GAME 8: DAL (5-3) @ SAS (2-6) | 109-108 win

[mvossman]

It's the exact opposite....I am looking at the forest right now.

Every single other Mav plays with those same guys....and has so far performed better than Luka has with those guys. That's the forest we are facing right now. 

And if you just refuse to look at +/- then just watch Luka really carefully. Watch him hang his head, labor to get up the court, and not get back on D. Watch him turn and argue with an official and miss his defensive rotation. Watch him position himself for a defensive rebound and give up a layup. Watch him be a step too slow to get around an NBA defender. Watch him airball three 3s in a single game. Etc. If you think this is "good Luka" then I am terrified for the future of this team.

You used the same +/- stat to show how great WCS was doing.  That should be enough to completely ignore small sample +/-.  Luka is definitely off his game right now (same as most of the team) just like last year.  Last year it was because he was out of shape.  This year it could be that he is tired from Olympics, or learning a new offensive scheme, or took too much rest after Olympics and still out of shape or some combination of the above.  He is still the most important/valuable player on the team/court, and its not even close (unless Brunson continues on this tear).  He will pull out of it this year like he did last year.  Be glad we are 5-3 with most of the team struggling and our top two frontcourt players out.