(06-13-2024, 07:37 AM)hakeemfaan Wrote: Yet the same Mavs with the same coach beat those other West teams you are talking about.
When you go against Boston or any skilled team that tries to counter your size advantage with a 5 out scheme you have to pick your poison. Do you try to match up with them to prevent open shots or you live with some open shots and try to beat them inside while maintaining a defender inside. I think Kidd struggles against teams that go small. Clips when Lou went small. GS which IMO didn’t have that great a team that year. Boston this year.
Yesterday as others have mentioned the Mavs finally didn’t have Luka just chasing and gave up some open looks. Some of it worked out but then Boston adjusted to that. However that is something you have to live with. I like the core strength of this team with our two mobile defensive centers. We can definitely use a better offensive coach who uses PJ at the top of the key than as a stand-alone shooter. At the same time Luka did turn on a much better Xs and Os guy here with a title under his belt. So just getting an offensive minded coach might not be the answer. Kidd is ok but he needs an experienced offensive assistant around him who can help him scheme against 5 out teams without panicking and trying to play their game which is exactly what they want you to do.
We were stuck with Boston....and they took advantage. Going 5 out against Boston with our team is not a winning formula. It has worked against some teams. I just think it has to be smaller stretches. I just don't think you can count on Kleber to be that level of player in these top level series. He is just limited. Good at times. Our small ball lineup is not as good as Bostons. Way too limited.
Our bigs were also a mismatch. I thought Gafford played ok. It is just a real tough series for him. Lively is not the player he will be in two years. Boston was able to limit his effectiveness until last night.
Mavs played a style of ball where they had length on the wings and big guys to protect the rims. They really helped Luka and Kyrie being a rim presence on defense. Only one team this playoff run made that lineup ineffective. LAC had some moments. OKC had some smaller ones. The mavs were able to bully teams and limit finishing at the rim. Only one team was our kryptonite.
Also, not many teams can switch everything and force us into isolation ball. I think OKC is building towards that though. Mavs need a counter to this defense. I mentioned before the series the constant looking for a switch when everyone watches was a concern for me. Mavs need to find ways to counter this. Not many teams can do this defense and be effective. Although how the game is being played, the teams that can do this are probably going to be really good.