Adjustments are the name of the game in the postseason, and Mark Denault is no stranger to changing things up. In the Thunder's first-round game against the Pelicans, Daigneault began moving to Kenrich Williams when New Orleans downsized Larry Nance Jr.'s squad, abandoning that plan midway through the opening round sweep.
But that doesn't mean the TCU product's playoff future is doomed. Oklahoma City will need to view the Mavericks through a different lens than the Pelicans.
The recent injury news to Maxi Kleber eliminated Jason Kidd's small-ball wrinkle, but it would have been a great spot for Williams to slot into the Thunder's rotation. But there are still ways for the plucky forward to make an impact.
Kidd is eager to develop a cross-match plan with the big man tasked with guarding Josh Guidy, but in reality he ignores the Thunder's guard and is left on an island, either sinking or coming from beyond the arc. It's like swimming.
This allows the Mavericks to clog the lane and prevent the Thunder's drive-and-cut style of play. Guidy played well individually in the first half of the third meeting between these two teams, but ignored the No. 6 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft in favor of taking away other aspects of the Thunder's offense. Kid's attitude of doing so may put Giddy in an unfair position. There's nothing wrong with him.
Given the Mavericks' size advantage, relying on Kason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins will be part of Dynor's plan, but it may not be the only wrinkle he has to let go.
By trading Williams for Guidi and putting Chet Holmgren or Jaylin Williams in the midfield, OKC could get the best of both worlds.
The veteran forward is a physical threat who is active on the defensive mix and attacking the glass, as well as his 39 percent shooting from long range, which helps the Thunder's offense. lanes can be relaxed.
Don't be surprised if things revert to the 48 percent corner 3-point shooter in Game 2, and perhaps catch the Mavericks off guard with a chance to steal a game or two in this series.
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