And a key reason was that we made a few assignment changes that worked out well (Good halftime adjustment.) Putting Luke on #11 for them shut him down. We outscored them 29-15 to get to 62-46 - game was over at that point. They made only "tough twos" during that stretch. With the game in hand, #4 for them, who had done absolutely nothing all game, made three straight deep threes to make the margin better for them, but we had really stifled them up until that point.
For the guys who are befuddled with why Henderson is ever on the court or even allowed on the team bus, this game was a prime example of his value. He is good in the half court, team defense. I would go out on a limb and say that at times, he is very good at it. His helping then "flattening out" on screens is excellent. He's always active and alert and communicates on screens. He blocks out and defends the post better than given credit for. Provides a big wall to try and shoot over in the post, altering lots of shots. And even on offense, where he's certainly had some bad moments (like his embarrassing turnovers against LSU), he is usually a very low use, but high percentage, contributor. Hits his rare jumper at a high percentage. Grabs an offensive rebound or two in limited minutes. And although he missed those two yesterday, has hit his free throws. He spends all his energy facilitating for others through screening and actively posting hard (draws a few fouls and occupies a post defender which helps our other big guy.) He also allows us to leave Roberson at three, which makes us better. He played a big part in our pulling away from Alabama yesterday. He played a solid role for us.
Soul, I know you, in particular will balk at this.
But I would contend that many don't recognize the "little things" Henderson does well that strengthen our team, especially defensively.
For the guys who are befuddled with why Henderson is ever on the court or even allowed on the team bus, this game was a prime example of his value. He is good in the half court, team defense. I would go out on a limb and say that at times, he is very good at it. His helping then "flattening out" on screens is excellent. He's always active and alert and communicates on screens. He blocks out and defends the post better than given credit for. Provides a big wall to try and shoot over in the post, altering lots of shots. And even on offense, where he's certainly had some bad moments (like his embarrassing turnovers against LSU), he is usually a very low use, but high percentage, contributor. Hits his rare jumper at a high percentage. Grabs an offensive rebound or two in limited minutes. And although he missed those two yesterday, has hit his free throws. He spends all his energy facilitating for others through screening and actively posting hard (draws a few fouls and occupies a post defender which helps our other big guy.) He also allows us to leave Roberson at three, which makes us better. He played a big part in our pulling away from Alabama yesterday. He played a solid role for us.
Soul, I know you, in particular will balk at this.
But I would contend that many don't recognize the "little things" Henderson does well that strengthen our team, especially defensively.
