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5 Takeaways: Chimezie Metu’s big shot, Marvin Bagley playing well, and more

Some of the notable aspects from Sacramento's exciting victory in the first of two straight against Dallas.
By | 46 Comments | Dec 30, 2021

Dec 29, 2021; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Marvin Bagley III (35) holds onto a rebound against the Dallas Mavericks in the second quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The Golden 1 Center crowd was left with a night to remember as the Sacramento Kings won a nail-biter against the injury-riddled Dallas Mavericks. Surely, they’ll spend plenty of time dissecting Wednesday’s film before facing the same Western Conference opponent on Friday night.

For the moment, however, there’s good reason to celebrate and enjoy the win. Experiencing a game-winner is a rare feeling that never gets old, especially when time runs out with the attempt still in flight. Here are a few key takeaways from the 95-94 victory on Wednesday night:

1. Chimezie Metu’s big moment

The Kings were facing a two-point deficit with 3.8 seconds left in regulation as interim head coach Alvin Gentry called for a timeout. De’Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Harrison Barnes were to be expected on the floor, but attempting to predict the final player was a tough task. I’d bet that not many would have assumed Chimezie Metu to be Gentry’s preference.

When asked about the lineup decision postgame, Gentry admitted there was a debate. “We did go back and forth on that. We thought about putting someone else in, but instinctively we decided to go with Mezi,” Gentry said. “He made a big shot for us. The thing I like most is he shot it with confidence.”

While Metu’s minutes have drastically fluctuated throughout the season, the team has persistently praised his work ethic. As a prime example, Davion Mitchell spoke to the media about 20 minutes after that shot went down and shared that tonight’s hero was already back on the practice court getting shots up.

Those unseen hours are what allows Metu, a player that had just one made three pointer in nine games prior, to attempt that shot with confidence. Chimezie Metu came into the night with a mere 24.1 percent conversion rate on triples and acknowledged the mental toll that had taken on him.

“I’m not gonna lie, for a couple of days my confidence was shot a little bit,” Metu said. “I just kept working and was obviously in the right place right time.”

Hopefully, Metu can ride this feeling into future games as Sacramento continues to search for a reliable fifth starter. For now, however, they can spend the night celebrating the biggest moment of Chimzie Metu’s career to date.

“I kind of blacked out, I’m not going to lie to you,” Metu said. “I’m just happy that the shot went in.”

2. Marvin Bagley looks like he belongs

Bagley was in the starting lineup for the second night in a row, ironically taking the place of Chimezie Metu, and performed well in his 28 minutes. The days of the Duke product being labeled as a ball-stopper are slowly getting further and further away and he continues to rebound well — which is an area where Sacramento has significantly struggled.

His final stat line is admittedly unimpressive on the surface: 11 points, seven rebounds, and two steals on 4/8 from the field and 1/2 from three. Most of Bagley’s points came in the second quarter, but he was also tasked with guarding the Mavericks’ primary scorer in Kristaps Porzingis.

Porzingis got the better of that matchup in the first quarter, yet Bagley adjusted as the game went on and Gentry even felt good enough to even have him on the floor when they needed a stop the most.

The former number two overall pick looks like he belongs on the floor, and he’s making a positive impact by filling a role and relentlessly hustling. That alone is notable progress worthy of praise and acknowledgment.

3. Damian Jones was Sacramento’s best center, again

Let me start by noting that Alex Len was technically available for the first time after a six-game absence, but he was unexpected to see the floor as he needs to work his way back into game shape.

Also, this was just the fourth game back for Richaun Holmes after suffering what he called one of, if not the lone most difficult injury of his career. He’s been underwhelming, but he should be cut some slack, for now.

Calling Damian Jones Sacramento’s best option at the center position is a credit to Jones, not a slight at either of the two aforementioned options. After tallying nine points and 14 rebounds against Oklahoma City in the game prior, Jones managed another impressive showing with six points, six rebounds, and two assists while shooting 3/5 from the field.

Similarly to Bagley, those numbers don’t exactly pop off the page, but Jones made a positive impact throughout his 22 minutes. The Kings were switching most actions early and the near seven-footer managed those circumstances well.

