Game 32: Dallas Mavericks (20-11) vs. Portland Trailblazers (10-20) | 8:00pm CST

[MarkAguirreWrathofGod]

Not to pile on Maxi, who was amazing last night against Phoenix, but I think he is on pace to set some sort of record for botched inbounds/outlet passes. There were at least two tonight. He has even had a couple, “turn and run from the ball” turnovers in the backcourt on outlet passes. Has anyone else noticed this?

[Mavs2021]

Honestly can't figure out why OMax is so deep in Kidd's doghouse.
Can't believe he could only get 13 mins when Naji and PJ are out and on a B2B.
Seems like this would have been the perfect time to give him heavy minutes.
I didn't see the whole game so maybe I'm missing something.

I think only the younger coaches understand how much effort and legs matter in the regular season nowadays. Old coaches are way too hung up on understanding the game. Kidd lost that game with his starting five. He starts Grimes (or Hardy) and Omax in for legs we win that game. Grimes/Hardy/Omax shot 50% (10/20) from the field and played 60 minutes. Instead he distributed over 100 minutes to Maxi, Klay and Dinwiddie, who already logged heavy minutes last night. They shot 10/32. That´s just stupid game management.

Also good to see that Maxi scoring 15 points didn´t compromise his attitude. Right back to gutless hiding.

[Lukedoncic]

Killer mentioned it earlier, but I think I’m officially out on Hardy. I’d love to be proven wrong, but he just doesn’t seem to “get” it. I think he’ll continue to flash spurts of intrigue, but that contract sure looks like a mistake at the minute…

[sefant]

Also good to see that Maxi scoring 15 points didn´t compromise his attitude. Right back to gutless hiding.

Gafford (no Maxi) -9 in 13 min
Gafford/Maxi +4 in 14 min

Only guy on the team that remotely making Gafford work so far. PJ lineups aint saving the day either. Kidd is really thinking Lively = Gafford. And he can pull his 3 guard and 4 guard lineup chaos without Lively.



Only positive Gafford lineups are this. Luka / Kyrie / Klay nowhere to be found with Gafford.

[Chicagojk]

Personally I would have liked to see more of Omax last night. I also agree that Grimes starting and maybe Omax too (put maxi in his more comfortable role off the bench). Omax shooting 2-6 on free throws is tough though.

It probably would not have mattered how they defended last night. Tough stretch coming up. We will see how the Kings respond on their first game at home after the coach firing. The next three after that will be really tough. 2-2 will be a great outcome. Will be tough. 0-4 is possible

[Chicagojk]

Easy to talk yourself into Ayton watching him last night. With his touch at his size, those numbers should be more of the norm. Mostly his numbers are empty calories or he disappears. But it is there. I wonder if anyone bites on him or if the rest of the league has come to that conclusion? For a team who is a gambler, it is enticing. May not cost much either.

[Chicagojk]

One more thing, Deni is good. I am sure Portland is hoping some team offers a pick for Grant, so they can start Deni. That may be tough though as Grant has a lot of money left and has not been good this year. Also, not sure he is willing to sacrifice like PJ has done.

[Chicagojk]

The Hardy era is something I’m almost ready to see come to an end.

i have been a Hardy fan since the day we drafted him.  I still think there is something there.  But I have soured on him as well.   I just don't think his talent is best suited here. A guy who comes in and takes really difficult shots and doesn't provide much else.   Hardy is a rhythm player and the minutes are not right for him here.   At least not yet, he is not very good as a microwave scoring guy either.   Some great, some really bad.  You can usually tell pretty quick if Hardy has it....when he lets the game come to him and makes one of his first few shots.   This is why he may fit pretty well with Luka.   Maybe in time, he figures it out and becomes a real nice, reliable scorer off the bench.   I don't think it will be here.     So I wouldn't be surprised if he was moved soon.    Who would I rather have as a wild card deep on the bench:  A potential microwave bucket getter who is not really needed on the current roster or a defensive wing who can't score (Thybulle)?  I tend to lean towards the injured Thybulle.  

Jaden had really nice moments late last year.    Maybe he is a guy who takes awhile to get going (hello Reggie Bullock).   I just don't know if his skill is going to be needed even if he heats up.