Grades v. Raptors 11/15/2015

[Livinthedream]

I think the lesson to be learned from all of this is that a team or player shouldn't be defined by a 5 game stretch. Even moreso when you have a bunch of new players and a new system coming together.

Cuz is still learning to play and how to win in this league. We now have Rondo to teach him. Cuz has never had that type of veteran leadership before. Once Cuz figures it all out, the change in our culture and ability to win will trickle down to players like Ben and WCS. Rondo is the catalyst because Cuz respects him so much.

So even more important than x player shooting x% from anywhere on the floor is the change in this teams mindset. Rondo is showing the team the will and drive it takes to win. Hate to say it, but Collison getting hurt may have been a blessing in disguise. It allowed Rondo to put his stamp on the entire game. We have talented players now, but I fully expect this to be a talented team by years end.

 

[Merdiesel]

I'd like to give Coach Karl some credit.

There was a lot of hatred thrown his was with HIS DECISION to expand DMC's game beyond the arc.

Not only has it taken his game to the next level, I believe his personal fouls and turnovers are both down from last year as a result of it. Not forcing it as much.

 

[pshn80]

Considering the nature of ur win and Marco's role n it, I respectfully disagree with the D+ grade he was given. Should have been a C.

 

[rainmaker]

ya know, for all the hand-wringing about the kings' lack of spacing due to poor outside shooting, this team has very quietly ascended to second in the league in 3-pt percentage so far this season, behind only the defending champion golden state warriors. granted, the kings remain in the bottom half of the nba in 3-pt attempts per game, and they've required an otherworldly outside shooting performance from demarcus cousins through the games in which he's played to achieve their current status, but it still strikes me as worth noting that the roster vlade has assembled may be less inept from beyond the arc than previously thought, especially if it's legitimately another weapon that big cuz has added to his arsenal...

DeMarcuvic Cousitzki is turning into quite a weapon which changes our options, clearly. Actually, he's turning into a weapon the NBA has never seen before.

Omri deserves some real credit too. Going from a career 36% 3pt shooter to 48% this season is impressive. He won't shoot that % all year but if he keeps it anywhere close, that's another unexpected weapon. And finally, Belli seems to be breaking out of his slump hitting just over 45% from 3 over his past 5.

We're also getting higher quality 3's over the last 3 after slowing down the pace. Guys are more settled, although DeMarcuvic is hitting trailing 3's like he was born to do it.

10-25
11-27
9-16

so as a team, 30-68(.441 %) over our last 3. I'd say it's both a combination of slowing the tempo and Rondo getting more familiar with the squad.

 

[206Fan]

This defense is the best it's looked all season long. Raptors made a lot of 3pters, but not all of them were open shots, and Lowry decided that he wanted to go off on us.

Considering the nature of ur win and Marco's role n it, I respectfully disagree with the D+ grade he was given. Should have been a C.

Belinelli didn't do crap last night though. He played terrible defense on Corey Joseph who ended up going 8-10 17pts.

He also played terrible defense on anyone he was guarding, except at the end when everyone was closing in on defense.

On offense, he missed 6 shots, and only made 2. He's had a few good looks that aren't falling. I don't think his performance was worthy of a C. Maybe if he played better defense?

 

[John Galt]

Which fools voted No to trading cousins. You take Russell, Randle, and Clarkson when they are offered to you.

The "no" voters must not have read Ziller's article. smh

 

[Hadlowe]

This defense is the best it's looked all season long. Raptors made a lot of 3pters, but not all of them were open shots, and Lowry decided that he wanted to go off on us.


Belinelli didn't do crap last night though. He played terrible defense on Corey Joseph who ended up going 8-10 17pts.

He also played terrible defense on anyone he was guarding, except at the end when everyone was closing in on defense.

On offense, he missed 6 shots, and only made 2. He's had a few good looks that aren't falling. I don't think his performance was worthy of a C. Maybe if he played better defense?

The thing about shooters, and especially catch and shoot guys like Korver, Reddick, and Belinelli, is that they aren't just in there for buckets. The biggest boon they give is to force defenses to stick to them. They are hard counters to help defenses that like to play modified zone.

