Game 26: Dallas Mavericks (16-9) vs. Golden State Warriors (14-10) | 7:30pm CST

[Chicagojk]

Man, I just disagree with this. There have been a few lapses for both teams, but in general, I think they have played as hard as they possibly can on defense. We are just in the middle of an era during which NBA offense is outpacing NBA defense, conceptually.

I think the only way to stop games like this from happening right now is to change the rules, frankly.

hard determine what is great offense or just playing against the GS offense.   I just have bad flashbacks against GSW in the past and Boston last playoffs.    If you give those teams open looks it is a killer.   OKC same thing this year.  Maybe I am wrong, I just want to see them tighter on making threes more difficult.

[KillerLeft]

hard determine what is great offense or just playing against the GS offense.   I just have bad flashbacks against GSW in the past and Boston last playoffs.    If you give those teams open looks it is a killer.   OKC same thing this year.  Maybe I am wrong, I just want to see them tighter on making threes more difficult.

Ok, that's the thing...I agree with that. 

But, Kidd seems to have built a system based on giving up threes, at least BEFORE giving up the paint. Hence, the presence of two high-profile shot blockers and the way their defense responds to drives. That just seems to be how the Mavericks have chosen to proceed. I think you kind of have to give up something most nights - these NBA teams and players are just too good. 

I think prioritizing taking open 3's away would probably need to start with not playing Gafford, and you'd lose all the benefits that come with him playing. Plus, then we'd be in this thread reading about how badly "the Mavs need a rim protector. It's like a layup line out there." I think they're kind of screwed no matter what they do. Personally, I'd play a Kleber type who could move his feet at the 5 and guard in space behind Lively, and taking away those open 3's would be among my primary reasons for doing so, but I recognize that I'd have to live with guys beating Luka, Kyrie and others for easy shots in the paint at times. It's a trade off, and what Kidd has done HAS resulted in a much better defensive culture here than the team he inherited. 

I don't think the Mavs have a great defense, but I think they're going out there every night TRYING to have a great defense. Over time, that will pay off, I think. Meanwhile,  Golden State DOES have a great defense - did anyone feel the impact of that last night? It didn't matter, because the Mavs destroyed it pretty easily. The truth is that in the current NBA, you kind of need your offense to be better than your defense. If you can't score, you can't compete (this is why the OKC game worried me a bit).

[SleepingHero]

really dangerous to take much off one game, but some thoughts on Warriors:

1) I have always liked Kuminga and thought he just needed some time and the opportunity.  His stats looked good but I didn't really feel him impact the game.  Not sure he is worth the 30 plus million he will be looking for this summer.  Still young and talented, but less sure now.
2)  I loved Podz last year.  He was always doing things and being productive.  Now it looks like he is always doing something but not productive doing it.  His minutes are down and I wonder if last year was the real player or if it is this year?  Maybe a little bit of both.  GSW were thinking of him as a core part of a deal this summer.
3) Feels like GS need a starting tier center.    Tough to play their style though.  I wonder if those dinosaur centers (Jonas, Vucevic) or the injured ones (Williams) would interest GS.  Just like Podz Jackson-Davis has come back to earth.    Looney is not a starting center at this point. 
4) Draymond Green is shooting almost 40% from three.  When did that happen?  His form looks good too.  He made some huge plays on defense in the fourth (just like last game), GSW offense just didn't take advantage of them.

As to 3), a lot of fans on GSW boards are pining for Vucevic. They think the fit makes sense as he can shoot 3s and can rebound. I can see why they'd want him.

[SleepingHero]

@JustEsBaraheni
Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson combined to create 122 of the Mavericks 143 points tonight.

That is NUTS.

[Chicagojk]

This is such a killer play. Luka just playing the warriors on a string. First with Gaff rolling, 6'3 Podz is putting a body on Gaff. A lot of times that is an easy basket. But Luka makes Draymond pick between two players. His little jump, no look pass to Grimes opens a wide open corner three.

https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1h...s_eyes_to/

[Knutsen]

This is such a killer play.  Luka just playing the warriors on a string.  First with Gaff rolling, 6'3 Podz is putting a body on Gaff.  A lot of times that is an easy basket.  But Luka makes Draymond pick between two players.  His little jump, no look pass to Grimes opens a wide open corner three.

https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1h...s_eyes_to/

I was watching the game with the Warriors commentators on NBA TV and absolutely enjoyed it. They were in complete awe with Luka and Kyrie - of Klay as well, but they‘re not objective on that one - and very knowledgeable about the Mavs team in general, I really liked listening to them. Chris Mullin stated post game that Luka is a completely different player than a month ago when we last played them, he‘s beating his man, pushing the tempo, hitting his threes, it was great to hear.

[michaeltex]

If you just looked at the 3pt differences and the turnovers, you might think GSW won the game. Basically, 3pt shots were their game (18 made in the 1st half!) and the DAL basket protection helped limit their ability to drive on close outs, which was enough to get the win.

I gotta say though, Curry's shot making is still awe inspiring. He must have the fastest release in the league. On some possessions, it is impossible for the defense to rotate fast enough to seriously bother his shot.