MAVERICKS EDGE WARRIORS IN OFFENSIVE ROMP
CURRY AND DONCIC BLAZING
What a fun, entertaining evening! A clash of the offensive titans in Luka and Steph! A good time was had by all.
GAME STORY
The Mavs stormed out to an 18-2 lead less than five minutes in. It was not sustainable, however, and Dallas closed the quarter with a 35-31 advantage. Our boys hit 5-10 of their 3PTAs in the period. The team maintained their margin in the second, even going ahead by double digits a couple of times, and went into the locker room leading 72-64. This, despite Steph’s going off for 30 points in the half and hitting 7-10 of his threes.
Steph continued to relentlessly pound away at the Mavs in the third, and the Dubs attained their first lead at the 4:11 mark. The two teams seesawed back and forth, until six points from Hardaway to close the quarter had Dallas ahead 106-101 after three.
Dallas had an 8-point lead with 2:49 left in the game, but said lead shrank to 1 with 29 seconds to go. Maxi hit a dagger three off a pass from Luka to seal the win. The finishing lineup consisted of the usual starting lineup, with THJ in instead of Richardson.
NOTABLE ITEMS
STATS. The Mavs hit their threes at a 45% clip, completing twenty-one from deep. They had seven more FTAs than the Warriors, with Luka getting to the line for 14 freebies. Rebounding was uncharacteristically strong. Dallas had a whopping 15 offensive boards and 17 second-chance points. They won the possession battle, getting up ten more shots and two more threes than the Dubs.
DONCIC. Luka had a wonderful night, tying his career high in scoring with 42 points, including a blistering 7-12 performance from long range. He also had 7 rebounds and 11 assists. He lit it up from everywhere on the court, along with running the offense brilliantly, and the Warriors had no answer for him. After the game, Luka was happy with his shots, admitting that his three-point shooting this season has been “terrible,” and he hasn’t been able to hit it “into the pool.” Rachel Nichols tipped him off that the American expression is “into the ocean.” Even being corrected didn’t dim Luka’s joy, and he was all smiles after a career performance.
PORZINGIS. Kris has 18 points and 10 rebounds, and did some good things. However, he was 7-18 from the field (0-3 from three), was pretty much roasted defensively, and the announcers called him out for jawing with the refs instead of getting back on defense. One thing I have been noticing — posting KP up at the elbow has had mixed results, at best, but he is really pretty effective on the low block. If they can run stuff designed to enable him to establish position around the basket, I think he could be a real weapon there.
KLEBER. Maxi had a very good line, with 16 points, 8 boards, and a surprising 4 assists. His three-point shot was in fine form, as he bombed in 4 triples. He made a few mistakes late in the game, but redeemed himself hitting the dagger three at the end.
RICHARDSON. Josh had 17 points, and found his shooting stroke, with a 4-6 record from beyond the arc. He did foul Curry twice on attempted threes, but it can’t be an easy task trying to guard the best shooter in history.
HARDAWAY. Timmy had a very bad shooting night (3-15), but made some other contributions. He absorbed a lot of contact on his drives without getting a call, which had Rick yelling at the refs to no avail. He drew a charge from Draymond in the fourth, and had a couple of key steals. Mark Jackson credited him for keeping the Mavs in the game at points in the fourth, and Rick awarded him the DPOG championship belt.
POWELL. Dwight served as the reserve big on the night, and showed a lot of hustle. At one point, he flushed a put back dunk, followed it up with a diving save resulting in his going splat out-of-bounds, and executing a steal. On the ensuing play, he was pushed to the floor, resulting in Maxi leaping from midcourt to go and check on him. He had 8 points and 5 rebounds in 17 minutes off the bench. Good to see him coming around.
STEPH. Since we won, I think we are allowed to revel in the thrill of watching the Master of the Shooting Universe. The Mavs had trouble defending him (who doesn’t?), but even when they defended him beautifully, time after time, he would bomb an absolutely BACKBREAKING three from some unlikely position on the court. He ended the campaign with an astounding 57 points, and went 11-19 on threes. There is no one in the league who can match what he does. I think all we fans can do is enjoy him while we can, and thank Providence that the Mavs survived the onslaught.
