Austin Thieves absolutely clamping Dame, shutting him down three times in one play and packing his jumper

14 comments

1. If this is the defense Austin is going to bring into the playoffs, the Lakers are going to surprise a LOT of people

2. Crazy how Lillard went from certified Lakers killer even on a tanking Blazers team to getting outplayed by AR and D’Lo in both games this season

3. I mean until the conference finals, austin’s defense wasnt bad at all. He defended bane really well except for game 4, really defended hard as he can against steph curry

4. “Austin you’re hiiiim”

5. 

6. Austin always has good footwork and heart to play defense. Thing is hes just slightly too short/too short of wingspan. Imagine if he had just one more inch of either. He constantly has his hand in faces

7. It was Austin time…

8. He is all heart and hustle too, he may not be a lockdown defender but the effort is 100% always there.

9. I believe on this previous play, Austin got embarrassed by Dame. I’m sure there was a collective sigh from all of us. Thats what makes this play more special. Dude realized it, collected himself and tried harder.

10. Austin was actually a legitimately good POA defender his first two years, both by metrics and by the eye test. The weird part is how he suddenly became food halfway through the FIBA tournament and throughout the first half of the season.

11. And he got the foul at the end.

12. His defense was incredible last night. Clamped up Dame and Middleton in some key moments.

13. His defense these last 10 games or so, is starting to look like his D last year. Competitive, not giving up on plays, often making plays from behind.

    I like it.

14. Clamped