The Lakers pulled off the big shot of taking Game 1 in Memphis on Sunday night, and tonight they’ll try to convert the try to find Los Angeles with a comfortable lead. A big blow because the Grizzlies are the best home team in the regular season with a record of 35 wins for only 6 losses. After the meeting, LeBron James and Anthony Davis were highlighted, as well as Rui Hachimura (29 points) and Austin Reaves (23 points). But Darvin Ham would like another player to be mentioned: Jarred Vanderbilt.
With only 4 points and 4 rebounds in 23 minutes, Jarred Vanderbilt did not blacken the sheet, and it was never his specialty. On the other hand, he takes care of the work behind the scenes, such as harassing Ja Morant or directing him to another defender.
Jarred Vanderbilt, the “role player”
“It’s a challenge for him” explained Darvin Ham about Jarred Vanderbilt’s mission. “It’s a teachable moment for all young basketball players. They imagine that today it’s just about scoring 3-pointers and dunking people. If you’re able to be strong defensively, pick up rebounds, and take on that role, you’ll always have a place on a top basketball team and in a top league like the NBA.”.
Clearly, Jarred Vanderbilt is a “role player”, and he can find a place in the Californian sun, doing the dirty work for the superstars. Facing Memphis, he supports Anthony Davis to wear down Ja Morant physically, and prevent him from going to the circle. And if he passes, AD is there to block him. Like on this penetration that leads to his injury.
“His ability to focus, to be selfless, to accept tough matchups, to dive on the pitch, to do the dirty work, to set up screens, to go for second and third balls when involved, is brilliant . It’s invaluable, and I’m glad we have an asset like this on our team.” continues the Lakers coach.
Linebacker Anthony Davis
But this work is only effective if behind the others follow, and Darvin Ham explains that it is Anthony Davis who remains the defensive leader of the team, and he chooses a metaphor linked to American football.
“He’s our linebacker. He’s our middle linebacker. He sees everything in front of him, he talks to the guys, he protects the rim, he is present in the paint, he is active, he has energy on that side of the ball and he also has hands very active. »
And then, we are in the playoffs, and the referees whistle less. Defenses can gain the upper hand over attacks, and the path to the circle is more complicated. In the East, Trae Young can also testify to this… “Ja is the head of the serpent” recalls Anthony Davis. “His pick-and-roll game is top notch. He has his floaters, his jump, he jumps really high… He goes to the circle… I just want to take some of that away from him, and show him that there are people. You have to treat it like that. We just want to show him the world, and force him to find a teammate or take a difficult shot. Obviously, he’s so good that he’s going to put it on, but just make it more difficult for him. »
We’ll see tonight how Ja Morant adapts to these pliers. Provided he plays since he is very uncertain after waking up with a right wrist injury.
