That was easily Speights' best game as a rookie. For all of us (rightfully) complaining about his defensive rebounding, he did a tremendous job tonight. Whenever the ball was shot, he put a body on his man and got position.
I think part of that had to do with less guys driving to the basket than normal. I think a big part of Speights' problem is that he gets way out of position going for blocks and his man can get in behind him. Still, when I saw he had 9 rebounds or whatever it was, I was impressed because I know that's really not part of his game on a consistent basis right now.
Other thoughts:
-Thaddeus Young has the best post game on this team. Better than Speights or Brand (who prefers being up higher). He put on a clinic tonight against everybody who tried to guard him. They need to do a better job getting him the ball on the low-block on a consistent basis. He looks way more comfortable there than trying to drive from the wing.
-Andre Iguodala has benefitted more than any other player by DiLeo's Decree. I know longer yell "shoot the ball" at the top of my lungs when he has it, and his confidence shows.
-Willie Green still sucks.
-Royal Ivey is much more impressive in person than he is on TV. By that, I mean you don't see all his hustle plays and off-the-ball movement on TV, but he seemed to be everywhere tonight. Definitely better than Willie Green on defense and hustling, and doesn't take as many bad shots.
-Theo Ratliff is 10 times the defender Dalembert is, but Dalembert really does give more on offense around the hoop. He may have stone hands, but he can oop when alleyed.
-If you take away Ratliff, Evans, Rush, and Marshall's minutes from tonight, you have right around what Brand would be getting. That group combined for a total of 3 points. Just saying.
