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Who was the player of the game who elevated his play above normal to help the team win?

THJ's second half shooting.

Gotta go with THJ. But kudos to Luka for turning things on after a slow start, and big props to KP for the 18/10 with 4 blocks and good defense. When his shot starts falling, look out.

DFS +15 (he does so many little things people can't/won't see - I love him so much)

THJ +9 (that will happen when you shoot over 60% from 3)

Kleber +8 (thought he fought really hard in the 2nd half on D)

Bruson +7 (I'm a fan of his, but I can't explain this one - didn't think this was a great game from him at all)


KP looks like he's playing harder, which is great, don't get me wrong. But these proclamations that he's helping are confusing me. He was -3, and I'm shocked it's not worse. He is constantly disrupting the offensive flow out there, and for every good defensive play he makes (to be fair, there have been several through two games) he gets absolutely torched on another possession. He's still playing exclusively in drop coverage, which probably isn't his fault (unless he's so limited that it's the only option), and until the Mavs start giving up hella 3's it's probably the way to go. Both major runs came with him on the bench tonight, including the one in the 4th that put the game away. I wish I could give the Dirkie to Coach Kidd for having the balls to leave him on the bench. 

Went with Hardaway. 

THJ shooting streak was insane, gotta go with him.

Porzingis is better than last season but its still hard to watch how the 2.21 latvian is such a bad rebounder given his length. He just falls asleep for 1-2 sec after many shots and is watching the ball flying while his opponent blocks him out and because of that he loses the rebound

It looks like DFS was back to normal doing all those good little things--rather than trying to be the secondary ball handler.

Kleber picked up his defense in the second half.  I expect him to pick it up even further in the future...and show more offense.

Ah man...KP.  Bless his little ol' heart...he's playing harder...but he sure clogs up the lanes in the paint and sometimes seems a step slow.  What was it with the layup?...falling asleep?  He should be played to his strengths...rather than his mediocrity.   I guess that's up to KP...and the coach to figure out...

Luka seemed to be tentative at the start of the game.  I really think someone has asked him to utilize other players on offense and kick the ball out more...and he tried in the first half.  But that's not his  game!  He will get his assists after he gets his natural offense going.  Luka is an offensive game manager.  He should manage...naturally.

Looks like Kidd learned and made some adjustments.  A little early to tell, but encouraging.

Addendum:  DP wasn't as effective as he could be...because KP was clogging up the lanes!...and/or camped out in the paint which allowed 2,3, and sometimes 4 raptors to guard two (KP and DP) Mavs.  I'm not dumping on KP.  I just don't think his game plan is up to snuff yet.

My Dirkie goes to THJ.  Once he caught fire he heated up the rest of the team.  This was a THJ win!  Now...I hope we can carry this over to the next game.  I have to admit that THJ is much better that I first thought he was.  It seems he has grown and improved in the last few years.

(10-24-2021, 08:39 AM)ballsrchr Wrote: [ -> ]But that's not his  game!  He will get his assists after he gets his natural offense going.  Luka is an offensive game manager.  He should manage...naturally.

Great point and observation ballsrchr. This is overseen. We start indeed the games with trying designed plays to get others involved. Hawks game with DFS posting up against Young etc. Same in game 2. We fell behind in both games.

First you play to your own strengths. In this case is Luka. And you put pressure on the opposing team with your force, and dictate the game. Then defense adjust (tries) and doubles. Then you kick it it out to assists and the team will knock down the shots. We have started opposite in both games. Not a bad intention or idea, but in practice it doesnt work well, unless you have the bigs and the forwards that can post up, playmake etc.

Timmy gets this one. He won't be on fire every game, but when he is, he can carry a team to a win. Good second half from Luka too. 

Loving the new defense!