GAME 9: BRK (4-7) @ DAL (6-3) | 96-94 win

[DanSchwartzgan]

 
Green surpassed Reggie in minutes for the first time.  Makes sense.  Bullock was -18 (and -38 On-minus-Off).  Green was +11 (and +20 On-minus-Off).  One game wonder?  Or, culmination of a trend that has seen Green's minutes bumped up five games in a row (from 13 to 15 to 17 to 19 to 20 to 27).  He won't continue to have a TS% in the 900's (though his .578 last year wasn't bad at all).  Even something in the low 600's combined with the way he changes the game defensively should be enough to keep him in the 24 minute range consistently.  It will be interesting to see what happens if Hardaway misses any time.  Right now, everything Green does offensively is gravy.  Without THJ, what Green did last night becomes more of a requirement.  His little mini burst in the second quarter is kind of expected by now.  But his open lane drive and especially the long three from the top of the key in the mid-fourth showed a mental toughness that is very encouraging.
 

Something that didn't occur to me until I heard it on Locked-On just now.  Josh was setting the picks in the fourth bringing his man to Luka knowing Luka either gets the double or the smaller player.  It sets Green up to be the relief valve if the double comes.  It puts a great deal of trust in his hands in a tight game in the fourth.  Very encouraging.  What is happening with Green is more than just energy and hitting open 3's.