reb 1ast 0stl 0blk 1TO
McCallum ( INC ) -- Not ready for this level yet. Right away it's clear he has a tough time with ball pressure. Had a poor entry pass to the high post picked off because he was too far out on the perimeter. Wasn't able to get to spots any guard should be able to get to. Closed his brief stint with a ugly sequence. Threw up a poor shot after wasting most of the clock going nowhere. Quickly followed that up with a poorly run fast break where he gave the ball up way to early and when he got it back couldn't finish a easy layup. Didn't earn himself any minutes tonight. --Henkel

Stats: 8min 0pts (0-0, 0-0, 0-0) 3reb 0ast 0stl 1blk 1TO
Gray ( C+ ) -- Didn't get many mins in this one. Did a solid job defensively and provided a presence down low, even if his slow feet hurt him a time or two and made a small impact on the glass while he was in there. Did absolutely nothing to speak of on the offensive end aside from set a few solid screens. Don't really need more from him on that end though. Basically allowed us to keep our momentum while Boogie got some rest on the bench for 3 mins, then got the rest of his mins at the tail end of the blowout. --Rain

Stats: 11min 11pts (5-5, 1-1, 0-0) 1reb 4ast 2stl 0blk 2TO
Fredette ( B+ ) -- Came in late third with a sizable lead and along with Cousins put this one away in impressive fashion. Had one bad turnover, but besides that it was a pretty flawless run that included a nice little spin moves inside and a couple beautifully run pick and rolls to go a long with his outside shot. He wasn't going against the best or most motivated competition, still he looked like a lead guard for once. Here's hoping for the sake of both parties he can keep this up and find himself a opportunity by the deadline. --Henkel

Stats: 3min 2pts (1-2, 0-1, 0-0) 1reb 0ast 0stl 0blk 0TO
Outlaw ( INC ) -- Came in with about 3 minutes left after Williams embarrassed himself and knocked down an open jumper. --Mass

 

[KingMilz]

#DMC, best performance off the season in terms of getting himself to the line/getting easy buckets by making high IQ cuts.
# Acy was a monster on D caused havoc and made 2 nice moves and showed a bit of range
#IT great game, I honestly think he's more happy than anyone to have Cousins back it's helping him more than anyone
#Rudy slow game for him still shot at a decent clip but he gave us just enough, quiet a few TO's
#Williams did a great job on the boards crap at everything else but
#Thornton........Mclemore..........Razor Ray.......
#Jimmer great game came in and just went bananas and made great passes

 

[Sluggah]

Fun game. Jimmer has really picked it up lately and I feel like Cousins defense has been surprisingly stellar in his last 10 games or so.

As to the poll, as currently built, I think we could be a .500 team.

 

[KingMilz]

2nd time In a row the Bulls visit us and we decimate them, I remember didn't Cole Alridch have like a +40 +/- last year when I think Cousins missed the game?

 

[The_Jamal]

I'd be really intrigued to see the impact Acy could make in 30+ mpg. He's really developing strong as a defender and rebounder. While I don't know if the jumper is a consistent weapon, he's certainly shown ability to hit it. He's perfectly content not shooting ever. Basically, he's showing a lot of the attributes we've been wanting next to Cousins. He's also only 23, so there's room for growth.

Boozer and Gibson were a combined 8-26 for 19 points. A lot of that was Acy's D. Just off memory, I can recall at least 5 shots he altered that lead to a Bulls brick. I'm sure it was probably closer to 10.

 

[fanop]

By big 3, I hope you meant with IT off the bench. The stats don't show it, but Cuz played very very very very well tonight on both ends of the floor. JT didn't have much of a stat filler, but did a great job on Boozer. Overall great game from everyone

 

[Bricklayer]

I'd be really intrigued to see the impact Acy could make in 30+ mpg. He's really developing strong as a defender and rebounder. While I don't know if the jumper is a consistent weapon, he's certainly shown ability to hit it. He's perfectly content not shooting ever. Basically, he's showing a lot of the attributes we've been wanting next to Cousins. He's also only 23, so there's room for growth.

Boozer and Gibson were a combined 8-26 for 19 points. A lot of that was Acy's D. Just off memory, I can recall at least 5 shots he altered that lead to a Bulls brick. I'm sure it was probably closer to 10.

Wasn't just the man defense either -- he was doing a great job at stepping over and shutting down lanes, particularly that baseline. I don't think he's good enough to be amajor starter, nor big enough. Just the last couple of games we saw Dirk and Duncan just treetop him. But he and Cousins are rapidly forming up some nice macho chemistry. Starter or not, he's precisely the sort, and spirit, of toughguy you want to pepper in around a big center. They feed off each other.

 

[fanop]

I'd be really intrigued to see the impact Acy could make in 30+ mpg. He's really developing strong as a defender and rebounder. While I don't know if the jumper is a consistent weapon, he's certainly shown ability to hit it. He's perfectly content not shooting ever. Basically, he's showing a lot of the attributes we've been wanting next to Cousins. He's also only 23, so there's room for growth.

