10-24-2025, 08:35 AM
(10-24-2025, 08:16 AM)vfromlmf Wrote: Well...I just rewatched the game and there is legit reason for optimism.
First, Flagg was really really bad. Badly missed shots including several that were either blocked or had no chance, catastrophic turnovers, fouled a 3pts shooter. Seems like all of those plays resulted in Spurs runouts. Turned his back to a wide open Klay in the corner, drives to nowhere, bad reads. He was way worse than his first preseason game. The good news is he might not play this poorly again in his life.
Lively changed Wemby's game when he was on the floor. This thing will look a lot better if he just plays smarter. Gafford's size and strength were missed. You can't judge the defense when fouls forced them to play AD or Powell at 5 with Naji at 4.
AD missed shots he normally makes.
PJW's 3pt shot looks much improved---and one of those early fouls was pretty questionable.
Spurs built their lead at the end of the first half against a lineup that featured only two starters. Klay and Flagg. Klay got some heat in the post game analysis but if we're being honest, Flagg sold hard.
The offense was HISTORICALLY bad. Terrible shots and turnovers. They won't have a strong pick & roll handler until Kyrie returns, so we can expect see plenty of center DHOs in the interim, but they'll be better than they were against SA.
Kyrie could return around Thanksgiving?!
Yeah, the Mavs weren't winning that game. The Spurs were the much better team. Although, just like most games there are a few key moment. The first was the last five or so minutes of the first half. Wemby did some freakazoid stuff and turned a back and forth game to a 9 point deficit at the half. Mavs also struggled getting baskets during this part. The second was early in the second half. Dallas got a stop and Cooper went hard to the rim but Wemby stopped the layup and Lively could not catch the put back. Spurs got a dunk on the other end of the court. That made it a 9 point game instead of 5. Then Wemby went into Freak mode again and just buried any Mav hope.
If those two runs didn't happen, they probably happen somewhere else but they stuck out to me. Spurtibility is something I always look for with offenes. It is something that concerns me with this team. I think they will have some great defensive moments. But if they stop scoring to 2 points in 4 minutes, they may just score 6. They need those 12 point in 3 minute runs that most good teams pull off.