“We’re trying to bring them together so they can wreak havoc. They are like that. » Ime Udoka can hardly better summarize the mission and work of Tari Eason et Amen Thompson. Both players have already shown strong defensive potential, which is confirmed as the days go by. The Clippers can attest to this.
Amen Thompson, for example, found himself facing James Harden several times and the most famous bearded man in the league hardly shone in Texas (19 points at 6/15 shooting). His direct defender did not bite his feints and his movements while contesting his shots well. Sometimes assisted by Tari Eason in assistance.
“I liked this mission. It was nice”he confides. “He is very good at getting fouls but we followed the instructions. We knew what he was going to do, so I was aware of that. So does the rest of the team. »
Dillon Brooks, who also took care of the 2017 MVP, praised his teammate’s performance. “Amen did a great job, pushing him to take complicated shots, had his hands on the ball a lot. It made him think twice. Amen will become a great defender in the years to come. »
Should we keep this double-bladed weapon on the bench?
Amen Thompson finished this victory with 18 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block. Tari Eason also added 18 points, plus 10 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1 interception. In the last quarter, they stole 2 balls and turned away a shot, in addition to grabbing 5 rebounds.
“It becomes a habit. Both did good things, on both ends of the pitch, defending everywhere,” rejoices Ime Udoka. “We needed that spark. The match was close and they brought that little something extra. »
Since the start of the season, this duo has come off the bench and offered their coach a formidable weapon. But shouldn’t we think about including them in the major five to benefit from their impact from the start?
“I don’t know if things would be different if they were starters,” répond Ime Udoka. “They play starters half the time, so it’s not like they’re only playing other substitutes. They have impact. They’re a tandem and I want to keep them together because they do so much damage. It’s more than important to have two players who can do so many things, who can have so much impact on the pitch. »
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