2024 Playoffs- 3rd Round: Minnesota Timberwolves - Dallas Mavericks- MAVS WIN 4-1!

[KillerLeft]

This isn't aimed at you Killer, but why does everyone assume that wasn't their best effort just because they say so. They are an inexperienced and overconfident, borderline arrogant team. They got punched in the mouth and instead of manning up, they made so many excuses, I've lost count. 

Our role players didn't shoot well. Luka had a terrible first half. Our defense wasn't there until the 2nd half. What I saw what the TWolves getting the majority of the 50/50 balls until the 4th.  There's a lot more we can do better as well and they are one special Luka game from being in a serious hole. 

One more thing about Edwards effort. It was his best effort on that particular night and that's why he was dead tired. The real question is does he have the tank to guard Kyrie and play offense at an elite level. I don't think he does, but we'll see. Jamal Murray literally couldn't get around Ant so Ant was just moving literally on most plays and not chasing. He has to chase Kyrie all over the damn floor. 

I just feel like everyone is selling the Mavs short. Not you in particular, but overall from the media. Even if we lose tonight, we still have home court. We've already done our job regardless with a chance to kinda bury them. 2-0 isn't a done thing, but I like our chances up 2-0.

I can't speak for anyone else, but if I kNOW that wasn't their best effort because I've been watching the playoffs. Trust me, it wasn't. If you watch that Jason Timf video that details all of their defensive breakdowns, you'll see a ton of unforced mistakes that they haven't been making this post season. Don't get me wrong, the change of opponent (new issues to deal with) was part of that, but not all of it. 

If I'm assuming anything, it's that MIN will do better after what they probably consider an embarrassing game 1, but I think that's a safe assumption. 

I also assume the Mavs, who played a GREAT game 1 outside of shooting, will shoot better, and frankly, that might be a LESS safe assumption. 

I still like the Mavs' chances a lot, but I have a sneaky feeling game 1 might be the easiest victory for them in the series (at least while the series outcome is in doubt)

I totally agree that the Media doesn't fully understand how good the Mavs are, or exactly why they're as good as they are (they're starting to figure it out) but I have seen Minnesota do some awe-inspiring things, recently. Edwards scares the piss out of me.