Finals Primer
Hey fellow G League Aficionados
As we prep for a matchup between the Kings and the Swarm, figured I would drop a few notes as a bit of a watching guide for those interested. Hopefully this will point out some of the threads to watch for:
DaQuan Jeffries: Solid stat line, averaging 23.5 pts on nearly 52% shooting this season. He cooked last game against the Lakers (South Bay, that is). Easy work, producing 27 points with one turnover. His efficiency lagged behind his average (he shot 8 for 20), but it’s safe to say he will be the first option for the series when the Kings bring the ball up the court.
Honorable mention: Jameel Nelson Jr. For those that enjoyed his dad’s tenure with Dwight Howard back in the peak Eastern Conference Contender days, we’re all rooting for this version of the family name to get some traction in the bright lights. He produced last game, pouring in 18 points and 3 assist against the Lakers.
Kings beat a limited Lakers team: The South Bay Lakers did not send the big time names to pursue the illustrious Gatorade title. I don’t mean that to take away from the Kings, but it makes you wonder what’s ahead of them tonight given the Swarm will likely do the opposite (they want their young guys getting minutes in meaningful games).
Ratings and stats: the Kings are number four in NET rating and the Swarm are fifth in defensive rating. The Kings are fifth in second chance point per game, while the Swarm are leading in clutch wins. You have to think the Swarm are not a team anyone wants to face in a close game down the stretch with 8 clutch wins (of their 24 wins). The Swarm like to play in the paint, leading in rebounds and coming in at fifth in percentage of points in the paint scored. Lastly, both teams are top five in plus minus, so we’re going to be watching teams that are crisp and playing for a championship for a reason.
Predictions: I think the Swarm win in three games. They have a lot of tools for a minor league team (assuming they keep Tidjane & Liam with the team for the duration of the series, I’m not sure if personnel is locked into the entire series if listed on the active roster at the start of the finals, someone maybe can speak to that). Regardless, the Swarm had six players in double-digits against the Magic. That’s toughhhhhh.
Enjoy tonight, y’all. And always, keep an eye