I had been cringing when RJ gets to the rim and puts up a shot inside 5 feet because he used to miss many of those, or have them deflected. What I'm seeing now -- and I think this is something new -- is that he's using the glass A LOT more. And it's helping a lot.
Watching the game I was almost certain they were going to call Mitch for a foul on Jokics 3 point attempt that started the play that led to the dunk.
Also, with the way things are going injury wise for Zion and off the court wise for Ja - how much has RJ closed the gap, especially with his play of late.
Great article. Listened to the pod this morning. This was most definitely the RJ game. Hart already had his coming out party more times than I can count. This version of RJ can really catapult this team. What a stat about his usage rate! Here is my question. Does RJ do better when he doesn’t face a rim protecting 5? More importantly will RJ therefore be the answer if the other team goes small ball? We know Thibs won’t counter going small himself.
The pace issue is interesting - am very much guessing that despite a lower pace their shots per game have not decreased. What i suspect they have done is reduce their opponents field goal attempts through lowered pace / reduced turnovers/ etc while offensive-rebounding their way to a greater # of shots themselves. This is well suited to playoff ball if so.
Love the new/adjusted format. Very well written! I too have been impressed with the adjustments RJ has made that are reaping benefits for him and the team. It seems to me he’s added some moves to his arsenal, rather than being overly commitment to driving into contact and is diving with a set of options in mind. It felt like previously he was diving with a purpose of getting fouled and getting to the line and it seems he has learned (or it has been suggested to him) that he’s not getting the bailout call from the refs. Further, getting to the line when you’re not a great FT shooter is not a great outcome. He’s now more focused on a faster step and body alignment focused on getting the basket (rather than the foul). Ironically, he’s getting more foul calls and +1s because the refs are noticing that too. Hope he keeps it up and continues the non-linear development of a 22 yr old.
I had been cringing when RJ gets to the rim and puts up a shot inside 5 feet because he used to miss many of those, or have them deflected. What I'm seeing now -- and I think this is something new -- is that he's using the glass A LOT more. And it's helping a lot.
Watching the game I was almost certain they were going to call Mitch for a foul on Jokics 3 point attempt that started the play that led to the dunk.
Also, with the way things are going injury wise for Zion and off the court wise for Ja - how much has RJ closed the gap, especially with his play of late.
Great article. Listened to the pod this morning. This was most definitely the RJ game. Hart already had his coming out party more times than I can count. This version of RJ can really catapult this team. What a stat about his usage rate! Here is my question. Does RJ do better when he doesn’t face a rim protecting 5? More importantly will RJ therefore be the answer if the other team goes small ball? We know Thibs won’t counter going small himself.
As I was making my coffee, I asked my wife I wonder if Jon will have a newsletter this morning... she said “who’s Jon?”... lol
Both coffee and newsletter are fantastic!
Does the relatively slower pace make this team well-suited to play postseason basketball?
The pace issue is interesting - am very much guessing that despite a lower pace their shots per game have not decreased. What i suspect they have done is reduce their opponents field goal attempts through lowered pace / reduced turnovers/ etc while offensive-rebounding their way to a greater # of shots themselves. This is well suited to playoff ball if so.
Love the new/adjusted format. Very well written! I too have been impressed with the adjustments RJ has made that are reaping benefits for him and the team. It seems to me he’s added some moves to his arsenal, rather than being overly commitment to driving into contact and is diving with a set of options in mind. It felt like previously he was diving with a purpose of getting fouled and getting to the line and it seems he has learned (or it has been suggested to him) that he’s not getting the bailout call from the refs. Further, getting to the line when you’re not a great FT shooter is not a great outcome. He’s now more focused on a faster step and body alignment focused on getting the basket (rather than the foul). Ironically, he’s getting more foul calls and +1s because the refs are noticing that too. Hope he keeps it up and continues the non-linear development of a 22 yr old.