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MAVERICKS WIN COMEBACK THRILLER

Mavs finish strong to pull out a W over Trae Young and the Hawks. 


GAME STORY

There were some handbags over the national anthem before the game, ending with Cuban issuing an official statement asking those who like the pre-game ritual to make an effort to listen to those who haven’t been heard. WCS and Brunson spoke after the game on how much the owner’s support in this matter means to them. Whoever was in the AAC before tip-off was treated to a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. 

Anyway, both teams pretty much traded baskets in the first quarter, and Dallas led 33-32 after one. The Mavs grew stagnant in the second period, scoring only 19 points and giving up a 14-4 run to close the half. They trailed 52-62 going into the locker room. Our team slogged their way through the third quarter, but made up only one point, and were on the wrong side of an 81-90 scoreline headed to the fourth. 

Then, the bench mob exploded. THJ went on a 7-0 run of his own to begin the frame, and had 13 points in the first six minutes. After building a 6-point lead at 5:01, the Mavs surrendered a Hawks mini-run, and the game was tied again at 3:47. A new finishing lineup of Luka, Brunson, Hardaway, DFS, and WCS found a way to hold on for the win. Brunson also sprang to life with an 11-point period, and Luka coolly went with the program, helping his brothers to score, dishing four assists and grabbing 5 boards. WCS anchored the defensive end of the court. 


STATS

The home team hit 7 of 26 three-point attempts through three quarters, and 7 of 9 in the fourth. Three-point shooting covers a multitude of sins. The Hawks were awarded 8 more free-throw attempts than the Mavs in the game, but Dallas should be complimented for completing 18 of their 20 tries. They had 50 points in the paint, and were getting to the basket at a good clip in the better parts of the game. On the could-have-been-better side, we gave up 9 offensive rebounds and 19 points off turnovers. Point differentials were +6 on points from twos, even on points from threes, and -5 on made free throws. Whew!


PLAYERS

DONCIC.  Luka had his 32nd NBA triple-double with 28/10/10, passing John Havlicek for 13th all time. He didn’t hit as many of his threes as he would probably have liked (2-7), and he had 5 turnovers, but I thought he did a very good job, especially in the clutch, of going with the flow, and not trying to play hero-ball. Luka is always outstanding, but I don’t think he would mind our shining a light on some of his teammates after this one. 

BRUNSON. Jalen played an exceptional game, especially at the end, with 21 points (11 in the fourth) and 5 assists. Rick described his performance as “terrific,” and one of his best games of the season. He praised his reserve point guard for taking on Trae Young offensively, making difficult shots, and attacking without disrupting the flow or turning the offense into an iso game. Great way to polish off the game, JB!

HARDAWAY. Tim had 4 shot attempts in the first three quarters. Anytime that happens, you know something is going wrong with the offense. Coach Boucek called that to Rick’s attention, urging him to get Timmy a shot. Carlisle ran a play for him, he hit the three, and the rest is history. Rick thought that was a major turning point in the game. Kudos to Coach Jenny for being alert to the situation! THJ put up 16 points in the contest (13 in the fourth), on 6-10 shooting, 3-5 from deep. The FSSW game crew were commenting that the general impression of Tim when he came from the Knicks was that he was a gunner, but at this point, he is so very much more than that, with reliable scoring and hard-nosed play on both ends. Rick called him the “ultimate gamer.”

WCS. Willie, having not played in the last two games, came off the bench as part of Carlisle’s Be-Ready squad, and delivered 14 points, 6 boards, and some outstanding defense in 23 minutes. Rick gushed over him, calling him the leader of the finishing unit, praising his fourth-quarter defense and rebounding, and announcing that he was named the DPOG for the second time. Trill said that he had tried to think of how he could keep getting better when he wasn’t playing, and had worked with Shamgod before and after practice on ways he could be more aggressive around the basket. Great attitude! Trae Young fell over running into Willie on a screen on the last play of the game, and threw a fit over not getting a call. When asked about it, Willie grinned and said it was probably smart of Trae to try to get a couple of free throws at the end of the game, but he didn’t even see Trae on that play. After the game, one of the refs affirmed that they had taken another look at the incident and deemed the contact incidental. 

PORZINGIS. KP played only 19 minutes, and was in foul trouble for much of the game. He still registered 15 points, but it was on 6-14 shooting (1-5 from three). He had only 4 rebounds, and his foul situation totally disrupted his rhythm. He subbed out on being called for his 5th foul at 8:28 and was not seen again. Ced commended him for cheering the team on from the bench, notwithstanding. He had some high-energy plays while he was out there. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS.  Doe-Doe contributed 8 points and 7 rebounds in a team-high 37 minutes, and hit a clutch three on a kick-out from Brunson with a minute left. Richardson put up 10 points and lent the team some much-needed playmaking, posting 5 assists. Maxi played a full 25 minutes and hit a couple of threes, but looked to be dragging a little. He is still making his recovery from COVID. Burke and Powell each made 5-minute appearances. Ced nominated Powell for DPOG, due to his infusion of energy, excitement, and camaraderie, but WCS beat him out. 

