(01-16-2020, 01:23 PM)fifteenth Wrote: [ -> ] (01-16-2020, 12:58 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: [ -> ]This had to have been really subtle irony. The sad truth is that there are people who would actually say things like this post with a straight face.
That was subtle?
There are absolutely, 100%, posters here who would post something like that. That's why the parody itself works, but it also makes it challenging to identify as parody.
(01-16-2020, 04:58 AM)omahen Wrote: [ -> ] (01-16-2020, 12:39 AM)philjuan1 Wrote: [ -> ]He was an absolute stud tonight.
He was bad and I see no improvement in his game:
- 0-5 for three
- one missed free throw
- 6 turnovers
- one hero ball in clutch
- complained to refs twice
Bad habits are just going on and on. RC really needs to do something.
I get this was supposed to be sarcasm, and I'm certainly not in the hf camp of seeing no improvement in his game, but he needs to stop taking those stepback 3s early in the shot clock where no one else touches the ball. He took 2 in the 1st qtr, granted he wizened up the rest of the game. It's lazy af and he's just letting the defense off the hook. Can't be throwing possessions away, especially when playoff comes.
BUT.....god some of those passes he made against the Kings was godlike.
On a sidenote, I hope he doesn't accept the 3pt shootout during all star weekend or he might be the first person ever to stepback in a 3pt shootout LOL
(01-16-2020, 03:30 PM)solidsnakeMav Wrote: [ -> ]he might be the first person ever to stepback in a 3pt shootout LOL
![[Image: giphy.gif]](https://media.giphy.com/media/ZqlvCTNHpqrio/giphy.gif)
(01-16-2020, 03:30 PM)solidsnakeMav Wrote: [ -> ]but he needs to stop taking those stepback 3s early in the shot clock where no one else touches the ball
I see this criticism quite a bit. He takes that shot based on his read on his defender. If the defender cheats too much on the drive he shoots the stepback. It keeps the defense honest. When he shoots it poorly, like he has recently, then it makes you think it's not a worthy counter. But he doesn't always shoot that shot as poorly and it's a built in option based on what read the defense gives him.
(01-16-2020, 03:37 PM)fifteenth Wrote: [ -> ] (01-16-2020, 03:30 PM)solidsnakeMav Wrote: [ -> ]he might be the first person ever to stepback in a 3pt shootout LOL
(01-16-2020, 03:30 PM)solidsnakeMav Wrote: [ -> ]but he needs to stop taking those stepback 3s early in the shot clock where no one else touches the ball
I see this criticism quite a bit. He takes that shot based on his read on his defender. If the defender cheats too much on the drive he shoots the stepback. It keeps the defense honest. When he shoots it poorly, like he has recently, then it makes you think it's not a worthy counter. But he doesn't always shoot that shot as poorly and it's a built in option based on what read the defense gives him.
If he has room he should just shoot it. Nothing else needed. Jumping backwards is a sign that the defender is not giving him the room he wants and he is forcing it.
He was around 33% for 3 pt in Euroleague too. No matter the hot streaks he goes through it looks like his 3 pt percentages come back to that. What makes you say that he is a better shooter and this is a cold streak?
Someone had posted his catch and shoot 3 pt shot %. Those are much higher. He should focus on that. He can also get room by learning to stop on a dime like Dirk did and hit a pull up jumper. He has great balance and handles to do that. The step back shot looks awesome when it goes in and we win a few games but it hurts the team more often than not. We have seen Euroleague and 2 years here to state somewhat confidently that is a shot better put on deep ice for Luka.
(01-18-2020, 01:33 PM)ClutchDirk Wrote: [ -> ]https://twitter.com/TheSteinLine/status/...5130359808
This started after the Charlotte OT game where Luka played 43 minutes and Luka only sat about a minute and a half in the 4th. It worked last night and against Philly (+10) and against Chicago (+3). It was neutral (+0) against Denver. We were either too far ahead or behind against LA and GS for Luka to play much in the 4th. The team was actually -10 after Luka entered the Sacramento game halfway through the 4th. I'd call that a mixed bag. He does seem more fresh at the end of games lately and that has to be counted as a good thing.
Of course, the strategy is totally dependent on Brunson, Curry and Wright holding down the fort late 3rd and early 4th. Those minutes are critical. Otherwise, Luka can't rest up for the stretch run.