ODDS AND ENDS. Luka and Steph repeatedly drew fouls by leaning about a body-length into their defenders on jump shots. Kerr said after the game that he doesn’t like those fouls, but since that’s the way the league is calling them, that’s what the players do. If that is the way those plays are going to be called, I think defenders will have to be trained not to get within broad jumping distance of a shooter.
OBSERVATIONS
The Mavericks desperately needed this win, and came out to play accordingly. Their defense still left a lot to be desired, but the same was true of the opposition, and the offense was reminiscent of last season’s crackling displays. I really liked the aggressive rebounding, and thought Maxi showed a lot of energy on the glass -- also Brunson, who improbably grabbed 8 boards off the bench. It was also a thrill to see our team with a great shooting performance. I am going to view this match as a step in the right direction, rather than a one-off, until and unless they show us otherwise.
Despite the contest’s All-Star Game vibe, matches as entertaining as this one are few and far between. All’s well that ends well!
Dare we hope for a back-to-back win against the Timberwolves on Wednesday?
Hang in, Mavs fans!
A very entertaining game, mainly because Mavs were able to hit the wide open threes GSW "defense" was allowing. But when Mavs win I like to focus on what can be improved
Mavs biggest problem remains same as in last season - PnR defense, even when a non rim roller like Green sets the screen. Center doesn't go high enough leaving the guard battling through the screen trying to obstruct the three point shot from elite shooter, which is basically impossible and sometimes result in foul when shooter suddenly stops while defender is still battling through the screen and can't control his speed. GSW were picking us apart using Green/Curry PnR all night long. First attacking KP, who was a disaster, and later Kleber, who wasn't much better. Powell was much more successful in this defense. KP is really awful defensively this season, but I was mostly dissapointed by Maxi. Always a step too late in this one. And generally it looks like Mavs have zero communication on defense.
I am starting to notice a repeated pattern of Maxi defensive brain freezes, especially late in game. A couple of examples:
1. infamous Lakers game last season when Lakers tied the game with a Green buzzer beating three - Maxi went to help on LeBron layup instead of guarding three point shot
2. The game against Phoenix Mavs lost by Booker dagger it was Maxi watching CP3 instead of fouling him
3. Late and-1 this game on Curry. Mavs down four, Curry goes by Maxi without any real resistance for a layup yet Maxi somehow managed to commit a foul without really guarding Curry. Horribly idiotic move that could have cost us a game. Luckily he redeemed himself with the made three.
KP was still ineffective against smaller defenders, but at least he tries, which I think is a step in the right direction.
I saw some ideas of Green to Dallas around the web. I have to say I would be tempted, if price would be really low, something like Johnson+Terry. His contract is awful, but he would probably provide vet leadership this team desperately needs. I am not sure the result of his screens with Doncic would be so effective as with elite shooter Curry. Perhaps he would teach Mavs how to set a screen, because outside of Powell no big guy actually sets a good manlike screen. On the negative side I could totally see him turning into Rondo/Rodman/Odom type of debacle. Uninterested (former) winner just waiting for his contract to expire.
Super tight rotation...basically 8 plus the second quarter Burke cameo again.
Primary bench is Brunson, THJ and Powell. Brunson and Powell did their jobs. THJ almost shot us out of the game for 3 quarters.
Should someone who is -20 be recognized for D? Not intending to rag on Hardaway here. He's been pretty good recently. But, if we are going to go with a "microwave" type off the bench, we can't have the microwave throw a breaker every third time its used. Jordan Clarkson has worked out exceedingly well in Utah. Can THJ be that guy? Is there another Clarkson lurking out there?
