Russ was at his Russ worst (1/9). K often uses the term “multiplier effect” and it applies to Russ when he misses at the rim (or fumbles) and the other team is then off to the races getting anything they want. Multiplier effect and demoralizing. Tho he only got 16 mins, he sunk our chances with those minutes. Disagree that he’s washed — that’s his game– recklessness — can be exciting tho and I understand his appeal to certain fans. Passion and heart always on display.

OKCs a very good team — at home — but I wouldn’t be so JMac ecstatic about them since they’re young and spindly Holmgren can be manhandled (bet Theis really wanted a crack at the guy–and he should have been given the chance). And, you HAVE to guard him outside — we didn’t at first and paid a price.

PG was terrible–don’t think he had his head in the game after the break. I expect him to be much better. In fact, l expect the team to me much better tonite (even tho on a B2B) as kind of a “we’re better than that” game.

LAC does a fine job of beating the teams lower in the standings, but cannot beat the “Big 3”. This definitely looks like a 4 seed team that cannot win a series vs those big 3.

So, a second round elimination.

When Russ is bad, he is streaky, and coaches need to lid this up. Momentum is a killer. I like to see Craig coach games or even one vs a top contending team. Interested to see if he rotates players regardless of stature, set rotation. Craig is D first.

The Clippers played better when Theis played. The Zu/Plumlee duo doesn’t work.

Harden should be the 2nd option and George 3rd. If Powell is on the floor with Leonard, Harden, and George, PG gets bumped down to 4th option.

Lue needs to coach better.

That includes Zu: 65% is his season average from the field. Tonight, he not only shot far below that, he generated 15 points (13+1 assist) on 16 possessions. All shots near the rim, all set up by teammates, always the biggest and strongest guy on the floor (by far). This was a game where he needed to shoot BETTER than his season averages, not worse and it was pretty obvious in the 3rd quarter. Zu did some other things well but he got just us outplayed and manhandled like everyone else. OKC looked like the veteran team, we looked like the boys

Our issue on the 2nd unit is Russ’ decline in his point guard play. Lue sees it, but hasn’t yet found a good solution. Russ just gives too many possessions away and doesn’t optimize the tools he has on the floor.