As the Kings played post-season basketball with their knees typically knocking against themselves, Adelman watched as Brian Skinner got demonized by the 7'2" Jerome James, of all people. James was killing the Kings in close, sweeping the much smaller Skinner out of the way as he reaped the benefit of not having to deal with anyone close to his size. Adelman inserted Brad Miller for 8 minutes, and he got some effective play from his injured starting center, but kept to the game plan of only letting him on the court for an allotted length of time. James, meanwhile, rebounded and scored with impunity.
Fine.
So late in the third quarter, as the Sonic lead reached 21 points, in apparent desparation, Rick puts in Greg Ostertag. Suddenly, the Sonics could no longer run their offense. Brick after brick goes up as Greg either alters the shot, or causes the Sonic player to rethink what he was doing in mid-air. James scores two points against Tag and looks every bit the ordinary player he really is.
The Sonic lead eventually dwindles to 1, and that is another gift, as Bibby and Thomas miss free throws that would have given the Kings the lead at that point.
All this happens after Tag comes in the game. He goes 3-3 from the court, and pulls down 7 boards (3 offensive) in 17 minutes that span the third and fourth quarters. Most importantly, the Sonics lose all focus running their offense.
So what does Adelman say after the game?
"If Greg performs, he's going to play. If not, I've got to get somebody else in there."
Somebody else?
