On April 19, Beijing time, the Lakers' team reporter pointed out after analyzing the data of last season's Western Conference Finals and Finals that guard Vincent showed outstanding defensive ability against Jamal Murray of the Nuggets. Therefore, he suggested that in the first round of the playoffs between the Lakers and Nuggets this year, head coach Ham should increase Vincent's playing time to effectively limit Murray's performance in key moments.
In last year's Western Conference Finals, the Lakers were swept by the Nuggets, and Jamal Murray cut the points, like a hanging, so hard that people couldn't look at it, averaging 32.5 points per game, which really made the Lakers' defense scattered. Which big brother and sister can stop him? Russell and whoever it is, Xiao Hei and Schroeder, can't stop him. When Murray was bouncing, the Lakers couldn't do anything.
However, when it came to the finals, Vincent had a way to deal with Murray. As soon as Vincent made a shot, Murray was instantly obedient, averaging only 21.4 points per game in the Finals. Although this number is not bad, it is far worse than the previous final score. Ah, what does that mean? That's what Murray is all about.
Vincent's defensive approach is varied, starting with his tight defense of Murray, which makes it difficult for Murray to find a comfortable touch in a regular shooting position. At the same time, Vincent's physicality and pace allow him to keep up with Murray's pace, whether it's a breakthrough or a change of direction, to give enough interference. He also used his wits to anticipate Murray's breakthrough route without losing his position, and successfully prevented Murray's scoring or assists on several occasions.
In addition to individual defense, it can be assumed that Vincent may also be involved in the overall defensive coordination of the Lakers. Through seamless switching and collaboration with teammates, the Lakers developed a special defensive plan against Murray, which also greatly limited Murray's scoring efficiency. Through this collective effort, Vincent was able to reduce Murray's points per game average in the Finals by a lot, reducing his influence on the outcome of the game.
Therefore, it can be considered that Vincent played an important role in achieving an effective limit on Murray's scoring in the finals last season through his individual defensive brilliance and exquisite coordination with the team.
Now Vincent is wearing the jersey of the Lakers, but when he came to the team, he thought he was going to fight immediately, but he played 5 games, and the data, well, okay, is not dazzling. But if you look at the playoffs in the past, Vincent was really ruthless at that time. His average of 12.7 points per game is not something that can be scored casually.
Even in this year's playoffs, head coach Ham used Vincent a little bit of a cheerful meaning, ready to let him play more and give Murray a good chase and interception. A posture of "drizzling rain and sticks hitting double swallows" made Murray still have the glory of the past.
Hey, what should I say? Once born, twice matured, no one can always dominate the audience. Isn't it a new trick for the Lakers to find a magic weapon? It can only be said that Vincent is a good man, and he is worthy of the Lakers' money to find it.
From a personal point of view, Vincent's usage is worth playing. The overall situation of the Lakers can be described as a top six, and it seems that it is clear that Vincent has to use the card. The good players from all walks of life can be regarded as making fans chuckle in their hearts and see what surprises the Lakers can bring us. In short, this little report reminds you that basketball, sometimes it is really ever-changing, please watch the live broadcast on time, and you are absolutely guaranteed to watch it with relish!