Strange effects of bubble play

[Rastapopoulos]

As has been noted, some shooters are just going crazy in the Bubble, because you get comfortable by being in the same gym all the time. But here's another possible effect: because the gym is so quiet, vocal, domineering players can really control a game:

 

[Rastapopoulos]

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Blazers are in the "least desirable" hotel along with the lowest-ranked teams. Wonder if that'll mean that they'll be surrounded by partying by the teams already eliminated?

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/09/sports/basketball/nba-playoffs-yacht-suns-grizzlies.html

 

[Rastapopoulos]

God I wish I was there to dumpster dive



I picked up an entire practically unused set of saucepans picking my kid up from his dorms one year... And when I was a grad student at USC there were stories of people finding entire fridges out on the curb because the rich brats couldn't be bothered to transport them.

 

[Rastapopoulos]

Love to see the Lakers, but there's something wrong here in that the Blazers and the Wiz have the same caption

 

[Rastapopoulos]

See what I mean about Derek White?
I have a feeling LeBron James might move up this list when the playoff games start...

 

[Rastapopoulos]

This is definitely a strange effect:

 

[B-Roy]

Love to see the Lakers, but there's something wrong here in that the Blazers and the Wiz have the same caption

Essentially being last in defensive rating with the Kings and Nuggets without 3 starters.....yikes.....

 

[JDC]

Essentially being last in defensive rating with the Kings and Nuggets without 3 starters.....yikes.....

Melo at the 3 and playing a lot of small teams has hurt. Can't hide Dame as easily and teams have had success spreading us out and getting us into rotation where our lack of athleticism and mobility can be taken advantage of. Melo also forces us to switch with our bigs more often so he doesn't have to chase guys as much. That neutralizes or size / rebounding advantage even more and has lead to some drive and kick stuff for 3.

Don't think Nurk has looked quite as good protecting the rim or in pnr defensively either. Part of that is the perimeter defense, but feel like his timing and positioning hasn't been at the level we've seen in the past. Understandable after not playing for 16 months, but also think Terry has had him playing higher (nearer to the level of the screen) in pnr's and that's left him a little late to get in position at times. And even when he is set a prepared at the point of the screenm guards have been able to get a step on him and get to the rim too often.

Some unlucky opponent shooting has played into things, but I think most of what we are seeing is the issues size has vs talented spread lineups (both in halfcourt and transition) and the trickle down affects that Melo at the 3 has for the rest of our personnel defensively.

 

[Rastapopoulos]