Barring a massive change, Richaun Holmes will remain the starting center, but Alex Len shouldn’t be given the backup spot upon returning with no questions asked. Damian Jones has proven that he deserves serious consideration for that role.

4. The return of Davion Mitchell

Off-Night was one of many Kings who recently became available after clearing the league’s health and safety protocol. Without prior knowledge, nobody would have known that Wednesday night was his initial return to action.

“Sitting out ten days and watching my team on T.V. is kind of hard. But for me, just coming in, the coaches were telling me to be aggressive,” Davion said. “You’re gonna find a rhythm if you just keep being aggressive so that’s what I did and we came out with a win.”

That aggressiveness was expected on the defensive end, but his willingness to get shots up significantly and succeed in knocking them down was influential to Sacramento’s victory.

Mitchell hit his first five shots of the game, including a big three right before the half, en route to 14 points on 6/9 from the field.

Perimeter containment has been a common topic for all the wrong reasons and the Kings’ 2021 lottery addition should help in that aspect — anything past that is a bonus.

5. The third-quarter breakdowns continue

Alvin Gentry was beside himself after the Sacramento Kings recently allowed the Memphis Grizzlies to score 40 points in the third quarter. They were never able to recover from that moment, and it was exceedingly highlighted because it was far from the first time that Sacramento had struggled coming out of the break.

Against Dallas, the Kings headed to the locker room up 12, partially due to their success taking care of the ball. Yet, after a mere five turnovers in the first two quarters, the Kings forfeited possession six times in the third alone.

“In the third quarter, we struggled,” interim head coach Alvin Gentry said. “We didn’t get ourselves an opportunity to get shots at the basket because of our turnovers.”

The Kings shot the ball 14 times in the third compared to the 23 attempts from Dallas. It was yet another example of Sacramento putting additional unneeded pressure on their defense due to sloppy offensive execution.

“I’m not really sure what the answer is,” Gentry said. “But we’ve got to get the answer.” He continued on to highlight a handful of positives from the win, but Sacramento needs to emphasize their lackluster second-half starts sooner rather than later.

6. Sacramento still has love for IT

The Dallas Mavericks had seven names on their injury report Wednesday morning, with Willie Cauley-Stein (personal reasons) being the only one listed not in the league’s health and safety protocol. As the day went on, the news broke that two more players would be joining that list, meaning the Mavericks were in desperate need of another contributor for that night’s matchup.

Coincidentally, the front office in Dallas elected to go with Isaiah Thomas, who was selected 60th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA Draft.

“We lost two players, so we had to find someone who’s available and who’s the closest,” Maverick head coach Jason Kidd said. Thomas left Seattle as soon as possible and arrived around 3 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. start time.

That type of passion, desire, love for the game, and willingness to do whatever it takes is why the fanbase continues to root for Thomas. That feeling never faded, as evident by the loud ovation he first checked into the game at Golden 1 Center.

Isaiah Thomas was a legitimate MVP candidate in 2016-17, averaging 28.9 points per game for the Boston Celtics, but he’s struggled to remain healthy since. Thomas didn’t appear in more than 40 games in the four seasons following and logged a grand total of 48 minutes in 2020-21.

With seemingly half the league in health and safety protocol, his deal with Dallas allows the former King another opportunity to prove himself.

In 13 minutes played, Isaiah Thomas added six points and four assists on 3/8 from the field and 0/3 from beyond the arc. Expect another local IT sighting on Friday when the Kings and Mavericks match up for the second consecutive game.

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andy_sims
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December 30, 2021 8:05 am

Very nice summary of an exciting game. Like you, and seemingly everyone said, good for Mezzie! Great end-game call by Gentry.

I like what I saw from Jones last year, in particular, his ability to stay in front of ballhandlers out to the perimeter. He alters shots on defense, his shooting stroke seems nice and easy, and he runs all day. I’d like to see more minutes with Holmes and Jones.

Kinda liked Gentry keeping two bigs out there pretty much at all times. Dallas is something of a special case, but even against smaller lineups, Holmes’ & Jones’ ability to switch onto smaller players might provide cover to see it more. We’ve not seen a lot of two-big lineups this year, but it seemed like Holmes was deferring a bit in regard to rebounding. Bagley was getting nearly all the boards when he was out there.