Remember that big dunk by Gay late in the 4th quarter? That was entirely the result of Belinelli drawing two defenders when coming off a pin-down. The Raptors were so focused on denying the three that they gave Gay an open dive to the rim and Rondo saw the play and hit him at exactly the right moment. That whole play doesn't happen without Belinelli coming hard off of screens and being a legit threat to knock down lightly contested shots off a quick catch and shoot.

 

[celtics33]

The thing about shooters, and especially catch and shoot guys like Korver, Reddick, and Belinelli, is that they aren't just in there for buckets. The biggest boon they give is to force defenses to stick to them. They are hard counters to help defenses that like to play modified zone.

Remember that big dunk by Gay late in the 4th quarter? That was entirely the result of Belinelli drawing two defenders when coming off a pin-down. The Raptors were so focused on denying the three that they gave Gay an open dive to the rim and Rondo saw the play and hit him at exactly the right moment. That whole play doesn't happen without Belinelli coming hard off of screens and being a legit threat to knock down lightly contested shots off a quick catch and shoot.

Perfect reading, Hadlowe... Games are won with IQ moreover than muscles.

 

[John Galt]

Perfect reading, Hadlowe... Games are won with IQ moreover than muscles.

I think coach Pete Carril used to say "the strong take from the weak, and the smart take from the strong". Somebody correct me if the attribution is wrong.

 

[LPKingsFan]

I think coach Pete Carril used to say "the strong take from the weak, and the smart take from the strong". Somebody correct me if the attribution is wrong.

That's always been my understanding.

 

[origkds]

I voted "yes, immediately" because I thought it was a joke. Are there really people here that voted yes because they honestly think it's the best thing to do? I wonder if there are people in the Cavaliers forums that think trading Lebron James would be in the best interest of the team. I guess I should have voted in the Ziller or National Media categories so there would be no mistaking my attempt at humor. I firmly believe that Demarcus Cousins will ultimately be the best player to ever wear a Kings uniform. The bus to Sacramento carrying basketball superstars does not come along every fifteen minutes and drop off players like Cousins. Trade him, really?

 

[sono]

I think the lesson to be learned from all of this is that a team or player shouldn't be defined by a 5 game stretch. Even moreso when you have a bunch of new players and a new system coming together.

Cuz is still learning to play and how to win in this league. We now have Rondo to teach him. Cuz has never had that type of veteran leadership before. Once Cuz figures it all out, the change in our culture and ability to win will trickle down to players like Ben and WCS. Rondo is the catalyst because Cuz respects him so much.

So even more important than x player shooting x% from anywhere on the floor is the change in this teams mindset. Rondo is showing the team the will and drive it takes to win. Hate to say it, but Collison getting hurt may have been a blessing in disguise. It allowed Rondo to put his stamp on the entire game. We have talented players now, but I fully expect this to be a talented team by years end.

Meanwhile Rondo's emerging as the 2nd go-to-guy after Cousins. Its a huge relief for Cousins to have someone who can keep everyone check on the court and the ship afloat taking the load off of his shoulders while he sits on the bench.

I was thinking the same, both Collison and Curry's injuries might have been a blessing in disguise. Rondo didn't crumble under pressure, instead took his game to the next level.

 

[206Fan]

The thing about shooters, and especially catch and shoot guys like Korver, Reddick, and Belinelli, is that they aren't just in there for buckets. The biggest boon they give is to force defenses to stick to them. They are hard counters to help defenses that like to play modified zone.

Remember that big dunk by Gay late in the 4th quarter? That was entirely the result of Belinelli drawing two defenders when coming off a pin-down. The Raptors were so focused on denying the three that they gave Gay an open dive to the rim and Rondo saw the play and hit him at exactly the right moment. That whole play doesn't happen without Belinelli coming hard off of screens and being a legit threat to knock down lightly contested shots off a quick catch and shoot.

That doesn't matter if he's constantly giving up points anyways though.

Like I said, Belli was a huge negative on defense and he wasn't making his shots.

Him opening up space for 2-3 possessions doesn't mean he should get a C in this game.

Rewarding a guy a C for floor spacing is poor grading man. I disagree with it.

 

[Entity]

I know rudy and Marcos rushed shots in the last 2 min could have cost us the game

 

[Entity]

As a team they still make a lot of mistakes estimating
6-8 bad passes
7-9 bad shots
10-12 defensive mistakes
4-6 just bone head mistakes


If we could shave a few off each category and eliminate the bone head plays altogether we could be elite. It's all about composure.

