Quick thread on a fascinating tactical battle in the second half last night in how Philly was guarding Brunson/5 pick and rolls:

2H, maybe due to injury, Nick Nurse stopped sending Joel Embiid to guard Brunson screens.

He pivoted to something fascinating - sending whichever wing was on Josh Hart’s side of the floor to guard the screen - Oubre here.

Lowry maybe a second late here to leave Hart for DDV.

On Jalen Brunson and his Transglobe Expedition:

Ferdinand Magellan circumnavigated the globe in 1522.

For the first time in human history, latitudinal space on Earth had been exhausted. There no longer existed an undiscovered East or West; no mysterious land of riches yonder.

But you all knew that. 🧵⬇️ But how many of you have heard of the Transglobe Expedition of 1979, when Sir Ranulph Fiennes led a team of British explorers on the very first LONGITUDINAL circumnavigation of the globe, traversing the Poles in a single voyage?

That’s right - it took over four centuries post-Magellan for mankind to conquer the space to the north and south of that which it inhabited.

Gonna thread this MIL game but going to start at the end. Roll the tape!

I’m not excusing it, but the REASON Julius was ticked off is because the play-call was for him. They had run the same exact action for Julius the play prior, where’s he’s coming off a Mitch downscreen and got a bucket off Giannis. And Brunson here rejects that option and took it himself.

Here’s both plays:
Okay now to the top. One way for Julius to get himself going, is to actually set a screen.

Because if he actually HITS Beasley here, uses that strength and frame, Giannis is going to have to dig down to help. And then it provides the space Julius has been talking about.

Help yourself!

I’m gonna put myself through this last one. This Knicks team deserves it. One more game thread, watch along with me - I’m gonna keep it constructive and celebratory, I promise!

Roll the Tape, Game 6 Edition! Quentin Grimes just played his first full NBA season. A major success.

Next year, I really want to see him grow in these scenarios. He blows by the closeout, Kevin Love last line of defense, he has to be able to make something good happen here. Can’t just concede the advantage.

Seems like this sucked. I’m gonna torture myself and watch it through anyway.

Watch along with me if you want - will try and gear it toward improvements for Game 4.

Roll the Tape! First thing that jumps out is lack of offensive plan from NYK. MIA’s adjustment is going Vincent on Brunson and Jimmy on RJ - RJ got one bucket on Vincent on a switch, but why are we isoing him on Jimmy with 18 on the clock?

That’s…a bad idea.

🚨 KEMBA THREAD 🚨

For an introduction, went back to Kemba’s only matchup against NYK this year back in January to provide you all with a glimpse of what’s coming.

1) When right, Kemba is one of the NBA’s premier 3 level, Pick + Roll maestros. Pull-up 3 game is strong. 2) Same drag set as clip above (2 screens above the break), and you can see how the pull-up threat opens up the roller game.

Kemba’s handle is ELITE - ball is on a string, and off the dribble passing is easy for him. Nice pocket delivery here.

Watching Deuce vs Sims from February.

Haven’t dug into our new rooks so figured this was an efficient way to get acquainted. I’ll start sending clips that pique my interest for your Tuesday night enjoyment.

Here’s Deuce guarding 3 separate drives before getting a steal. Man, Sims is a wild watch. Crazy tools. Crazy raw. This is the kinda thing you saw when Mitch first entered the league. Jaxson Hayes is another player who gets super jumpy (and there’s some similarities there). NYK will have work cut out to coach him up to find discipline.

🚨 Dennis Schroeder Thread 🚨

As the big names seem to be coming off the board one by one, and we near the free agency period, Schroeder may be the only upgrade at PG remaining. I took a look at his 1 game vs NYK to analyze the player and how he might fit.

1) Dude’s got SPEED. 2) His burst + change of direction are game changers, especially (exclusively?) going to his right. If the D relaxes for a second, he’s gone. That raw acceleration brings an element NYK does not currently have.

@The_BBall_Index puts him in the 89% at getting to the rim rate.

Off-season Thread of Off-Season Threads!

I’ve broken down several of this offseason’s potential NYK targets. Here they are in succession - their offense, defense, and potential fit in NY:

1) Evan Fournier

https://twitter.com/BenRitholtz_NBA/status/1421806456182034435

2) DeMar DeRozan

https://twitter.com/BenRitholtz_NBA/status/1420477854047932422

🚨 Sexton Thread 🚨

I remembered being impressed with Collin Sexton in an early matchup against NYK despite subpar shooting. So, in light of recent rumors, I went back and studied the 12/29 film.

1) Reputation aside, Sexton is a VERY skilled passer. This lefty laser… 👀 2) The dude made 4-5 passes in just the first quarter that I don’t think any Knick on last year’s roster makes. He’s not in any rush - he’s patient, he’s manipulative, he uses ball-fakes, to spring teammates open.

This beauty came off a DHO stagger screen, a play NYK runs often.

I need to talk some Giannis. Allow me this quick thread to praise a downright special performance.

1. For me, it starts with this clip. It starts with simply wanting it so bad, that nobody else - not the 3 opposing guys trying - can possibly grab a loose ball other than you. 2. It felt like Giannis did more without the ball than with it - which is a net positive for MIL.

He got his first field goal simply overpowering Booker on a transition board. Look at that physicality and that reach! This play set the tone for the entire performance.