And what can you say about Marvin? He’s doing what he needs to do, and putting in effort on defense. He’s making better decisions when he’s got the ball, and I especially liked when he want across the lane to toss in a hook over Porzingis.

Davion is a ballplayer. He used our dear Isaiah Thomas like a shake and bake bag to pop a nice midrange shot. But then, we only really loved IT’s defense against Javale McGee.

And a well-deserved ovation by our great crowd when he entered the game. In the clip that you provided, you can actually hear the crowd’s disappointment when he missed his first shot. Only in Sacramento!

SexyNapear
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December 30, 2021 12:36 pm
Reply to  andy_sims

If Fox actually consistenly figured out that he could be a potent offensive force by simply finding his teammates when teams collapsed on him, his value would skyrocket.

catterj
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December 30, 2021 4:09 pm
Reply to  andy_sims

I like what I saw from Jones last year, in particular, his ability to stay in front of ballhandlers out to the perimeter. He alters shots on defense, his shooting stroke seems nice and easy, and he runs all day. I’d like to see more minutes with Holmes and Jones.

Per NBA Stats, so far they have had no minutes together. That makes sense in the modern NBA and even in the old school NBA it was atypical to play two centers together.

However, like you, I would like to see it some. Here is a question/comment I just submitted to the Patron-only mailbag so we should hear what Jerry thinks early in January:
Jerry said Richaun Holmes is the best center at defending wings (combo forwards). Seeing Damian Jones switch on defense, it seems like he is pretty good at that too. Defensively, what do you think of a twin towers lineup including Holmes and Jones? This should make up for the defensive limitations of our best players (Fox & Haliburton) and allow for more competent switching against skilled ball handlers in pick and roll and in general. Offensively, Jones has shown he can hit the occasional three. Holmes did too years ago in Philly. I think Holmes should definitely launch a three at least once a game when in the Delay set and his man has his arms spread in the middle of the paint. If nothing else, Holmes hitting a few of those over the course of a couple games will make the Delay set better. They could also run Roll/Replace and other actions meant to employ two bigs. Do you think it can work offensively?

andy_sims
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December 31, 2021 7:32 am
Reply to  catterj

I didn’t realize that they hadn’t played together at all. Maybe Gentry looks at Holmes & Jones as “strong” bigs, and Marvin & Mezie as lighter but quicker, and likes having one of each. Good find!

I do think it can work on the offensive end. I agree that Holmes should try to shoot at least one three per game, if he finds himself open, and is feeling it. Jones’ mechanics when he shoots threes look sound, and he’s shown that he can make them. He’s also good down low, and getting offensive boards. I really think he’s just scratching the surface of what he can do on offense.

1951
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December 30, 2021 8:10 am

My five takeaways from a Kings victory this season:

Amonk81
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December 30, 2021 11:13 am
Reply to  1951

Yup, wins do nothing for me. It’s actually counter productive because of the insistence by the Kings to not rebuild/reset.

sonny
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December 30, 2021 1:19 pm
Reply to  Amonk81

Totally agree with nothing but rebuild and reset.

Here’s another take from the Vladfather I.

“Do you know how they’re gonna come at’cha?”

“They’re arranging a meeting in Philly. In Ben Simmons ground, to pick on my sanity, where they’ll try to fleece me with Tyrese and Davion and future firsts.”

“I’ve always thought it was Dumars or Matina all along”

“It ws a stupid move. A dumb move. Joe and Matina are smart.
Vlade has been so stupid and dumb. But I will wait until the baptism of Matina’s grandson. Then I will make my move. I will get rid of Buddy (Barzini), Fox (Tataglia’
Bagley (Cuneo), TD (Stratchi), and their capos – Alex Len, Tristan, Woodward, Mudiay, Harkless, and Metu”

12EDBFC8-3BEA-4783-BBC2-E9F08191618E.jpeg
Gregoryl
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December 30, 2021 8:20 am

I can’t figure out what Gentry doesn’t see in TD. The better he plays, the less he plays. He is Buddy, if Buddy played defense.

andy_sims
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December 30, 2021 8:23 am
Reply to  Gregoryl

I don’t think that he was dressed last night, but I’m not certain. If he wasn’t, I’m not sure why unless it was to rest him.

