Game 43: Boston Celtics (34-10) vs. Dallas Mavericks (24-19) 119-110 loss

[DanSchwartzgan]

I just want something more.    

For me, I would really look to not go small (especially with long stretches of Luka, KY and Hardaway together).  Hardaway is playing hard, but is limited.   They score plenty but it feels like they give up as much as they get.    

Good stuff on the Luka conundrum.  

As to the above, when we talk about "6' 8" or taller and can dribble" and specific names get mentioned, people often say "he's not any better than THJ".  But, if that guy can negate the need for THJ, you eliminate this lineup (and variations that are even worse).  You put more size and presumably more rebounding on the floor.  Even if the guy does nothing more than the "THJ waive" at 3 point shooters, he'll at least be 3-4 inches closer to the release point (sarcasm alert...I just wanted to say the words "THJ waive".  Luka is even worse BTW.  We are so susceptible to an extra pass or two.  Our aggressive defenders fly into the first row and THJ/Luka are in the paint "waiving" at wide open shooters).

I interpret "and can dribble" to mean the player can create for himself and others.  That just isn't in Hardaway's wheelhouse, but everyone else is so limited that he has to play.  We need to put 3 defenders on the floor and you can't get there with THJ being a critical offensive cog.  Even Kuzma (for example) out there getting cardio half the game lets you keep two of Luka, Kyrie, Kuzma on the floor with any two of them able to create for themselves and others.  The extra size also lets you keep your on-ball defenders on the floor without being so undersized.