 

[SCKingsfan]

As a team they still make a lot of mistakes estimating
6-8 bad passes
7-9 bad shots
10-12 defensive mistakes
4-6 just bone head mistakes


If we could shave a few off each category and eliminate the bone head plays altogether we could be elite. It's all about composure.

I agree, and I think by cutting down turnovers to 10-12 per game, rather than ~20, has us more easily beating most low to mid tier teams.

 

[mac]

I voted "yes, immediately" because I thought it was a joke. Are there really people here that voted yes because they honestly think it's the best thing to do? I wonder if there are people in the Cavaliers forums that think trading Lebron James would be in the best interest of the team. I guess I should have voted in the Ziller or National Media categories so there would be no mistaking my attempt at humor. I firmly believe that Demarcus Cousins will ultimately be the best player to ever wear a Kings uniform. The bus to Sacramento carrying basketball superstars does not come along every fifteen minutes and drop off players like Cousins. Trade him, really?

While I'm definitely not for trading Cousins at this point you do realise that Lebron James has won a lot more games (and meaningful ones) than Cousins right? Or are we supposed to now start treating Cousins like a 2x nba champion, 4 time MVP, 11 time all star who's led his team to the finals 5 times? Because that seems to be what you're implying. I know you were just saying it in jest but a more sensible comparison would be Pelicans fans wanting to trade Anthony Davis.

 

[VF21]

Stats: 41min 36pts (12-22, 3-6, 9-12) 10reb 3ast 1stl 3blk 3TO
Summary: from a dominant offensive first half where he was almost shrugging, he won this one in the late gong with great defense as well
Cousins ( A+ ) -- If he keeps this up through the roadtrip, I want him greeted with a much less tentative MVP chant when he gets home, because right now he's about one Curry rolled ankle from having a claim to it. I actually quit taking notes by the mid second because I was like Cousins in this one, just shrugging at the absurdity of it all. So your 6'11" 270lb center is standing out there bombing in threes at the same efficiency Klay Thompson was last year, and has become such a threat that he even had Kyle Lowry foul him on one of them for 3 FTs. Then every time somebody steps out toward him, your 6'11" 270lb center puts the ball on the floor, gets his man on his shoulder and trains to the hoop. If somebody gets in his way, your 6'11" 270lb center eurosteps around them and reverse flips up a nifty layup. If they don't, he pounces for a big dunk. Back when we first drafted Cousins, Pete Carril said something I have never forgotten, that "he plays a game with which I am not familiar." Which is quite a statement when its made by your 80yr old basketball guru who's been in the game since the 1950s. Well I've never seen this before either and really there's nothing to do but pump your fist as the big guy goes and does something else that no other big man should even be attempting, let alone executing. It was up to 23 points at halftime, and it got bad enough he just chased Valanciunas, a good 16-10 center, right to the bench. More attention, a more mobile Bismack Biyombo, and what looked like fatigue, slowed the assault in the 3rd, but down the stretch Boogie took over again and just carried us on home on both sides of the ball. that's what the "+" is about by the way. He didn't even have a great rebounding night, but Boogie's defense was strong all night, and down the stretch just smothering as he blocked and altered every attempt by the Raptors to get inside, then went down the other way and scored as well. Not counting the injury game vs. the Clips he's now averaging 30.5pts 11.3rebs and just got done back to back to back stomping maybe the three best centers in the East. There's really not much else to say: MVP! --Brick

I haven't said this in a long time, but watching DFC takes my breath away. It's like listening to Yo Yo Ma play the cello or getting lost in a painting by Vincent Van Gogh. There is talent there that is so far beyond the norm that you simply watch in awe. He truly is that good - and he's only 25 freaking years old.

 

[VF21]

While I'm definitely not for trading Cousins at this point you do realise that Lebron James has won a lot more games (and meaningful ones) than Cousins right? Or are we supposed to now start treating Cousins like a 2x nba champion, 4 time MVP, 11 time all star who's led his team to the finals 5 times? Because that seems to be what you're implying. I know you were just saying it in jest but a more sensible comparison would be Pelicans fans wanting to trade Anthony Davis.

He was using LBJ as an exaggeration to prove a point.

 

[mac]

He was using LBJ as an exaggeration to prove a point.