Not meaning to turn the game thread into a trade thread, but who is the logical 9th guy currently on the roster. Some will argue Willie, but they are arguing Willie "instead of", not "in addition to". There really isn't a good option IMHO. I wonder if Thaddeus Young could provide more than we get out of Johnson. The $6 million he's owed in 21/22 is an issue for Chicago's plans to keep LaVine. It's a tweak, but a bench of Brunson/THJ/Powell/Young would help. It would also keep you from having to run Finney out there for 35 minutes. Young is a very good passer and perimeter defender. The question is whether he can rediscover his 3 point shot (which has historically also been better than Johnson's).
(02-07-2021, 08:58 AM)DanSchwartzman Wrote: [ -> ]Not meaning to turn the game thread into a trade thread, but who is the logical 9th guy currently on the roster. Some will argue Willie, but they are arguing Willie "instead of", not "in addition to". There really isn't a good option IMHO. I wonder if Thaddeus Young could provide more than we get out of Johnson. The $6 million he's owed in 21/22 is an issue for Chicago's plans to keep LaVine. It's a tweak, but a bench of Brunson/THJ/Powell/Young would help. It would also keep you from having to run Finney out there for 35 minutes. Young is a very good passer and perimeter defender. The question is whether he can rediscover his 3 point shot (which has historically also been better than Johnson's).
As for existing rotation, Green should be the 9th guy (I would actually put him even higher in rotation) imho. If Mavs decided to go the rookie way they have to play him. Otherwise it was stupid not trading the pick. No one can develop by sitting on the bench.
As for trades, I don't think we need the 9th guy, we have plenty of those. It's not like Johnson/WCS/Bobi/Burke/Green are unplayable. "Problem" is, they should be vet min guys but they are not - their salaries should be spent in the top8 rotation. I think we need to improve one of the top five, preferably using 9th and lower guys to do that. Trading Johnson for Young is very marginal improvement imho. And I like Young.
I still think Brunson is redundant. He is not really doing well leading the offense, he mainly takes care of his own shot and he is good at it. But we need another creator. Offense just dies once Luka sits and Mavs will wear him down before playoffs playing him 38 minutes per game. Playing both Burke and Brunson becomes a defensive problem because they are both small as also showed against GSW when Burke had to guard Oubre. Brunson might be a very good floor general in another system, but it is not working in Mavs one, at least not this season.
Kleber and DFS are both great guys and we need their defense. But their offense is extremely limited, basically reduced to catch and shoot threes. That would be good enough, if only JRich and KP would be more than catch and shoot guys. But they are not showing to be able to be more. This way offense becomes as one dimensional as it is, totally depending on Luka. There is literally no one else able to draw two defenders on him and create space for others.
Being said all that, I think there is big flexibility in our team and neither individual piece would be greatly missed if we can replace him by someone more fitting to our needs. What we need are secondary creation, toughness and vet leadership. Or perhaps, system is the problem.
(02-07-2021, 08:58 AM)DanSchwartzman Wrote: [ -> ]Super tight rotation...basically 8 plus the second quarter Burke cameo again.
Primary bench is Brunson, THJ and Powell. Brunson and Powell did their jobs. THJ almost shot us out of the game for 3 quarters.
Should someone who is -20 be recognized for D? Not intending to rag on Hardaway here. He's been pretty good recently. But, if we are going to go with a "microwave" type off the bench, we can't have the microwave throw a breaker every third time its used. Jordan Clarkson has worked out exceedingly well in Utah. Can THJ be that guy? Is there another Clarkson lurking out there?
Not meaning to turn the game thread into a trade thread, but who is the logical 9th guy currently on the roster. Some will argue Willie, but they are arguing Willie "instead of", not "in addition to". There really isn't a good option IMHO. I wonder if Thaddeus Young could provide more than we get out of Johnson. The $6 million he's owed in 21/22 is an issue for Chicago's plans to keep LaVine. It's a tweak, but a bench of Brunson/THJ/Powell/Young would help. It would also keep you from having to run Finney out there for 35 minutes. Young is a very good passer and perimeter defender. The question is whether he can rediscover his 3 point shot (which has historically also been better than Johnson's).