1951
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December 30, 2021 8:29 am
Reply to  andy_sims

They needed Buddy to hit one of five shots to jack up his trade value!

Gregoryl
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December 30, 2021 11:15 am
Reply to  andy_sims

He was dressed, just a DNP-CD. He was one of the few bright spots in the Memphis and OKC games, and gets no run last night. I don’t get it.

andy_sims
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December 30, 2021 3:44 pm
Reply to  Gregoryl

I’m trying to figure out who I saw in street clothes by the huddle at the end of the game. I only saw him for a moment, and figured it must be Davis since he’d not been in the game.

Kingsguru21
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December 30, 2021 4:35 pm
Reply to  andy_sims

It was probably Mudiay. He wasn’t dressed.

andy_sims
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December 31, 2021 7:32 am
Reply to  Kingsguru21

You’re probably right. In my defense, I was distracted by the Christian Mingle app.

Kingsguru21
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December 31, 2021 8:52 am
Reply to  andy_sims

Ignorance is bliss, and I really don’t want to know what this means.

SelecaoKOJ
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December 30, 2021 8:59 am

In response to these 2 nail biters against toptier teams.

  1. Metu is still no more than a 10-15 min a night guy on a good team.There we go, I answered my own question.
  2. Bagley belongs in Detroit. He has very few moves when he gets down low. He looked good against 2 teams with very suspect front lines. Then you woke up on Jan 2nd as Bam posterized him. Bagley is no more than a role player off the bench. Iam not sure that’s even on a good team. I reference the Wolves. They just signed Greg Monroe to a 10-day. In the 2 games he’s played, he looks 10x better than Bagley.(And he hasn’t played in the NBA for 2 years)
  3. Jones is a decent back up.Against more Skilled bigs he disappears.
  4. .I agree on Mitchell. Kid needs to stay aggressive and keep looking to score when he gets in there.
  5. The 3rd Qtr morass will continue for 2 reasons. Until they can find a coach that can make decent adjustments(No, It’s not Doug Christie). Until this team can bring in a 3 and d, wings, and stretch 4. This will be an easy team to make adjustments by any competent coach.
  6. The Pizza Guy was the man. I always have a soft spot for that era. We should have won more.
krswin
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December 30, 2021 11:07 am
Reply to  SelecaoKOJ

Everyone always says its the adjustments. I don’t really think that has anything to do with it. It’s just basketball, after all. Kings players just need to quit taking stupid pills at halftime.

SexyNapear
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December 30, 2021 12:35 pm
Reply to  SelecaoKOJ

The Bagley point is correct. He strangely has zero moves down low.

RobHessing
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December 30, 2021 9:23 am

Really happy for Metu. The team has a shot at a +.500 month (7-7 with the Dal. rematch remaining). But the Jan-Feb schedule is rough. This will likely be the high water mark from now to the end of the season.

Amonk81
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December 30, 2021 11:17 am
Reply to  RobHessing

I hope so. 500 cause of shit teams without players, squeaking out wins. Again, useless.

andy_sims
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December 30, 2021 9:25 am
Reply to  RikSmits

The roster needs changes, but these guys definitely like and support one another.

RikSmits
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December 30, 2021 9:33 am
Reply to  andy_sims

… after a win.

andy_sims
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December 30, 2021 10:05 am
Reply to  RikSmits

Has there been some intramural sniping after losses that I’m not aware of?

1951
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December 30, 2021 10:09 am
Reply to  andy_sims

comment image

(All joking aside, I’m having some serious deja vu. This is a convo we have over an over with this org, isn’t it?)

Last edited 2 years ago by 1951
1951
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December 30, 2021 10:16 am
Reply to  1951

Also, I am pretty sure a fight broke out in the locker room earlier his season when Buddy poked Fox in his fat belly, called him “dough boy,” and flashed his shredded abs.

TT got involved and argued that a true vet knows you don’t need that type of six pack to be effective in this league. He told them you just need an six pack of beer, a female athletic trainer, and a empty box of condoms.

Davion was too busy doing crunches to get involved while Aileen Voisin stroked Rese’s stomach.

