As he did last postseason, Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue is fining his players $100 each time they bite on a DeMar DeRozan pump fake. This news comes from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst:
Thompson was his energetic self, racking up 14 points and 12 rebounds. Maybe most important, he didn’t bite on pump fakes that DeRozan tried to throw at him. The Cavs have a standing $100 fine for falling for DeRozan’s trap, and Thompson didn’t want to pay.
“I’m not trying to give up that money,” Thompson said. “I just had a kid, so I’m just trying to save up for their college tuition.” You might have read about Thompson’s new addition to the family in your local supermarket tabloid.
DeRozan is a shifty player with a tricky pump fake made dangerous by his lethal midrange jump shot. Because he throws so many pump fakes, the best way to defend him is to give up the outside shot and have your players stay on their feet – with a hand in his face, of course. This fine by Lue is a creative way to incentivize his players to stay on their feet and avoid fouling DeRozan or getting blown by.
