If LAC has any chance at winning tonight, they have to get Houston’s primary defenders off Kawhi. His shot volume and frequency of shot attempts per possession need to go up for LAC to have a chance.

They’ll need at least 1 if not 2 screeners, and they’ll need either someone credible at the wing or high post to drive, make shots or draw defenders and hit a baseline cutter.

LAC also needs to play with more pace, which is difficult when they don’t have a real point guard and Dunn is often a disaster running the break.

The thing with Houston is they’re hard to screen against because they’re strong and athletic. I’d try to use Lopez as a screener initially, and give him a chance to hit a few shots early or at least see over the defense and make a pass. I do think having Kawhi on the floor with YKN and Mathurin might unlock the game offensively. Mathurin isn’t a great shot creator or maker, but he will eat what others cook. Mathurin also has some floor reading skills and the strength to deal with Houston’s wing defenders so maybe Ty can find a creative way to deploy him with Kawhi on the court.

A lot of folks online criticized Jordan Miller’s performance, but I saw some incremental improvement. Had he not missed 3 FTs, he could’ve had 12 pts, 4 rebs, 2 assists and 50% shooting from the 3 pt line in 19 min. The 3 TOs hurt, but you have to expect those types of growing pains. If his body can recover from last night, I think he has a chance to be better tonight.

It would not be a bad idea to give TyTy Washington a few minutes tonight to see if he can navigate the Houston defense and get some paint touches or get the ball up quickly to a wing. The lack of a point guard was very apparent vs Houston. If you look at our last 6 games: Phx, Philly, Cle, Sac, Minn, Hou, we’re 3-3 and our point guard play has been lacking.

I would like to see a bit more of IJax and Dalano Banton. They both might be a good athletic fit against this Houston team.

The other thing LAC needs to do is not give up so many open looks from 3. Houston shot 50% from the 3 pt line last night on 14/28 shooting.