Last edited 2 years ago by 1951
KingOfTheMonsters
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December 30, 2021 12:54 pm
Reply to  1951

This is funny wonderful.

andy_sims
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December 30, 2021 10:44 am
Reply to  1951

And you’re saying that this means that Thompson doesn’t like or support his teammates, because he spoke candidly?

1951
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December 30, 2021 11:09 am
Reply to  andy_sims

I am sure he supports his teammates, unlike his children.

RobHessing
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December 30, 2021 11:19 am
Reply to  1951

comment image

RikSmits
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December 31, 2021 1:13 am
Reply to  andy_sims

Don’t know. I’d be disappointed if there wasn’t, because that’d be worse, IMO.

But my point is that it’s easy for everything to appear peaches & cream in a short locker-room video after an exciting win (although your mileage on ‘exciting’ may vary).

That doesn’t tell much about how much these guys really like and support each other during a season.

andy_sims
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December 31, 2021 7:34 am
Reply to  RikSmits

That’s true. All we have is the eye test of everything we see during games, which indicates the same. Moe yelling at Buddy isn’t the same as being unsupportive and/or suggesting of animus.

G-naps
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December 31, 2021 12:33 pm
Reply to  RikSmits

I think the “happy locker room after a last second win” is what the kids call a small sampl size.

1951
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December 30, 2021 9:35 am
Reply to  andy_sims

guys definitely like and support one another

If only that applied to defense …
comment image

Amonk81
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December 30, 2021 11:20 am
Reply to  RikSmits

I do like to see this but who cares. How many years have they gotten along well? That seemingly has nothing to do with winning and building.

Id rather have guys who agitated each other and have a winning team.

RikSmits
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December 31, 2021 1:16 am
Reply to  Amonk81

I was more eluding to Metu who worked hard and probably sacrificed a lot to be a fringe NBA player and now having his moment in the sun.

We are easy to complain and bitch, but some of these guys – like Metu – have very little to do with the problems that plague this franchise and I am happy for him.

So although I understand and agree with your wider point; I care.

furious.d
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December 31, 2021 10:37 am
Reply to  RikSmits

I have nothing bad to say about Metu the person. I’m sure he worked his butt off to get to a place where he could make an NBA game winner and that’s worthy of celebration.

But as a franchise, he’s part of the problem, not part of the solution. Mikki Moore, Jon Brockman, Reggie Evans – Metu is just another wasted roster spot in another wasted season.

Does anyone really think he’ll play a significant role on the next Kings team that wins a playoff series? If not, he’s Quincy Acy with a 25% 3pt stroke.

Monte has done a good job identifying talent in the lottery, but you only get one 1st per year unless you create extras via trade. We need to prioritize tuning solid talent into elite talent with trades, not polishing G-League fodder into end of bench guys that will make us a 34 win team instead of a 33 win team.

kings4ever
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December 30, 2021 1:34 pm

Marvin is “relentlessly hustling” LOL. I did not see one impressive play. Maybe I was on a fridge run or bathroom break when he was being so relentless. You can cite his rebounds that is fine. But aren’t most of these uncontested? Where are the contested boards, the tough rebounds in traffic, carving out space and making presence known, keeping the ball alive, I don’t see it, or certainly not often enough.

The guy is soft AF. And his outside shot is cringe.

“No, no, no no don’t do it…..uh-oh, he did it”….BRICK.

“He’s got that look about him again….oh no here it comes, hide the woman and childrens eyes”….BRICK.

Every other team in the NBA wants Marvin to shoot the ball from outside and 3, thats all you need to know. They are saying “be my guest, launch away pal”

All I will say is he is not forcing his game as much he tries to be more selective , so if thats a cause for celebration so be it. I am not putting on my party hat.

Is Marvin play now any better than Harry Giles or Willie during the end of their tenure? Not really and look at them now.

I am more excited by Jones and Metu, because we do not know how good they can be, it is still in the process of discovery. With Marvin he’s only 22 but the problem is between age 19 and 22, he has shown NO growth to his game. His physique is the same, no sculpting like Giannis who went from bean pole to greek god. He’s the same player if not worse because it seems like he was more athletic as a rookie.

No Shot Blocking (unlike Metu)
No Nifty Passes or Drive and Kicks (Unlike Metu)
No ball fakes on face up and dribble pull up shot (unlike Metu)

It is not good when he pales next to Metu and Metu is fighting for his own NBA survival!