THJ was having a tough time finishing. Once he commits inside the Warriors collapsed on him and bothered him at the rim. He seldom can pass out of that so if he doesn't get a foul then he is in trouble.
Stepback mentioned it on discord. Draymond is still really good. Only scored 2pts but I would argue that he was the 3rd best player on the floor. The current situation has one big advantage...we can hear the players on the floor and Draymond alone is talking more than all Mavs combined. No suprise that a "bad" defender like Wiggins turned into a legit 3&D wing next to him.
The way Draymond reads and understands the game is something you cannot teach.
Yes, this business of calling fouls on defenders when the shooter jumps several feet into the defender is getting absurd. And, also, all the traveling that is being allowed is ruining the game, imo. I'm told that the rule is still two steps without dribbling on the way to the rim, but players are routinely taking three full steps without dribbling when they are going to the goal. And all the hopping and jumping around, after picking up one's dribble, so as to distance oneself from the defender is also getting ridiculous.
Lots of people are calling for teams to play more and better defense in the NBA, but how does one do that when the game is being reffed in this manner?
(02-07-2021, 08:58 AM)DanSchwartzman Wrote: [ -> ]Should someone who is -20 be recognized for D? Not intending to rag on Hardaway here.
I think it was merited in this situation, and was an indictment of Jalen from the game before.
In the first game in the now infamous 3rd quarter, Draymond and all of his 230 lbs was rolling to the basket with only Jalen between him and the rim. Jalen makes the "business decision" to give Draymond the lane and heads back to his guy in the corner. Draymond for the easy dunk. 102-93.
https://www.nba.com/stats/events/?GameEventID=465&GameID=0022000339&Season=2020-21&flag=1&title=Green%201%27%20Driving%20Dunk%20(11%20PTS)%20(Curry%206%20AST)&sct=plot
Last night, THJ responds, and steps up to take the charge on Draymond with 4 minutes to go in the 4th.
https://www.nba.com/stats/events/?GameEventID=614&GameID=0022000360&Season=2020-21&flag=1&title=Green%20Offensive%20Charge%20Foul%20(P3.T1)%20(J.Goldenberg)&sct=plot
I am fine with the messaging here. Also, I think THJ was -20 because of his offense, not his defense. And we have to live with THJ shooting. I like that he continues to shoot confidently even when it's not going down. Such is an acquired taste, I admit, and not savored by all.
(02-07-2021, 12:47 PM)DaRiv Wrote: [ -> ]I think it was merited in this situation, and was an indictment of Jalen from the game before.
In the first game in the now infamous 3rd quarter, Draymond and all of his 230 lbs was rolling to the basket with only Jalen between him and the rim. Jalen makes the "business decision" to give Draymond the lane and heads back to his guy in the corner. Draymond for the easy dunk. 102-93. https://www.nba.com/stats/events/?GameEventID=465&GameID=0022000339&Season=2020-21&flag=1&title=Green%201%27%20Driving%20Dunk%20(11%20PTS)%20(Curry%206%20AST)&sct=plot
Last night, THJ responds, and steps up to take the charge on Draymond with 4 minutes to go in the 4th. https://www.nba.com/stats/events/?GameEventID=614&GameID=0022000360&Season=2020-21&flag=1&title=Green%20Offensive%20Charge%20Foul%20(P3.T1)%20(J.Goldenberg)&sct=plot
I am fine with the messaging here. Also, I think THJ was -20 because of his offense, not his defense. And we have to live with THJ shooting. I like that he continues to shoot confidently even when it's not going down. Such is an acquired taste, I admit, and not savored by all.
If he hadn't kept shooting with that shooter's mentality at the end, we would have lost.
(02-07-2021, 10:40 AM)dirkfansince1998 Wrote: [ -> ]Draymond is still really good. Only scored 2pts but I would argue that he was the 3rd best player on the floor.
In the first game Draymond was the BEST player on the court. Curry was spectacular, but Draymond raises the level of the GSW scrubs around him to astonishing levels. Incredible team player on both ends.
