Empty the Bench

It was great to see The Big Ticket come out aggressive in the first quarter, actively looking for his shot and taking it to the hole. He’s gotten criticism for his entire career about the lack of offensive assertiveness and willingness to attack the rim, most of it deserved, but Kevin was clearly on a mission last night. He still disappeared on offense for stretches (at one point missing nine shots in a row), but he was dominant on defense and on the glass all night.

A few more ferocious facials like the put-back he administered to Pau Gasol (below, starting at 1:05) and a few more wins and KG will silence those critics once and for all.