MAVERICKS 116, ROCKETS 106

[mavsluvr]

The offense is explosive with Bobi. Luka can get him in positions where he is nearly unstoppable. Without maybe even joking (maybe), Luka, and Bobis own offensive skills which are amazing, given how well he shoots and finishes around the rim, could even make Bobi an MVP. On one condition of course, that he can stay on the court and plays many minutes. What gets him back on the bench is that the offenses draw plays against him on defense, he is immobile and helpless, sometimes even when he is well positioned under the rim. And coaches hate that, they maybe feel they have been "outplayed" when Bobi is playing and seeing how the opponents draw plays to target Bobi on defense.

I always wonder if the best Mavs strategy indeed involves Bobi and figuring how to play him on defense. How about going zone full time? And letting Bobi defend around the rim, where he is least being a weakness for the team defense? Given how well the offense plays with Bobi, even if you find way to create a mediocore defense, the chances are big that you will win that game.

I dont buy much into the comments that Bobi cant play for many minutes. Never seen him exhausted like that, not more than other players. And in games with many minutes, remembering Clippers game, he showed no signs of fatigue. He can dominate even in playoffs.

This all comes down to weaknesses on defense. We saw it in last game. Our offense exploded, but it was also hurting us on the other end.

Bobi is my starter in the ideal lineup. You put your best offensive weapons on the court, and then you teach them how to play defense and help each other. That's my view at least. I see that as possibility. The opposite, thus placing your best defenders on the court and trying to teach them offense, is like declaring a defeat. I want to see the most unstoppable offensive lineup and then teaching these players to play together on defense throughout the season.

Agree that defense is the issue. Although I believe someone conducted some statistical research that shows that Bobi's big body does deter players from attempting shots at the rim, at least to some degree. 

I wouldn't be surprised to see them try anything a time or two, tbh. But you can color me astounded if Bobi is a starter over any significant period of time at all. (I've been astounded before, so this doesn't mean it won't happen, lol). There is a philosophy among some coaches that it is best to start with a strong defensive unit. Our title team did that in the playoffs, starting DeShawn Stevenson and closing with Jason Terry. But it is TBD what view on that Kidd and Igor will adopt. 

Interesting points.