Denver Nuggets swingman Will Barton had a rough time in Game 4 of their the Western Conference Semifinals against the Portland Trail Blazers. The athletic wing shot only 4-of-14 from the field en route to 11 points. However, head coach Michael Malone explained why he stuck with the struggling player when he had other options:
“I thought Torrey Craig didn't have the usual Torrey defensive game,” Malone said, per Michael Spencer of CBS Denver. “They were scoring on him a little bit. If Torrey was gonna struggle on defense, I might as well get Will out there. In the back of my mind, I was remembering Game 3 and the confidence that Will played with. He's played in this city, he knows there players. I know how much this series means to him.”
Malone presented some good reasons for sticking with his veteran. Torrey Craig has developed a reputation as a solid defensive player, but Blazers players were getting by him in Game 4. Since the defense wasn't there, Malone opted to attempt to fight fire with fire and take advantage of Barton's offensive abilities.
Craig is a decent spot-shooter and slasher, but he can't create with the ball like Barton can. Even on a team deep with players capable of going one-on-one, Barton has stood out as being an athletic and creative finisher around the rim.
Credit to Michael Malone for choosing his personnel well and making a change that ended up helping the Nuggets win a key game.
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