MAVS 114, WOLVES 102

[DanSchwartzgan]

MAVS WIN CLASH OF THE EMERGENCY TEAMS

 
OBSERVATIONS

Dameris says that the identity of the 10-day players was not the result of some throw at the dart-board, but rather the product of a lot of effort in determining who the team might be interested in. Pinson was cute after the game, telling the story of how he learned he was being called up, and how blessed he felt. So refreshing, hearing someone that thrilled to be here. 

After the game, Kidd commented on the newcomers. They played their hearts out. Liked their energy, their spirit, their sense of having something to fight for, their ball movement. They definitely helped the Mavs win this game. Theo great at moving the ball and talking. Chriss has great athletic abilities and did a great job on Towns early, so Kidd trusted him in the closing lineup. 

I was a bit surprised at the people yesterday who were wondering why we didn't just promote guys from Frisco.  By now, we know what those guys can/can't do.  Why not take this opportunity to get a peak at similar talent on other G-League teams.  

I mentioned in the George King thread if we could take anything from the type of guys the Mavs signed moving forward.  Probably not, but still.   Just imagine better versions of Pinson and Chriss on this team.   A 6'5 to 6'8 wing who is a natural passer, good defender and hustle guy and a big, physical athletic 4/5.    

Interesting thought.  It is easy to see what a strong rebounding mobile big who defends well might do here.  Whether its Chriss or someone else, it is a much better fit than what we get from Willie.

It does feel like the evidence is mounting that Kidd's schemes on both ends favor a "small-ball" approach with just a bunch of athletic 6'5" to 6'9" type guys.

The evidence also showed we had an unbelievable offense two years ago when KP and Powell were on the floor together.  

Is it Kidd's "scheme" or just his placating KP?  Early in the season Powell got all the blame for crowding up the lane (because blaming Powell is just what we do around here).  But over time it has become clear that KP is the one killing the spacing.  He even kills it when Powell is out of the game and it is impacting Luka's ability to get to the rim.  

What are we getting for our investment in KP's happiness?  .388 from 3-10 feet and .382 from 10-16 feet (oh yeah, and his 3% has totally gone to crap).   Meanwhile, Luka has lost 47 basis points off his TS% because KP's flashing into the lane while Luka is trying to drive.  Hardaway's TS% is over 70 basis points worse than each of the last two seasons.   Bullock's TS% is a full percentage point worse than his career average.  The payoff of Kidd letting KP "just be a basketball player" is a hugely diminished team offense.