Orion Bailey
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Was just thinking back to the Houston series two years ago, and how effective we were with hacking Howard:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/howardw01/gamelog/2014/#pgl_basic_playoffs::none
The three games Stotts went to an extreme (17, 17, 11 FTA's) we won.
DeAndre is a far, far worse free throw shooter in the playoffs, hitting only 43%. Here's the actual game log from last year--that 34 FTA's really stands out.
How much do you think this will be a factor in the series? Personally, I'd like to see Stotts put him on the free throw line 20 times in the first game just to see what happens. It's the first game and there's no pressure on
Right now the Clips are trying to assimilate Griffin back into the offense, and the last thing I want them to do is find that mojo right out of the chute. Slow down the game, reduce the overall touches the Clippers offense has. Take away Paul lobs. Make guys eager to "get theirs" when the ball swings to them because so many shots are being siphoned away by DeAndre. Sew some chemistry seeds in that first game and see what happens.
Thoughts?
Ive been mulling this over alot in the last 24 hours. At first I was against it, but the more I think about it the more I think I agree with you on most of your points justifying this game plan. I would say one thing. Id like to see if we cant just out hustle them, but if they start to take over... do not hesitate. If they go up by 5-7 and or have a swing of said points, hack him. Take him out. Make him their liability not their dominating rebounder. If they pull him out, Davis will have a field day on the boards.

I'll take the 2nd quarter right before halftime to ensure a 2-for-1 opportunity.


