Tacko Fall's stat line accurately illustrates how things went for the big man in Maine's win over the College Park Skyhawks on Sunday. Twenty-one points on 9-for-12 shooting and 18 rebounds is an outstanding day for anyone.
Fall also blocked two shots and altered plenty more College Park drives. His one major problem in the 115-91 finish was free-throw shooting (2-for-6).
Tacko's block sets up the deep ball from Tremont to Jaysean! And 1⃣! @tackofall99 #CrustaceanNation pic.twitter.com/0kYjd8IgQw
— Maine Red Claws (@maineredclaws) December 29, 2019Now, it's been clear since Day 1 that there are three areas where Fall can have a significant impact: low post scoring, rim-protecting and rebounding. Success in the latter two areas seems to come fairly naturally to him — especially rim-protecting. Scoring hasn't been quite as easy. That's not to say Fall has done poorly for Maine in that aspect, he's just better as a rim-protector and rebounder.
Two straight slams by @tackofall99! #CrustaceanNation pic.twitter.com/k6GhlPpjb8
— Maine Red Claws (@maineredclaws) December 29, 2019Fall has great chemistry with Tremont Waters on the pick-and-roll. One of the two usually has a quality look at the rim when Waters uses the screen. Fall also broke out some post moves on Sunday to create scoring chances.
One thing that's become apparent — particularly in Sunday's game — is backing opponents down isn't difficult for Fall. Players covering him aren't going to block his shot, so they at least make sure he's not getting closer to the rack.
This is why Fall's positioning on the floor before he receives the pass on the block or in the paint has been so important. Of course, it's ideal to get the seven-and-a-half-footer as close to the rim as possible. But right now it's a necessity for him if he wants to score.
-- beats the double team! @tackofall99 #CrustaceanNation pic.twitter.com/tpWolrV71k
— Maine Red Claws (@maineredclaws) December 29, 2019Considering Fall is putting up strong numbers even though opponents are placing a greater emphasis on stopping him, it's clear the Celtics and Red Claws have given the big man some helpful advice — and it's starting to make an impact.
I don't think they read the scouting report. @tackofall99 #CrustaceanNation pic.twitter.com/Lp4dGR6eoJ
— Maine Red Claws (@maineredclaws) December 29, 2019Boston's other two-way player was lights out again. Waters scored 27 on 9-for-18 shooting (5-for-12 from deep, 3-for-5 on free throws). He also had eight assists and two steals.
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