The team’s increased emphasis on playing with pace will help them make up for Edwards’ production if they can get good shots in open space. But that can happen more easily with an improved defense that forces more misses and turnovers.
The point guard situation is still a work in progress, as Rob Dillingham joined the rotation a night after sitting out because of a fractured nose. Dillingham had four points but three turnovers in 12 minutes. Conley looked more like himself with 10 points and four assists in his first start of the season.
“Honestly, it’s been a lot, not knowing if I was playing 10 minutes or five, starting or not,” Conley said. “It’s been kind of a shock in that aspect to get ready for that game. But my job, since I’ve been here, is just be ready to play.”
Bones Hyland continued to be a part of the rotation, finishing 1-for-4 with six points.
Finding players who can shift the defense with their ability to break the paint and play-make out of that will be paramount while Edwards is out.
Randle has shown he can do it.