MJ's push on Russel was way harder than that. And this is coming from a huge fan. That was a different NBA too. Old school.
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Great game winning move/shot... but did anyone else notice he picked up his pivot foot before the move? He travelled.. I'm glad it wasn't called.
Sigh. First the push off people. Now the "he travelled" guy You can pick up your pivot foot before dribbling. You know that right Not sure what you're seeing. Do you think he tapped the floor with his pivot foot. I don't see that. He rises to toes, but that's allowed
That was a really good isolation play. Its different than the infamous ones we as fans were infuriated about. They actually took the time and switch, created mismatch. I like that much better. noticed once they switched Lin just draw the switched defender further away. I think James Harden is the best 1 on 1 player in the league. That step back is nasty!!
I don't post much but I have to say that I liked the fact that the ball wasn't in Harden's hands the entire time. I get frustrated when he dribbles out the clock, makes a move with 4 seconds left and shoots a contested jumper or passes to a teammate with .5 seconds and they have to jack up a very low percentage shot. It seemed like him getting the ball with 12 seconds forced him to just go to his move aggressively.. Less thinking, more action.. I approve and think Harden can be really clutch in those situations.
I would say, it's still an ISO but done in a different way. Having Harden set a screen for Lin to fake them out for Lin to take the final shot, but gave to Harden to clear space. WOrked out.
I agree. Lin being a capable play maker always keeps the opponents on their toes. It was a good move to have him dribble the ball for a while when everyone is expecting Harden is have the ball immediately. The only worry I had with Lin dribbling the ball was the "perception" that he would turn it over some how. He would have been crucified if he did!
That's the name of the game folks , keep your opponents guessing. The lin harden back court on the offensive has potential to wreck havoc through that.
An interesting analytical recap by ESPN Truehoop Kevin Arnovits. "... the team that’s driven the midrange jumper out of fashion won the game on a 21-footer."
