Aloha,
Well that’s 3 in a row and 4 of the 5. While the Kings haven’t been winning they do have some talent and they had most of their team available. Just a couple of thoughts.
The team gave Dwight the game ball and for good reason. The complexion of the game changed when he came in. A 14, 14 double double was needed. The kings had 9 offensive boards but only one on Dwight’s watch and Dwight had 7 offensive boards himself. When the kings are playing as big as they were we needed a big body in there, especially when LeBron rested. While playing super small, it’s important to make adjustments when needed and it was needed.
THT had a great game, on both sides of the ball. And I think the key was, he slowed down and didn’t force anything. I know he was frustrated and was pressing. The 19 points was great but I really appreciated the 6 assists.
LeBron didn’t put on the cape until the 4th quarter. But once he did, it was game over.
Malik had another great game. There are all of these trade proposals for another star, that all these different writers come up with. Well if Malik keeps up, we have our star.
Aloha, Michael,
No doubt Dwight deserved a game ball tonight. He was great at both ends. Controlled the glass. Finished at the rim. Great double-double. Frank finally has the center rotation where it should be with LeBron and AD the primaries and Dwight off the bench and DJ DNP.
Monk is locking down the starting shooting guard over Reaves and Ellington. His offense is solid gold at all three levels and his defense has been better than advertised with his athleticism. I’m loving how our guards are breaking up bounce passes and logs off pick-and-rolls. Great defensive adjustments by coaching staff.
I think the rise of Monk and Reaves as well as the resurrection of Bradley have suddenly given the team hope that they may not need as much help from outside as originally thought. It was great also to see THT come through with a great game. Will it be enough?
I do think Monk is going to be a real star for us, maybe just for this year but a star for sure. While I still think we need more size and preferably a player like Turner, Wood, or Boucher to give us size, defensee, and a stretch five, I’m intrigued by what Kendrick Nunn could bring us. I still think THT is a tough fit on this team and should be traded but Nunn’s skillset and lefty handle could be something we don’t want to give up.
THT for Chris Boucher of the Raptors might be the kind of deal we need, although I still would try and pull off the THT + Nunn combo for Turner, Wood, Boucher, Grant, Bogdan, or Reddish. Just need one more big.
Michael, please check your email. Thanks.