(11-12-2024, 03:14 PM)michaeltex Wrote: I see it as a progression of issues starting with Luka's calf injury in training camp that eliminated his participation for most of the preseason. A lot of other players would possibly have started on the bench until they got their game legs back, but Luka was on court from the opening tip of game one.

By the time he started coming around then the injuries to teammates started and the level of competition ramped up. Feels like he's trying to do too much sometimes. He seems more committed to defense, but is supposed to do that at a high level, initiate the offense, approach triple double stats and score 30+ a night? That's a heavy lift.

TBH, I'm disappointed with how Klay is contributing offensively. He doesn't seem to be as accurate as his reputation says. Maybe blame it on the scrambled rotation, but I suggest he's not scaring any opponents right now. He was OK in the first 3 games, but in the last 7 games he's 14/49 (28.6%) on 3pt shots. 

I really like Marshall's game. Decent ball skills, seems to play good defense and is shooting 50% overall despite only hitting 20% beyond the arc (on only 2 attempts per game). He's definitely part of the rotation as the injury list clears.

To me, the jury is still out on Grimes, he needs to start showing something or he'll get the Grant Williams treatment. Hardy shows flashes but doesn't seem to sustain anything game to game. OMax looks like he should be a monster, but I'm wondering if he and Hardy are here come March 1st. 

I have to give respect to Powell. Going from regular rotation (sometimes starting) to a deep bench role has to be hard, but he's there when asked and plays with the energy we have come to expect. Could not ask for a better teammate.

Really looking forward to getting everybody back and finding the rotation rhythm. Kidd's DAL teams always seem to start slow, but I hope he doesn't wait until 1/1/2025 to get it figured out.

Sorry, didn't mean for this to be a team summary. Just train of thought typing.

(11-12-2024, 05:02 PM)StrandedOnBeauboisHill Wrote: Was just listening to the Dunker's Spot and they mentioned that we're 10th in ORating and DRating which I found a little surprising.  I know it's early but maybe does seem like this team is on the right track despite their record and the injuries.  Interested to see how they come out tonight.  Feel like the nerves are going to get to Klay, hope we don't just try to force 100 shots through him and play our game.

(11-12-2024, 05:41 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: Yeah, not to mention that both Durant (before the recent injury) and Jokic are off to ridiculously amazing starts. Mix in the idea that the IND game was second night of a back to back (worst case scenario opponent for that) and it's pretty easy to rationalize the record, actually. 

I think what's causing the uneasy undertone around here is that we just haven't really seen a convincing game out of the Mavs, except for maybe the Minnesota game. It's not the record, really - it's the question of if/when we're going to see them reach the next gear as far as level of play.

(11-13-2024, 06:26 PM)bodhisattva Wrote: Meh. Watching Mavs last 5,6 seasons I have learned that first 45 or so games are basically preseason. No use loosing your nerves over first 2/3 of the season. They will get it together sooner or later, I have no doubt, but I am not staying up for this clown show. We talk serious stuff in February. You guys keep me informed till then.

P.s.
Luka is who he is. I had high hopes he would get it together by 25, 26 but I am afraid he is a finished product.
Will support because he is our boy, but disappointed. I wouldnt want to be his teammate. Not my type of player.
I am afraid Harden comparisons are getting more accurate every day.

(11-13-2024, 09:03 PM)KillerLeft Wrote: It's not over. I'm not giving up. 

But, I'm also done tiptoeing around those topics. Gonna call 'em like I see 'em all season. Others are free to disagree, but I will walk on no eggshells. I was a Mavs fan before Luka and I'll probably be a Mavs fan after he's gone.

(11-14-2024, 11:31 AM)RoyTarpleysGhost Wrote: I am tired of using the points/rebounds/assists triple slash line to judge players.  Somewhere along the way players brains got broken and this is what the stars chase.  Look at Westbrook.  Take bad shots. Steal rebounds from teammates.  Get mad when teammates don't shoot off your pass.  I think this contributes big time to guys like Luka ball hogging and then not doing anything when they don't have the ball or on defense.

(11-15-2024, 07:01 PM)Knutsen Wrote: Losing 4 in a row sucks… But to put things in perspective we lost to 3 of the best teams in the league, haven’t had our starting 5 in any of these games - and lost by a combined 8 points. So we could very easily be 9-3 instead. Won’t help us in the final standings, but we always said they need 20 games at least to figure out who they are. Reminds me of all the close games we lost after the trade for Kyrie by the way.

(11-15-2024, 07:42 PM)Mavs2021 Wrote: Vassell missed the Spurs game.
Banchero missed the Magic game.
Lavine missed the Bulls game.

So we could very easily be 2-10 with the worst record in the league.