(02-07-2021, 12:47 PM)DaRiv Wrote: [ -> ]I think it was merited in this situation, and was an indictment of Jalen from the game before.
In the first game in the now infamous 3rd quarter, Draymond and all of his 230 lbs was rolling to the basket with only Jalen between him and the rim. Jalen makes the "business decision" to give Draymond the lane and heads back to his guy in the corner. Draymond for the easy dunk. 102-93. https://www.nba.com/stats/events/?GameEventID=465&GameID=0022000339&Season=2020-21&flag=1&title=Green%201%27%20Driving%20Dunk%20(11%20PTS)%20(Curry%206%20AST)&sct=plot
Last night, THJ responds, and steps up to take the charge on Draymond with 4 minutes to go in the 4th. https://www.nba.com/stats/events/?GameEventID=614&GameID=0022000360&Season=2020-21&flag=1&title=Green%20Offensive%20Charge%20Foul%20(P3.T1)%20(J.Goldenberg)&sct=plot
I am fine with the messaging here. Also, I think THJ was -20 because of his offense, not his defense. And we have to live with THJ shooting. I like that he continues to shoot confidently even when it's not going down. Such is an acquired taste, I admit, and not savored by all.
I am a THJ fan and I know he is streaky but I love the fact that he is learning to find what he can do in each game if his shot is not falling. Ric has really coached him into being a better player. We sort of take him for granted but he has improved every year since being here. He was a bit shell shocked in the playoffs but I am okay with the MBT making a long term commitment to him. He plays hard and is starting slide into a nice role on this team.
(02-07-2021, 02:31 PM)Kammrath Wrote: [ -> ]In the first game Draymond was the BEST player on the court. Curry was spectacular, but Draymond raises the level of the GSW scrubs around him to astonishing levels. Incredible team player on both ends.
He continues to be an example of why you should treat 2nd round picks with high priority.
(02-07-2021, 08:58 AM)DanSchwartzman Wrote: [ -> ]Super tight rotation
The tight rotation has been good to get JJ out and TB mostly out.
The four bottom feeders of on/off this year so far...
JB: -2.2
- I think he has played well but he is having to take over when Luka is on the bench, so his number being negative isn't a surprise and is not a big indictment of him and his play.
TB: -2.7
- He has been a big liability this year even though he is shooting the three ball well. Him getting cut out of the rotation for the most part is good for the team IMO.
KP: -5.0
- KP has been a big liability this year. But things are getting better with him being +7.9 in the last five. I liked his activity last night down low and on the boards. His D as the lone big continues to be a big issue though.
JJ: -5.6
- JJ is the most important player to cut from the rotation. He has killed this team when he has played because offensive spacing goes away. His defense is breaking even, but that is not enough to warrant ANY playing time IMO.
I am most upset about RC benching JG. Green is +0.6 for the year and deserves minutes. It just sucks that RC has made him a casualty just because he is a rookie. He doesn't deserve that IMO.
(02-07-2021, 02:56 PM)Kammrath Wrote: [ -> ]His D as the lone big continues to be a big issue though.
Kleber doesn't count as a big?
(02-07-2021, 12:47 PM)DaRiv Wrote: [ -> ]I think it was merited in this situation, and was an indictment of Jalen from the game before.
In the first game in the now infamous 3rd quarter, Draymond and all of his 230 lbs was rolling to the basket with only Jalen between him and the rim. Jalen makes the "business decision" to give Draymond the lane and heads back to his guy in the corner. Draymond for the easy dunk. 102-93. https://www.nba.com/stats/events/?GameEventID=465&GameID=0022000339&Season=2020-21&flag=1&title=Green%201%27%20Driving%20Dunk%20(11%20PTS)%20(Curry%206%20AST)&sct=plot
Last night, THJ responds, and steps up to take the charge on Draymond with 4 minutes to go in the 4th. https://www.nba.com/stats/events/?GameEventID=614&GameID=0022000360&Season=2020-21&flag=1&title=Green%20Offensive%20Charge%20Foul%20(P3.T1)%20(J.Goldenberg)&sct=plot
I am fine with the messaging here. Also, I think THJ was -20 because of his offense, not his defense. And we have to live with THJ shooting. I like that he continues to shoot confidently even when it's not going down. Such is an acquired taste, I admit, and not savored by all.
