2024 Playoffs- 2nd Round: Oklahoma City Thunder - Dallas Mavericks- MAVS WIN 4-2!

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I think Gafford is starting for two reasons:

1) to keep young Lively out of early foul trouble. He has actually been GREAT about avoiding rookie fouls this season, for the most part, but you don't really know how a playoff game is going to be officiated until you're about 5 minutes in. I don't hate that strategy. 

2) because Gafford is 100% more useful when playing with Luka. I haven't checked, but I have a feeling most of the Kyrie only minutes are going to Lively, or even Kleber/PJ at the 5. I remember distinctly that after the Haywood/Butler trade everyone was knives out on one of the older boards because Dampier was still starting over Haywood. When asked about it, Haywood said something like "coach just thinks Damp is more successful playing with Kidd than he is without Kidd, that's all. I don't mind." 

#2 is just a hunch, but I'm pretty confident about #1.

What I can't quite figure out is why, once foul trouble isn't a problem in the 2nd half, Lively isn't playing more in general. He's so clearly the superior player.

I think both your points are correct as to why Gafford is starting.

The other reason is because we've played much better generally since Gafford was put in the starting lineup.  I don't think Gafford starting over Lively is actually the reason for our dramatic improvement.  However, I understand why Kidd wouldn't want to change up what's working.  

I think there's also an element of Kidd wanting to start the veteran over the rookie all things else being equal.

I agree though that I would rather see more Lively minutes overall than Gafford minutes.  I am grateful though to have two talented centers this season and be able to engage in this discussion.   This time last season, Christian Wood was our best option at center and Kidd hated that option.