Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Ok, actual basketball might be a bit of a strong term, but what the hell else am I going to lead with this morning? Instead of what Golden State did wrong and what LeBron did right (at least for a minute), let’s just enjoy a little bit of Isaiah Thomas (ok a lot a bit) having fun in his Memorial Day Zeke-end. You’ll see that Phil Pressey, Kelly Olynyk, and yes, that was Brian Scalabrine, joined Thomas for a little fun in Tacoma. Avery Bradley was there too to support the cause.
This isn’t just a nice sight to see because it’s guys we know playing basketball. It’s nice to see so many guys from the team together. Of course, Bradley and Thomas are both from the same area, and Kelly Olynyk’s home of Kamloops, British Columbia is just a 5 hour drive away. And at this point, I think Phil Pressey and Olynyk just go everywhere together. Those two are completely inseparable to the point that if one of those guys is traded away or cut, I’d want someone to check on the other to make sure he’s ok.
So enjoy a couple of minutes of fun, but don’t go nuts with it. Ration it out… come back from time to time to check in and get your fix but don’t overdo it because it’s probably going to be the only “Celtics” basketball you’ll see until Summer League.
Page 2: The Warriors are losing their minds
This is different than the Western Conference semifinals in Memphis. This is different than getting routed in Houston in Game 4 of the conference final. This is different for the Golden State Warriors, because of all the things that could be undoing them, the thing that actually is doing it is the chaos.
It is the chaos of losing the best weapon in their bag (jump-shooting) while the Cleveland Cavaliers have suddenly found a weapon they didn’t think they had (Matthew Dellavedova).
It is the madness of finding out that the Warriors’ bench strength has now become almost a liability, while the Cavs’ seeming lack of options allow them to make the game simpler.
It is the insanity of relying on David Lee to do what Draymond Green seemingly can no longer do, while the Cavs continue to make the pace of the games their own.
And it is the pure delectable lunacy of watching everything we have come to believe about the modern game be undone by the One Man Who Controls All Things, LeBron James, including who is to be his new trusty sidekick (Dellavedova).
I still think the Warriors are more than capable of screwing their heads on straight and ripping off 3 wins in a row.. or at least winning 3 of 4 games. It’s not that hard, really.
1: They have to stop being in awe of LeBron.
They’re helping much more on him than they did in Game 1, and it’s costing them. A triple-double in Game 2 and 8 assists through just more than 3 quarters last night (his 8th & final came at 9:40 in the 4th) are killers. I’ll just keep repeating myself about this… LeBron the passer will win the series. They can withstand LeBron the scorer.
I’ve seen Andrew Bogut come over and try to clog the lane and impede LeBron’s progress only to lose sight of Tristan Thompson and give up a put-back or at least a new possession. Those are KILLERS for the Warriors because it’s just more time without the ball to push the tempo.
What’s worse… LeBron’s first 6 assists of the night were all on 3 pointers. So not only did he have 8 dimes… those led to 22 points. And LeBron assisting on 3’s is unforgivable because it just shows a complete loss of focus from perimeter defenders.
DON’T HELP ON LEBRON… ESPECIALLY FROM THE PERIMETER!!!!!
He’s too good. He sees the floor too well. If you fall asleep at all, he’ll find your guy.
2: Get Curry moving… and beat the shit out of Dellavedova in the process.
I tweeted last night in the midst of the madness that the Warriors need to run some Ray Allen-type multiple-pick sets for Steph Curry to get him moving. The more Dellavedova hounded him, the more frustrated he got, and the less he moved. If they run a few sets that get Curry running from sideline to sideline through a few picks, you can force him to move without the ball and stay engaged. In the process, you hit Delly with pick after pick after pick and you wear him down. He went to the hospital last night with cramps after the game… his body isn’t prepared to be used as much he’s being used.
To his credit, Dellavedova stepped up huge last night. But he’s not ready to be in this spot for 4 more games. Don’t change your offense just for his D, but do make adjustments to get your star player, the MVP, some better looks. Personally, I’d mix the picks in early and often to wear Delly down over the first few quarters. What we have seen over the first few games is Blatt is forced to use 7 or 8 guys and it’s taking a toll on them at the end of games. They barely have enough gas to finish. So I say do things that will force them to use even more gas early and take advantage of your opportunity late.
The Cavs are playing great D, but the Warriors have the depth and youth to keep pushing the issue. If they play a little smarter, they can win this series and people will forget they were down 2-1.
Related links: Globe: LeBron James is giving us a lesson in leadership | CSNNE: Feinstein: LeBron’s all-time rank will skyrocket if Cavs win
The rest of the links:
Herald: Celtics look at Pat Connaughton | CSNNE: NBA Draft: Which PG’s should the Celtics target | Take your pick: Should the C’s pursue Aldridge or Love? | WEEI Draft Profiles: Justice Winslow | Robert Upshaw | Danilo Fuzaro | Alan Williams | MassLive: Faverani reportedly will work out for Knicks, Timberwolves