Marvin has a straight line drive to his left that the defense waits for then he throws up the half hook. That might work against disinterested bad slow to react defense like Porzingis but thats nothing in grand scheme w/o an array of counters when they shot is taken away.

When Marvin spins back when overplayed, he tries to finish with his left hand right into the face of the defender. It is poor awareness of where the defense is and an ability to create separation to get a clean high percentage look. The skills aren’t there. He stopped trying to develop his right hand….sad!

To top it off he’s bad on-ball and off-ball. No weak side protection. He does not challenge shots with his right hand, lack of coordination. Maybe he’s doing better job staying in front of his man. But if you notice he is only able to do this by giving up A LOT of space, either to shoot uncontested or grant an open passing angle. His on ball is defense is NOT that good because he surrenders so much space and only gets away with it if the man he is checking has modest talent or off night going.

Jones by contrast impresses at times with ability to guard on the perimeter.

I have said all this before but I will say it again and as needed to counter a false narrative.

And Marvin the Board Hawk has a 24.9% defensive rebound rate. Metu’s is 26.4%.

The decision has been made on Marvin. This is not chance to extend his career in SAC, it is playing out the string until the inevitable separation. He’s not sticking around if we can find a trade partner and if we can’t he’s not getting a QO. He’s only been elevated in the rotation b/c Metu has not been able to make a shot most of the year ( 40% FG 50% TS), TT is too unathletic to play 4, Holmes is apparently not deemed suitable there, and the interim coach does not appear inclined to play HB at 4.

sonny
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December 30, 2021 2:22 pm
Reply to  kings4ever

I like how you dissected Marvin’s plays/mobes/weakness.
I agree with alll your takes.

Having said that, as a holiday gift, can you dissect Buddy Hield too?
Because I have never considered him a true “elite” 3 pt shooter, In garbage time maybe,
But in game flow, when his shots are needed, he just chucks it out. Heaves 3 pointers in bad spots, and when guarded, he forces it, eyes not “locked” at rim/net- unlike Reggie Miller and others who just narrowly miss if not making it? Hield’s misses are awful to watch – airballs, wide left or right, clanks the rim hard, or too long and way over the other side!

let me know your take, even if you disagree with some or all of my points.

p.s. we are not even discussing here Hield’s BBIQ which maybe lower than 4 times his jersey number,

sonny
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December 30, 2021 2:23 pm
Reply to  sonny

moves not mobes

andy_sims
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December 31, 2021 7:35 am
Reply to  sonny

MOOPS! MOOPS!

Brown.says.Good.or.Bad
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December 30, 2021 2:35 pm
Reply to  kings4ever

hide the woman and childrens eyes”….BRICK.

haha! this was good

Adamsite
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Nostradumbass 14
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December 30, 2021 6:11 pm
Reply to  kings4ever

I agree with you on Marvin. He really has shown no change in his body or game since the day he was drafted. He is a guy who relies strictly on his athleticism to grab rebounds. He’s bouncy and I’ll give him that, but bouncy guys don’t last long in the league once an ankle or knee give some issues. Kenneth Faried comes to mind.

The fact that Marvin is very predictable in the post and is often a black hole on offense makes him useless against healthy and good teams. The guy may have looked good the last two games but we have to keep in mind who he was going up against. Dwight Powell and Isaiah Roby aren’t exactly all world players…or players even worth guarding much.

Hit me up when Bagley excels against the Draymond Greens, Paskal Siakams and Bam Adebayos of the league.

BestHyperboleEver
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December 31, 2021 2:26 pm
Reply to  Adamsite

Wow, excelling against the best defenders in the NBA is one hell of a bar to set.

GFunkClassic
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December 30, 2021 10:54 pm
Reply to  kings4ever

Disagree completely. Metu has not played well overall, Bagley has. I hope Metu uses the awesome shot to elevate his play overall. The decision on Marvin hasn’t been made until there’s an official decision…in any case it’s better for both parties he plays better.

eddie41
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December 31, 2021 8:58 am

Fox to Metu at the buzzer. didn’t work the first time, worked this time!

there’s a nugget in the previous thread: King4ever has better abs than Fox. funny stuff.

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