(06-13-2024, 07:52 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: 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.
Some important points there. The Mavs were tossing easy lobs on every opponent up until this series. Because the P&R was so non-existent in this series, the Mavs offense just looked stuck in the mud. They were clearly uncomfortable. Every dish out to a wing was still too slow for an open shooter.
This was just the Celtics year. I agree that we're still missing tweak in our rotation, but I also think Luka needs to take a hard look at his behavior on the court. I would really like to see a different attitude next year.