I also took the championship belt more as a "Defensive Play of the Game" award last night. Taking that charge was a critical move.
(02-07-2021, 03:11 PM)omahen Wrote: [ -> ]Kleber doesn't count as a big?
I am speaking mostly about the minutes KP plays without any other big (Maxi, DP, WCS, Boban). KP is only playing so many minutes alongside Maxi a night and many without him.
With KP + Maxi the Mavs have given up 113.8 pts while the Mavs have given up with KP overall is 115.9 pts. So it IS a little better with KP+Maxi so far, but not much. Nothing like the 101.1 pts D Rating of KP+WCS.
(02-07-2021, 03:21 PM)Kammrath Wrote: [ -> ]I am speaking mostly about the minutes KP plays without any other big (Maxi, DP, WCS, Boban). KP is only playing so many minutes alongside Maxi a night and many without him.
With KP + Maxi the Mavs have given up 113.8 pts while the Mavs have given up with KP overall is 115.9 pts. So it IS a little better with KP+Maxi so far, but not much. Nothing like the 101.1 pts D Rating of KP+WCS.
I don't think the problem is in who plays next to KP. It is in KP. Last season he was good defensively, this season he is not. Opposing teams are targeting him.
(02-07-2021, 03:34 PM)omahen Wrote: [ -> ]I don't think the problem is in who plays next to KP. It is in KP. Last season he was good defensively, this season he is not. Opposing teams are targeting him.
It is a combination of both. KP is not playing good D this season in general. However, WHO he is with makes a big difference.
Last year's DRating...
KP+Maxi: 107.4
KP+DP: 105.3
KP overall: 109.3
KP was much better alongside another big last year. Same for KP in NYK. Same for KP this year. This is a thing. KP has been much better defensively with another big next to him. Facts.
(02-07-2021, 05:46 AM)omahen Wrote: [ -> ]3. Late and-1 this game on Curry. Mavs down four, Curry goes by Maxi without any real resistance for a layup yet Maxi somehow managed to commit a foul without really guarding Curry. Horribly idiotic move that could have cost us a game. Luckily he redeemed himself with the made three.
If the Mavs hadn't pulled this one out, that play would be getting a lot of criticism.
(02-07-2021, 03:38 PM)Kammrath Wrote: [ -> ]It is a combination of both. KP is not playing good D this season in general. However, WHO he is with makes a big difference.
Last year's DRating...
KP+Maxi: 107.4
KP+DP: 105.3
KP overall: 109.3
KP was much better alongside another big last year. Same for KP in NYK. Same for KP this year. This is a thing. KP has been much better defensively with another big next to him. Facts.
One of the stranger things about last night is not only did we have Powell as the solo big for stretches, but some of those solo big minutes were also without DFS. You almost never see any of KP, Powell and WCS playing center without at least DFS in the game if there isn’t a real PF playing. Powell played all of the minutes KP didn’t, some with Maxi and some without. But for a stretch it was Powell and Luka, Brunson, JRich and THJ). Dallas went on a 5-0 run followed by a 5-0 run by the Warriors. The 3 1/2 minute segment ended up flat.
Not sure if this was an effort to keep better defenders on the floor with KP or an effort to create more spacing for Powell (or a move that accomplishes both at the same time).
(02-07-2021, 02:56 PM)Kammrath Wrote: [ -> ]I am most upset about RC benching JG. Green is +0.6 for the year and deserves minutes. It just sucks that RC has made him a casualty just because he is a rookie. He doesn't deserve that IMO.
Since you believe KP needs another big on the floor with him and I assume you feel the same way about Powell/Kleber/WCS, it seems like playing another wing might be difficult.
Whose minutes do you propose Green gets, Richardson’s, DFS’s or THJ’s?