01-29-2020, 11:31 AM
(01-29-2020, 10:32 AM)Reunion Mav Wrote: I didn't watch this game as I saw online how bad it was going. But, this really points out two concerns that we have hit on many times and should not be thrown out with this game. Two guys, Ayton and Booker are going to be long term problems in precisely the areas we are trying to shore up!
Booker is really good and hurts teams quite often but he seems to light it up every time against us because of lack of one on one defenders on the wings. That remains a big problem, especially in the fourth quarter (a third problem we are improving but still have).
Ayton is another of a growing group of guys who can bully ball us. Any strong big with skills can and often does hurt us bad. Maybe Cauley-Stein can help. Maybe the trade deadline will bring help. Maybe this game is used in film sessions by our individual current guys to learn how they can slow them down better.
Get ready for Houston!
Mavs really have one great starter on the roster: Doncic.
Rest are either bench players, or really great bench players that are playing as starters. THJ and Curry and DFS and Powell, and even Kleber would never start for contending teams. Either they would be on the bench or play as starters on bad teams.
Finally there is KP who can be a great starter, but is not playing like that as he is (hopefully) still transitioning back.
That we are sitting 6th in the West, considering the above, is really amazing what was done so far. It was due to a lot of Luka magic, but also RC scheme to get the most on offense despite lack of overall skill, such as nobody that can post besides Luka etc.
We also have a nice depth of bench players and this has been a positive and also added to the record.
It is hard to deny that Mavs need to add quality starters in addition to Doncic and KP, if contending is a goal. Before that happens, we will once in a while see games like these. Mavs have regularly beating team like Suns but also regularly lost to great teams such as Clippers, Lakers, Heat, Utah etc. The starting level talent is just lower and it will be hard to win the championship with this roster. I expect some Luka Magic and run deep into playoffs, but once we meet Clippers, Lakers, its game over likely.