Game 27: Dallas Mavericks (10-16) vs. Utah Jazz (9-15)

[michaeltex]

I think, to be fair, Gafford hasn't been right physically all year. He has played super, super hard all season, and should be commended for that, and has looked good at times. It's possible that the minor injuries contributed to him having a rough night last night in terms of mobility. But having said that, "less than 13 minutes of Gaff" was a choice, and probably the right one, because the defense with him out there was worse last night, not better. The Jazz were simply getting him switched onto their ball-handler and going right by him. Over and over and over. 

Jason Kidd liked the defense more last night with Powell and eventually even Cisse on the floor, and I believe he was correct.

I agree, and with the Lively and AD injuries, he's probably felt an urgency to make himself available. 

My gripe is that the lack of bigs at the end was a killer move by Kidd & Co. The team basically had to fill a 20/10 hole with AD out. The lack of consistent play at center has doomed a lot of games this year. Feels like a continuation of last spring.

BWill's absence didn't help as his speed may have taken advantage of the twin tower style Utah employed.

Longer term, Kyrie's return might help, if he's ready to play at full speed again. We keep hearing teases, but nothing indicates a time line.