Don’t know if anyone already posted this but I thought it was interesting: According to nba.com’s matchup data, Devin Booker is shooting 1-17 for 3 total points when guarded by Nickeil Alexander-Walker in the last 2 seasons
by Significant-Fix-5831
@Minnesota Timberwolves
5 Comments
Thats why you start him instead of Kat
He the X-factor this series. He needs to play 30+ min a game. Monte and jmac cant play
It’s tough to reconcile the difference between NAW objectively being the way better starting option over KAT for defensive matchups, and the fact that they need KAT’s offensive brilliance in order to break the Suns’ shell scheme and to free up Ant.
I think Ant will play better regardless, but the Suns’ defensive scheme right now is basically shut down Ant at all costs and dare anybody else to beat them, and it’s worked.
I really don’t know what Finch and the coaching staff do. I don’t think they have the offensive firepower to break that shell defense with NAW/Conley/Jaden/Ant.
NAW guards Booker
Ant guards Beal
Mike guards Allen
Jaden guards KD
KAT guards Nurkic (Nurkic gets played off the floor trying to guard KAT)
Rudy and Naz come off the bench and we dominate their bench
I’m hearing bench KAT for NAW. Bench Rudy for NAW. What about bench Mike for NAW?
Between Booker and Beal, Phoenix can really impose their impose their will due to Mike’s physical limitations. If you start NAW instead, Jaden/Ant/NAW can shut down the perimeter. Meanwhile, Mike probably wouldn’t make a huge fuss about playing more off the bench. (Benching KAT or Rudy will be a scandal unfortunately. )
Ant-Jaden-Rudy-KAT-Mike Net Rating: +7.9
Ant-Jaden-Rudy-KAT-NAW Net Rating: +6.4
You could also bench Jaden, but I think we really need him to step up in this matchup:
Ant-NAW-Rudy-KAT-Mike Net Rating: +7.6