Back to actual discussion of this series...
Pop's decision to play Baynes was brilliant and I don't think it was entirely luck either. Obviously, I don't expect Baynes to consistently drop 10 and 7, but this is a matchup where he can get spot minutes an be fairly effective. Lopez is a pretty good rim protector, but not a great pick and roll defender, so letting Baynes set high screens and forcing the fro to try and stick with a guard is tough task. Add in that Baynes is certainly not afraid roll hard and throw it down, and Lopez has to protect the rim against two people instead of the pick and pop. On the other end of the court, Lopez has about as much offensive skill as Baynes, so all he has to do is step into the lane and contest drives. Baynes is an excellent rebounder, so he does a good job on both ends in that regard. Baynes hasn't suddenly become an all star, but Pop found a way to throw something new at Portland and give Timmy, Tiago, and Boris even more rest.