Well exaggeration doesn't exactly prove anything does it? Some Kings fans want George Karl fired. I could say, "that's ridiculous, I wonder if Spurs fans want to fire Pop!", and that wouldn't prove anything about the validity of the idea of firing Karl.

 

[origkds]

While I'm definitely not for trading Cousins at this point you do realise that Lebron James has won a lot more games (and meaningful ones) than Cousins right? Or are we supposed to now start treating Cousins like a 2x nba champion, 4 time MVP, 11 time all star who's led his team to the finals 5 times? Because that seems to be what you're implying. I know you were just saying it in jest but a more sensible comparison would be Pelicans fans wanting to trade Anthony Davis.

Here you go Mac. If any of my future posts are not as pin point accurate as you would like just let me know and I will make make the necessary adjustments.

"I voted "yes, immediately" because I thought it was a joke. Are there really people here that voted yes because they honestly think it's the best thing to do? I wonder if there are people in the Pelicans forums that think trading Anthony Davis would be in the best interest of the team. I guess I should have voted in the Ziller or National Media categories so there would be no mistaking my attempt at humor. I firmly believe that Demarcus Cousins will ultimately be the best player to ever wear a Kings uniform. The bus to Sacramento carrying basketball superstars does not come along every fifteen minutes and drop off players like Cousins. Trade him, really?"

 

[pshn80]

Here you go Mac. If any of my future posts are not as pin point accurate as you would like just let me know and I will make make the necessary adjustments.

"I voted "yes, immediately" because I thought it was a joke. Are there really people here that voted yes because they honestly think it's the best thing to do? I wonder if there are people in the Pelicans forums that think trading Anthony Davis would be in the best interest of the team. I guess I should have voted in the Ziller or National Media categories so there would be no mistaking my attempt at humor. I firmly believe that Demarcus Cousins will ultimately be the best player to ever wear a Kings uniform. The bus to Sacramento carrying basketball superstars does not come along every fifteen minutes and drop off players like Cousins. Trade him, really?"

It was a joke. No one on here wants to trade Cuz. Don't let the media get to us. There are some that say fire Karl. Don't let them get to you ether. Those are the two best things we've got going for us.

 

[gunks]

I voted yes.....

Joking, of course.

I was honestly ready to give up on the NBA for awhile if we traded him to the Lakers.

I totally get that people hate his attitude. It sucks. It holds him back. But still...... I can't get behind trading a guy who just averaged 36/11 through a week, because he pouts.

Thats just silly, Ziller!

 

[Glenn]

Great athletes are born with a physical advantage and then have the drive to be the best. It's a two part combo. In Boogie's case, that energy sometimes spills out in the wrong direction. I would bet money that the same explosiveness that leads to him being a pain is derived from the same energy that has honed that massive body into being a great basketball player.

 

[mac]

Here you go Mac. If any of my future posts are not as pin point accurate as you would like just let me know and I will make make the necessary adjustments.

"I voted "yes, immediately" because I thought it was a joke. Are there really people here that voted yes because they honestly think it's the best thing to do? I wonder if there are people in the Pelicans forums that think trading Anthony Davis would be in the best interest of the team. I guess I should have voted in the Ziller or National Media categories so there would be no mistaking my attempt at humor. I firmly believe that Demarcus Cousins will ultimately be the best player to ever wear a Kings uniform. The bus to Sacramento carrying basketball superstars does not come along every fifteen minutes and drop off players like Cousins. Trade him, really?"

Much better

 

[Kingsgurl]

Great athletes are born with a physical advantage and then have the drive to be the best. It's a two part combo. In Boogie's case, that energy sometimes spills out in the wrong direction. I would bet money that the same explosiveness that leads to him being a pain is derived from the same energy that has honed that massive body into being a great basketball player.

All the truly great players have that edge, that drive. A little bit of a loose screw in regards to winning (except Duncan, who I think is actually a robot) Most players who make it as far as the NBA have drive and a desire to work. Few have what you are talking about specifically, that competitive HATRED of losing and inability to accept it. It is one characteristic that separates good to great players from true Super Star players. The situation here in Sacramento was exactly what DeMarcus did not need. I would wager, had he been in a more stable situation, where the wins came, he would not have the reputation he does now. His demonstrative behavior would be lauded as what it is, passion to win.