HAWKS. The Mavs and Hawks looked like a good match-up in terms of talent and skill levels, and the game was competitive. John Collins laid 33 points on us, and Trae Young dazzled with 25 points and 15 assists. Kevin Huerter put up 23, and Gallinari had 11 off the bench. 


OBSERVATIONS

Rick noted that the first three quarters were up and down, with the Mavs showing indifferent defense and not being tied together offensively. He lauded the finishing lineup, which included Brunson and Willie, in addition to regulars Luka, THJ, and DFS. Even though the Hawks had made great adjustments, that group “willed a win,” and “really stayed with it.” The bench mob was good for 51 points in the game. Rick is to be commended for his defensive adjustments on Trae in the second half. 

I thought this game was probably a pretty good representation of where the Mavs are at this point in the season, as they are working their way back to relevance. It was very encouraging to see them not fade down the stretch. The match was a nerve-wracker, but we’ll take it. 

Don’t look now, but the winning streak has vaulted the Mavs into 11th place in the West, percentage points ahead of New Orleans and one game behind Sacramento.  Might they be on their way to a play-in spot?

They’ll get a chance to make up some ground on the Pels Friday. ‘Til then!

I liked their fouls were actually preventing the opponents baskets in this game and it looked like they made an effort to ensure that. Nice contrast to all the +1 festivals that occurred in some other games, recently.

Also noticed that Luka might actively try to give his peers a bit more breathing room offensively instead of trying to carry the whole load on his own shoulders. Same with fighting for rebounds - but he turned up his intensity in the 4th quarter in that aspect of the game and snatched away numerous contested defensive rebounds the team absolutely needed to succeed.

The fourth was wild man, a ride overall. I mean Skin said it a couple of times, the NBA has gotten ridiculous - with individual talent, that's what he meant. I mean we could have been better offensively but s guy like Huerter shown off skills which would have made him a superstar in the 70s. And this is some random ginger white dude. And don't get me started on Trea... he's amazing and, as always, Collins really hurt us.

The Hawks are a good team and we, at full strength, managed to fight them off. Great sign, great win. It's amazing how our guys stepped up in the fourth, especially Timmy and then Brunson. The rotations finally seem to work and with KP and no foul trouble, I am really optimistic about out 7-8 man rotation.

WCS played great and Powell looked aweful in his few minutes. Was it just a matchup problem? Or is Rick running with whomever has the better night as third string bing?

It was brief, but we saw the three guard lineup of Luka, Burke and Brunson to start the second quarter.  Interestingly, neither KP nor Luka were in to finish the first half (what?).  

Neither of our starting bigs played the last seven minutes of the game.  Foul trouble for KP and still not being back for Maxi were the issue.  This would have probably been Willie's night in the backup C "rotation" with Powell getting the DNP if Maxi were good to go.   The few minutes he played, which were with KP, went just fine (+4) thanks to THJ.  What Willie did after two DNP's was impressive.  Given KP's propensity to get injured and his need to rest occasionally, it is good we have two decent backup C's.  

I like letting the bench guys finish.  They deserved it.  I also like the diversity of the attack at the end of the game (again).  They basically just kept playing the same way they played the first 46.  They have to have confidence in their base O if they are going to solve the issues they have in the clutch.

(02-11-2021, 07:55 AM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: [ -> ]Interestingly, neither KP nor Luka were in to finish the first half (what?). 

Both were in foul trouble. Luka got his third 1:33 before end of first half, KP with 3:16 left.

(02-11-2021, 07:33 AM)meistermatze Wrote: [ -> ]WCS played great and Powell looked aweful in his few minutes. Was it just a matchup problem? Or is Rick running with whomever has the better night as third string bing?

Both had good games. Powell only played a few minutes and it obviously won´t show up in the boxscore but he made some big time hustle plays. Felt like his minutes gave the Mavs a lot of energy.
WCS was his usual self but today the good outweighted the bad. Mavs couldn´t stop the high pick and roll when he was on the bench. In a way KP being in foul trouble was a blessing because Trae was targeting him in the pick and roll.
It´s really difficult to evaluate WCS because the small things that he does to help on defense aren´t really noticeable. We tend to focus on the boneheaded plays. A missed layup or a foul that gifts Trae Young 3FTs.
If we mention those plays we should also point out that he was playing incredible pick and roll defense. With him on the floor the Mavs can go with a more switch heavy defense or play a hard hedge and recover pick and roll scheme. Something that isn´t possible when KP is on the floor.

