This has something to do with James' lack of desire to help on defense, but more importantly, it was because of Westbrook's absence.
Passion is an intangible thing, but when facing a stronger opponent, its presence or absence makes a completely different spirit for the entire team.
Hansen continued to double-team James, and after receiving the ball from James, Afflalo faked a shot and broke past the helping defender Guy, but his abrupt mid-range jumper was off.
Afflalo's mid-range ability isn't weak, his mentality clearly fluctuated.
Offense and defense on the court are interlinked, unless you're playing run-and-gun with the determination of the old Suns and Warriors, or harboring the earnest mindset of stat-padding like James—otherwise, a defensive loss will inevitably affect the offense.
Conley once again got past Fisher, tonight he seemed to have turned into Ross.
