GAME 3 NBA FINALS: Boston Celtics (2-0) vs. Dallas Mavericks (0-2)

[ThisIStheYear]

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.

Countering 5 out hasn’t been the problem. The defense has performed good enough. The problem has been offense. Kidd can only “coach” one side of the ball. He needs significantly more help coaching offense, maybe a guy you just turn that side over to and stay out. The Mavs are tremendously talented. The offense got by on individual brilliance before this series. But they need an actual scheme.  Carlisle would have this offensive talent at #1 rated.  The Mavs have underachieved on that side of the ball since Kidd arrived.

And even if you fix the scheme, you still have to deal with a coach who can’t find a rotation or manage a game. You just have to hold your breath that the right guys are injured so they’re not an option (Mavs have been so lucky THJ has been injured during this playoff run, as they were when he was injured two years ago) and that you don’t get some all time baffling decision like last night. The Mavs making it this far overcoming Kidd’s offensive scheme is an accomplishment but they couldn’t also overcome the lineup malfeasance and the horrible, momentum stopping time out. That was just too much for a single game. I can’t see the Mavs winning a title with such a wildcard at coach.