(02-11-2021, 08:09 AM)dirkfansince1998 Wrote: [ -> ]Trae was targeting him in the pick and roll

I have noticed the last couple of games the opponents just continously attack Mavs on the PnR, usually KP (but not exclusevly). I think it is obvious our PnR defense is bad and it is not necessarily just KP fault. Kleber was equaly bad against GSW, always a step or two too late. First half KP was on Green and Curry smoked us. Second half Mavs put Kleber on Green, but result was the same.

(02-11-2021, 07:55 AM)DanSchwartzgan Wrote: [ -> ]I like letting the bench guys finish.  They deserved it.  I also like the diversity of the attack at the end of the game (again).  They basically just kept playing the same way they played the first 46.  They have to have confidence in their base O if they are going to solve the issues they have in the clutch.

Really good offense in the last few minutes. It wasn´t about Luka or KP. The Mavs identified the Hawks weakness and took advantage of a favorable matchup. The Mavs targeted Trae Young and the Hawks had no answer. Most of the time it was Brunson. Sometimes Luka or THJ.
That´s what smart teams do. Take advantage of a mismatch and continue to attack the weak link. No need to switch it up as long as the opponent isn´t making adjustments.

I wasn't able to watch, but searched out some game clips online. 

My question is whether Trae has turned into a drama queen trying to draw fouls on every play. When KP fouled him on the 3pt shot, it looked very mild, but there he was flat on his back. Same with the WCS screen at the end. I had visions of DWade after Game 1 in 2011.

I think there was a write up earlier in the season how Trae has started stopping short around a screen to get his defender to run up his back and get the foul call. He is a tremendous offensive player and I hate to see that become a major part of his game. Is this looking for a sympathy call because he's the smallest guy on the court?

Others do it, or have done it. CP3 used to drive me crazy when he was in NO. It's the part of Harden's game I dislike the most.

OK, mini-rant done. On with the day...

In Trae's defense: It was a very hard screen by WCS and his nose looked red and swollen afterwards. I don't think it was a foul but it definitely hurt.

All we got to do is go 6-4 in these final 10 before the break and we are .500. That puts us right there in the mix. Let the 2nd half of the season show us truly what this team’s got. 

2-2 in clutch wins after 2-11 last year. I’ll take it

Our best ball is still ahead of us

(02-11-2021, 10:37 AM)meistermatze Wrote: [ -> ]In Trae's defense: It was a very hard screen by WCS and his nose looked red and swollen afterwards. I don't think it was a foul but it definitely hurt.

Actually, Trae set the screen and fell back after making contact with WCS, his feet didn't even move so it wasn't a balance thing. A screen almost always involves contact, so he should suck it up and realize it's part of the game. If WCS had continued on his original line, then it would definitely have been called, but the screen worked in that it changed his direction and created separation for Trae's teammate. Thankfully the refs weren't fooled.

IF Trae is going to continue to play the game of taking charges and drawing fouls, then he better expect some blood and bruises. Some of these guys will take the offensive foul just to make you think twice about a hard screen later. LBJ is one that comes to mind. Love him or hate him, I'd still hate to be run over by him.

(02-11-2021, 04:49 AM)Jannemann2 Wrote: [ -> ]I liked their fouls were actually preventing the opponents baskets in this game and it looked like they made an effort to ensure that. Nice contrast to all the +1 festivals that occurred in some other games, recently.

Also noticed that Luka might actively try to give his peers a bit more breathing room offensively instead of trying to carry the whole load on his own shoulders. Same with fighting for rebounds - but he turned up his intensity in the 4th quarter in that aspect of the game and snatched away numerous contested defensive rebounds the team absolutely needed to succeed.

This ^^^.  The Mavs have been way too soft of late when dealing with opponents trying to start a layup line.

Maybe this was mentioned before, Tim screaming "give me the ___ ball" after making the first 3pt shot in the 4th.  I only noticed it on the FSSW replay during RC's comments after the game.

(02-11-2021, 12:20 PM)Hypermav Wrote: [ -> ]Maybe this was mentioned before, Tim screaming "give me the ___ ball" after making the first 3pt shot in the 4th.  I only noticed it on the FSSW replay during RC's comments after the game.

Maybe, Tim.

Learn better dribbles,  finish at the rim more, learn to pass when Maxi is standing wide open next to you behind the arc...multiple times...every game,  stop taking bad shots...

I like you, Tim...but you have flaws I need to see worked on and improved on.

Damn...did I just like a dynamicalVoid post?

This is a breakdown, with videos, of how the Mavericks executed a plan to target Trae Young in the game. 

https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2021/2/11/...on-defense

(02-11-2021, 07:04 PM)Tyler Wrote: [ -> ]https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon/status...2356934658

(02-11-2021, 05:39 PM)mavsluvr Wrote: [ -> ]This is a breakdown, with videos, of how the Mavericks executed a plan to target Trae Young in the game. 

Mavs Moneyball has seriously good stuff lately.