54. "Neither of them did & it was a point of contention" In response to In response to 32
Both constantly reverted back to isolation hero ball and it cost that OKC team for years in the playoffs. Once either KD or Russy started going iso ball, the other would get frustrated and get his shots in...leading to a lot of difficulty possessions. Last season, Donovan did a tremendous job of getting them to execute down the stretch of games and was in process of changing those habits.
For 7 consecutive games in the '15 playoffs (starting after the game 3 loss to SA where Russy was really sloppy with the ball down the stretch of the game and admitted as much afterwards), both of them were consistent and disciplined in their approach to executing sets and it showed. However, both of them reverted back to their old habits when the pressure ratcheted up (which tends to happen with behavior change) when up 6 with 8 minutes left and it cost OKC that game, that series, and ultimately that partnership.
Basaglia said this right above me but it's no coincidence that KD decided to pick a team that knows how to win, whose success has been based on relentless execution. The sad part is even with that OKC loss, both Russ and KD with Donovan's influence showed they were right on the cusp of finally getting it; both of them made huge strides last year and I was really hoping to see them take the next step this season. Obviously, that's all just some alternate reality now lol.
--------------------------------- <--The drought is over
"have fun reveling in your pettiness tho" (C) Dula summing up 98% of OKS
"I didnt finish a damn thing...matter of fact I jerked off after she left." -Kobe speaking to investigators