Lamarcus Aldridge’s problems in the Golden State game got me thinking about it. In particular, his match up with Maggette made me think about the times when I’m matched up against a smaller player that I should have an advantage on, but am flummoxed by.

If game after game you are playing against players of a certain size–players who are fighting with you for position and leaning on you–it can be difficult to adjust to a smaller player who doesn’t play the same way on defense.

It’s like playing against someone who pulls the chair out from under you constantly.

Give a talented big practice time or a playoff series where they can get accustomed to the way they are being played, and their height and size will win out.

But a random NBA game with little prep time? I think there is a good chance that the big won’t have enough time to adjust and take advantage.

So I wonder if teams are really making a mistake in going small to match up or if that is really the smart strategy when your bigs can’t adjust.