Boozer and Gibson were a combined 8-26 for 19 points. A lot of that was Acy's D. Just off memory, I can recall at least 5 shots he altered that lead to a Bulls brick. I'm sure it was probably closer to 10.

Acy fouls too much to get 30+ mins a game. Acy is too short to defend taller PFs like LMA who can easily just shoot over him. Acy's only 6'7 making Gay taller than him.. he's not an ideal rim protector even with his good blocking skills. I think his perfect role is to provide instant defense and grab boards for the kings. He's always had a jumper(not a great one), but he rarely uses it.

 

[jcwkings]

I think Cousins is finally starting to realize that he can make a difference on the defensive end. At 6'11 with wingspan and as strong as he is, he just needs to make the proper rotation and stick his hands in the air. That alone will alter shots and make guards think twice about coming inside.

 

[VF21]

Sentence I never really thought I'd see...

Joakim Noah was in a physical battle with the big front line of the Sacramento Kings and he was getting frustrated...

from probasketballtalk

 

[ShastaKingsFan]

Acy fouls too much to get 30+ mins a game. Acy is too short to defend taller PFs like LMA who can easily just shoot over him. Acy's only 6'7 making Gay taller than him.. he's not an ideal rim protector even with his good blocking skills. I think his perfect role is to provide instant defense and grab boards for the kings. He's always had a jumper(not a great one), but he rarely uses it.

His head height doesn't matter. His standing reach does. He has very long arms and as a result is "longer" than many guys who are taller.

For perspective, his standing reach is only 1.5" less than Anthony Davis' and is 1/2" more than Festus Ezeli

Here's the link to his measurements. Very long arms and huge hands....http://www.nbadraft.net/2012-nba-combine-measurements

 

[The_Jamal]

Wasn't just the man defense either -- he was doing a great job at stepping over and shutting down lanes, particularly that baseline. I don't think he's good enough to be amajor starter, nor big enough. Just the last couple of games we saw Dirk and Duncan just treetop him. But he and Cousins are rapidly forming up some nice macho chemistry. Starter or not, he's precisely the sort, and spirit, of toughguy you want to pepper in around a big center. They feed off each other.

Thing is, he's got the standing reach, wing-span, and athleticism to make up for his height. Andre Drummond who's 4 inches taller, only has 2 more inches on Acy's standing reach. Rodman, Ben Wallace, Brand etc. There is some precedence of small guys making a huge defensive impact in the league at the 4 spot.

I don't think he's a long-term guy either, but I don't think we have much to lose in seeing what he can develop into until that other guy comes along. Perhaps we strike gold. Especially if IT-Gay-Cuz is what we're going to be rolling with for the foreseeable future.

 

[KingMilz]

Wasn't just the man defense either -- he was doing a great job at stepping over and shutting down lanes, particularly that baseline. I don't think he's good enough to be amajor starter, nor big enough. Just the last couple of games we saw Dirk and Duncan just treetop him. But he and Cousins are rapidly forming up some nice macho chemistry. Starter or not, he's precisely the sort, and spirit, of toughguy you want to pepper in around a big center. They feed off each other.

On top of all that he's only going to make under 1 million next season if we pick up his contract or whatever it's called.

I honestly don't see what Kennath Faried has that Acy does not. Acy is a much better defender than Faired as well.

 

[ShastaKingsFan]

I'd be really intrigued to see the impact Acy could make in 30+ mpg. He's really developing strong as a defender and rebounder. While I don't know if the jumper is a consistent weapon, he's certainly shown ability to hit it. He's perfectly content not shooting ever. Basically, he's showing a lot of the attributes we've been wanting next to Cousins. He's also only 23, so there's room for growth.

Boozer and Gibson were a combined 8-26 for 19 points. A lot of that was Acy's D. Just off memory, I can recall at least 5 shots he altered that lead to a Bulls brick. I'm sure it was probably closer to 10.

For what Malone is looking for, Acy makes a lot more sense for big minutes than Landry does

 

[pshn80]

Great game. Cuz not only played well, he brought out the beast in the whole team. Fun to see everyone have such a good time. Just keep trying to improve on this., constant defense, and have fun. It wouldn't hurt to win three in a row.

 

[The_Jamal]

Slightly random thought, but remember when we all begged for Travis Outlaw to get major minutes at the SF? Those were the times

 

[Telemachus]

I loved the communication I saw on defense tonight. If they keep talking, the defense will only get better.

 

[Tetsujin]

I'd be really intrigued to see the impact Acy could make in 30+ mpg. He's really developing strong as a defender and rebounder. While I don't know if the jumper is a consistent weapon, he's certainly shown ability to hit it. He's perfectly content not shooting ever. Basically, he's showing a lot of the attributes we've been wanting next to Cousins. He's also only 23, so there's room for growth.

Boozer and Gibson were a combined 8-26 for 19 points. A lot of that was Acy's D. Just off memory, I can recall at least 5 shots he altered that lead to a Bulls brick. I'm sure it was probably closer to 10.

