Like the Nuggets last night in Los Angeles, the Suns never led in Game 3 of their series against the Wolves. Largely dominated at home, Kevin Durant's teammates have still not found a solution to the Wolves collective, and in particular to the pick-and-roll between Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert.
The talent of the All-Star guard allows him to take advantage of the screens of the Frenchman (or Karl-Anthony Towns), and the Suns have not managed to curb their efficiency. Even the double take on Edwards backfires against the Suns since Edwards is able to find his shooters on the opposite side.
“I know their goal is to put a wall in front of me, and put two players on me” explains Edwards. “When Rudy opens up to the circle, it pulls one whole side in, and it frees up one corner. If they reinforce the axis to hinder Rudy, it frees the wing. If they don't put two players on me, I'm going to attack…”
Two-person takes? The greatest form of respect
Author of 36 points in the 3rd round, Edwards impressed with his accuracy and his reading of the defense. His decision-making is quick because his teammates anticipate the defense. This is the case of Rudy Gobert whose play without the ball after the screen causes big problems for the Suns.
“I now know how to free him,” the Frenchman confided in February. “I tell him constantly, 'When you see me screen you, you don't need to go fast, rush. You know I'm going to give you an advantage. You just have to read the situation.' »
That's what Edwards does, and he's learned to love it if Gobert is to be believed. “Last year, or at the start of the season, when they put two players on him, Anthony really didn't like it. I feel like over the year he's learned to appreciate these situations, because it's the highest form of respect. »
Generally speaking, the Frenchman has difficulty realizing that his leader is so young… “It’s crazy to think he’s only 22.” He worked so hard…saw him watching videos almost every day and saw him wanting to learn and improve. It’s the team that benefits.” concludes Gobert.
