There have been a number of fans' comments blaming Keldon Johnson for VanVleet's end of the game wide open three. But was it really his fault?

Let's take a closer look: https://x.com/i/status/1851089812926656599

At the point of attack were Sochan and Keldon. Socan, primary defender of Green, Keldon on VanVleet

Green makes his move as the primary ballhandler, Sochan. Keldon, situated behind him, jumps to double Green... leaving his primary, VanVleet, on an island.

It's important to note that, though he didn't front Green and prevent him from moving to attack the paint, Sochan was sidling alongside him, stride for stride, arm up to prevent a pass to an open player, with full knowledge Wemby was in position to help clean up any shot attempt near the rim.

Also noted, Wemby, situated between the basket and the two players at the wing and corner on the other side, is well positioned to help or close out on either and to protect any cut or drive to the basket in the event the ball goes around the rock to one of them.

So, could/should Wemby have moved out of position to close on VanVleet the moment it was clear that Sochan and Keldon had stymied Green in the double? Or should it have been Branham? Was Keldon's move to double a boneheaded decision? Did Pop call for the double on Green?

Whether or not Pop called the double on Green, Keldon's move actually could have worked if the remaining defenders were alert and read the proper defensive rotation quickly.

Branham should have imediately flown to cover VanVleet at the instant the double went into action. That was realistically Green's only outlet option. Wemby would have still been in a position to take on either Malaki's man at the wing or or his at the corner should VanVleet have swung the ball to either

So, who's at fault? Keldon or Malaki?

Malaki is one of the worst defenders in the NBA. Some sceptics might include Keldon. But is it fair to include him? Leaving aside the entire team's lacklustre defense in the 1st half, excluding Sochan, Castle and Collins, Keldon's one on one defense around the perimeter at the opening of this season, and this particular game in the 2nd half, was actually effective - he has been moving much more nimbly this season, (mostly) staying in front of his man and that includes guards. And again, it's not clear whether or not Pop called for the double.

So, again, who's at fault? One could say that it was actually Popovitch. Why allow such a defensively challenged lineup when the game was on the line? Then again, there was nothing fancy or complex about Houston's offensive set run here. Whether or not the double was called, Malaki should have read the play quickly and swung towards VanVleet.

My conclusion - it was both Popovitch and Malaki, perhaps include Keldon -- if the double wasn't called.

Popovitch for leaving in two defensively challenged players, whether or not giving them a chance at redemption. Because the game was on the line and we need to learn to win.

Malaki, because he's irredeemably bad defensively. Bryn Forbes redux. He's not Trae Young whose incandescent offense often redeems his non-existent defense.

Keldon is given a pass if the double was called.