More important than taking the air out of the ball, and evidence that the coaches have collaborated on a significant change, is the way in the last two games (Portland and Gonzaga) that Mika has kicked the ball out more quickly and more often and then reposted either high or low. I have also noted better movement on the perimeter when the ball goes inside. They have changed sides of the floor with the ball more often as well, making the defense move.

The defense has been better, too. But it would improve even more if someone could talk Emery into narrowing his defensive stance and anticipating the on-ball screen. He sits down way too wide, making himself almost stationary, and he reacts way too slowly to the screen, almost always giving up and following his man over the top like a lost cause. I think it's a matter of not knowing any better, not an issue of desire. And, as I've said before, he (mainly) and others need to keep their feet on the perimeter. His blocked shot ratio is one every three games, if that. Not worth the attempt. He gives up far more than he ever gains. Same with everyone else who does it. You do it best (more effectively) at the bucket, like with Mika's two-handed stuff near the end.