Quincy is probably what Geoff Petrie intended us to get when he gave Chuck Hayes that ridiculous contract. Great glue guy with strong defensive work ethic and tenacious on the boards. Unlike the Chuckwagon, Quincy can jump and hit a shot from outside the paint.

 

[Bricklayer]

On top of all that he's only going to make under 1 million next season if we pick up his contract or whatever it's called.

I honestly don't see what Kennath Faried has that Acy does not. Acy is a much better defender than Faired as well.

Fareid is a much MUCH better rebounder.

Acy's finding some rebounding legs of late, but its not against top guys/starters, and his per 36min has been 9.4here, 8.8 for his career. By comparison Faried's career per 36 is 11.8, which is almost as good as Cousins' 12.0.

I think Quincy is a little bit deceptive to watch, because whenever he does do something good he does it with so much enthusiasm the impression lingers and you have a tendency to overlook the quiet stretches of a guy who averages 3.2pts 4.0rebs.

 

[Tetsujin]

I think Quincy is a little bit deceptive to watch, because whenever he does do something good he does it with so much enthusiasm the impression lingers and you have a tendency to overlook the quiet stretches of a guy who averages 3.2pts 4.0rebs.

That puts him in Mikki Moore territory.

 

[Hadlowe]

Fareid is a much MUCH better rebounder.

Acy's finding some rebounding legs of late, but its not against top guys/starters, and his per 36min has been 9.4here, 8.8 for his career. By comparison Faried's career per 36 is 11.8, which is almost as good as Cousins' 12.0.

I think Quincy is a little bit deceptive to watch, because whenever he does do something good he does it with so much enthusiasm the impression lingers and you have a tendency to overlook the quiet stretches of a guy who averages 3.2pts 4.0rebs.

FWIW, I would rather have Acy than Faried. Faried subscribes to the Kevin Love school of rebounding. That school has 2 rules:

1. Box out weak side on every shot attempt.
2. If the question is between rotating to contest a shot and boxing out weak side, see rule 1.

It leads to poor defense but good rebounding numbers.

I like Acy as the Reggie Evans type, high-energy, garbage man. Having an enforcer on the bench is something the Kings have been missing for years.

 

[ParniValjak]

It is SO good to have the big fella back! Just beasting it as per usual!

 

[jalfa]

if all the steps laid out in the poll are taken, the best case probably is even better, but realistically, this team should probably be several games over .500. just think about what Cuz will look like next year.

 

[lwc]

With just the big 3 for a full season together, training camp, and injury free, I think they are a 35 win team at least. Remember, this is also and extra offseason for Chris Jent to work with Ben and Derrick.

With the big 3 and a pick like WCS, Exum, Randle, Embiid, etc... I think they are a .500 team.

The poll also said to add role players. A shot blocking big could add another 4-5 games.

All the while this gives Malone a consistent group to teach team defense to. This is probably the longest stretch of the season that he has had a consistent roster. Hard to teach team defense when the team keeps moving.

 

[Mass]

I believe that with a couple of role players (defenders, hopefully a shot blocker) and with another year of development for DMC and for the chemistry between him and Rudy, this team can really compete for a playoff spot next year. We are not that far away. With Gay and DMC together, we are already close to .500. If we don't make mistakes next offseason, we could be the most improved team in the league next year.

 

[Npliam]

B+ for Jimmer? lol lol lol.

 

[mac]

B+ for Jimmer? lol lol lol.

Yeah how on earth was that a B+? I would give him an A, A- at the very least

 

[pshn80]

And our favorite topic IT really had a B+ game. As coach put it, he didn't have to put up 22 shots. Give us more of these and we'll be happy.

 

[HighFlyingMonkey]

Nice to have the efficient version of Isaiah back. The 25+ FGA version was getting hard to watch.

The defense was on point and you can tell there is a growing level of trust there. Bigs are finally showing on pick and rolls, which has mostly to do with defensive philosophy and the trust level of the bigs in the rotations behind them. You don't have to blitz every pick and roll like Miami does, but having your big sag back as a guard comes clear off a screen is a recipe for disaster. Showing is a nice happy medium between the two.

Cousins in particular played one his finest defensive games in my opinion. He has all the tools to be a plus defender in this league: quickness, girth, length and intelligence. Before, he would often be late on rotations and too often he would fail to challenge shots up high, instead keeping his hands down low swiping at the ball. But this game was completely different. We saw a lot of "verticality" attempts from Cuz today. He was showing really well on pick-and-rolls. Neither Boozer nor Gibson could get anything going when they tried to post him up. He was challenging shots with his great length, which was awesome to see. It was awesome to see Cuz not get completely taken out of a chippy game too (that technical is probably going to be revoked). Keep it up Cuz.

Good defensive effort all around. Acy and JT in particular were great in their roles. Thats two games in a row (the Spurs game was a good defensiv effort too) where I've seen huge improvements defensively. Just have to gain a certain level of consistency.