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NEWBak Ku Teh Kings
1. Controlling the defensive boards
Flyer Sonic is the league's best rebounding team(58.3rpg, the league's 2nd best SHP is a distant 54.3rpg). Kings are decent in rebounding(52.6 rpg) but they must prevent Sonic post players offensive rebounds for easy put back dunks and 2nd chance points. Sonic are too good offensively and giving them such easy points will make things go out of hand for the Kings very quickly.
2. Keep Sonic's defence guessing
NEWBak Ku Teh Kings has a very balanced roster with no rotation player that plays regularly averaging more than 14.5 pts. This means King's coach must make plays for different players regularly to confuse and make the Sonic's defence work. This might tire out key offensive players for Flyer Sonic. This also means Sonic is unlikely to double any King's player and whoever that has the hot hand must exploit their matchup.
3. Get PJL and LAW in foul trouble.
PJL and LAW are one of the best post players in the league but if they aren't playing they will not do damage. It's an extremely difficult task(LAW 1.3 PF per game, PJL 0.9 PF per game) and Kings guards that regularly drive must not shy away from contact. Once either of Sonic's superstars has foul trouble it gives the defence some room to breathe and open up alot more possible post plays and rebound opportunities for big men Anton Stanchuck, Bernie Carr and Laverne Gilley.
4. Perimeter shots must fall
King's backcourt and SFs Pang Mingyou, Mohd Jamil, Vitomil Wolf, Vitaly Murashev and Sapian must hit their perimeter shots. Most basketball experts agree that shots from the mid-range are the most inefficient of all shots. However with the paint clogged up and NEWBak Ku Teh Kings being a mediocre 3pt shooting team at best(31% beyond the arc) most pts must come from the perimeter. Bernie Carr must also hit perimeter jumpers and force PJL/LAW away from the basket to defend, opening up driving and offensive rebounds possibilities.
5. Bench players must step up
NEWBak Ku Teh Kings has one of the best bench in the league and they must produce if they want any chance to beat Flyer Sonic. Nobert Szilagyi must bring energy and defence against post players, Pang Mingyou must shoot lights out, Sapian must play on both ends like a seasoned vet and Mohd Jamil must outwit Marcell Dobrovits/Sonic defence and hit an occasional 3. The starters are taxed to defend some of the best players in arguably currently the best team in the league and the King's bench must lighten the load especially on the offensive end.
5 quick questions
1. If the game is on the line for the Kings who's going to take the final shot?
2. Will Ricaredo step up or will he disappear again for long stretches when PJL and LAW are mercilessly doubled every possession?
3. With Flyer Sonic being such strong rebounders will King's coach tell their players to run back to defence instead of trying for an offensive rebound?
4. PJL is a solid ball handler for his size and a PJL+LAW pick and roll will send chills down the King's defence. Will that play be used?
5. Can the NEWBak Ku Teh Kings take advantage of their home court?