(01-18-2020, 02:04 PM)DanSchwartzman Wrote: [ -> ]Of course, the strategy is totally dependent on Brunson, Curry and Wright holding down the fort late 3rd and early 4th. Those minutes are critical. Otherwise, Luka can't rest up for the stretch run.
They're getting a lot of burn to do just that, and getting better at it. I think this issue of KP being out and resting Luka has helped the rest of the roster (or at least the 7-man crew of THJ, DFS, Powell, Maxi, Curry, Wright, and Brunson) grow in confidence and competence.
(01-18-2020, 03:35 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: [ -> ] (01-18-2020, 02:04 PM)DanSchwartzman Wrote: [ -> ]Of course, the strategy is totally dependent on Brunson, Curry and Wright holding down the fort late 3rd and early 4th. Those minutes are critical. Otherwise, Luka can't rest up for the stretch run.
They're getting a lot of burn to do just that, and getting better at it. I think this issue of KP being out and resting Luka has helped the rest of the roster (or at least the 7-man crew of THJ, DFS, Powell, Maxi, Curry, Wright, and Brunson) grow in confidence and competence.
Interesting...if you check the January Game Logs your theory holds up really well for Curry and Maxi especially. Powell has been a little bit better (mostly FG% and scoring). DFS and THJ have also been a little better than previous months, but not a ton. What struck me is Wright and Brunson have been brutal in January...especially Brunson.
Was just checking the dreaded DRPM stat on the ESPN site. Luka has a brutal -1.59 DRPM. If you put him where he belongs with the point guards, that would put him at 73rd in the league out of 87 point guards.
I think it's fair to say that the Mavs will not be contenders until Luka learns to play at least almost-average defense. Perhaps that can be his focus this summer.
(01-18-2020, 09:10 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: [ -> ]Was just checking the dreaded DRPM stat on the ESPN site. Luka has a brutal -1.59 DRPM. If you put him where he belongs with the point guards, that would put him at 73rd in the league out of 87 point guards.
I think it's fair to say that the Mavs will not be contenders until Luka learns to play at least almost-average defense. Perhaps that can be his focus this summer.
Too many times it looks like he is too afraid to pick up a foul. So he just lets the offensive player do what they want. Too many times he just does not seem to care. That is inexcusable. It is more an attitude change that is needed to care about defense.
However the team composition will also change. That should also help Luka. The front office will put better defenders around him. At least I hope so. Right now we really don’t have any great defensive player. DFS is overrated and Maxi/Powell lack strength.
(01-18-2020, 09:10 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: [ -> ]Was just checking the dreaded DRPM stat on the ESPN site. Luka has a brutal -1.59 DRPM. If you put him where he belongs with the point guards, that would put him at 73rd in the league out of 87 point guards.
I think it's fair to say that the Mavs will not be contenders until Luka learns to play at least almost-average defense. Perhaps that can be his focus this summer.
and Karl-AnthonyTowns has -3.00 DRPM.
??
(01-19-2020, 08:53 AM)LukTheShadow Wrote: [ -> ] (01-18-2020, 09:10 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: [ -> ]Was just checking the dreaded DRPM stat on the ESPN site. Luka has a brutal -1.59 DRPM. If you put him where he belongs with the point guards, that would put him at 73rd in the league out of 87 point guards.
I think it's fair to say that the Mavs will not be contenders until Luka learns to play at least almost-average defense. Perhaps that can be his focus this summer.
and Karl-AnthonyTowns has -3.00 DRPM.
??
Are the Wolves contenders?
??
Kris Dunn +3.87
Jalen Brunson +1.99
Ben Simmons +1.10
Delon Wright +0.57
J.J. Barea +0.38
???
(01-19-2020, 10:52 AM)LukTheShadow Wrote: [ -> ]Kris Dunn +3.87
Jalen Brunson +1.99
Ben Simmons +1.10
Delon Wright +0.57
J.J. Barea +0.38
???
If it's so easy to get a positive DRPM, then why can't Luka do it to save his life?
Watch the games. His defense is a problem. He'd better learn how to do it. The Mavs won't contend until he does. Dirk gets bashed, but he was an at least average defender around the time the Mavs won the championship.