01-25-2026, 10:43 AM
Well Lakers team did what good teams do to bad teams. I thought they were going to give that game away in the third. In the fourth their defense was better. Dallas offense really struggled. It looks like they targeted one on one against Luka in the fourth and had no success. They probably should just have run offense, but not having a true #1 makes it tough.
Tough to really rate the Lakers without their injured guard. I don't think they look very good. Although when you have one of the best players in the league who can control a game so well on offense, you always have a chance.
Really good seeing Max being aggressive. Cooper too. He didn't really play great though. I do like him taking 20 shots. Williams was awesome in the third...but really bad in the fourth. I remain confused why Nembhard minutes are decreasing. Only 4 last night. Williams hot run in the third had something to do with it, but his organization would have helped at the beginning of the fourth.
Mavs really need to get PJ and Gafford playing better. PJ looks much more comfortable guarding in the paint (blocking shots) than defending on the perimeter. He may be going thru something off the court though. Gafford has also been hurt, but it is safe to say him and Powell level of play are not much different. Maybe Powell has been better. That should not be the case.
Martin with a real solid game. Even taking some threes. It is a drain when a pass goes to the corner (Martin and Marshall & Cooper too) and they hesitate and don't take an open three.
All in all, a fun third quarter after a messy first half and an ugly 4th. Ayton has had good moments, but it appears he is wearing thin in LAL. Just showed no passion in the game. Watching him the playoffs will be fascinating. I will say even when he scores 18 and 10, sometimes you don't feel that impact. This playoff run will be important to him. I have no idea what his salary range is for next year.
Tough to really rate the Lakers without their injured guard. I don't think they look very good. Although when you have one of the best players in the league who can control a game so well on offense, you always have a chance.
Really good seeing Max being aggressive. Cooper too. He didn't really play great though. I do like him taking 20 shots. Williams was awesome in the third...but really bad in the fourth. I remain confused why Nembhard minutes are decreasing. Only 4 last night. Williams hot run in the third had something to do with it, but his organization would have helped at the beginning of the fourth.
Mavs really need to get PJ and Gafford playing better. PJ looks much more comfortable guarding in the paint (blocking shots) than defending on the perimeter. He may be going thru something off the court though. Gafford has also been hurt, but it is safe to say him and Powell level of play are not much different. Maybe Powell has been better. That should not be the case.
Martin with a real solid game. Even taking some threes. It is a drain when a pass goes to the corner (Martin and Marshall & Cooper too) and they hesitate and don't take an open three.
All in all, a fun third quarter after a messy first half and an ugly 4th. Ayton has had good moments, but it appears he is wearing thin in LAL. Just showed no passion in the game. Watching him the playoffs will be fascinating. I will say even when he scores 18 and 10, sometimes you don't feel that impact. This playoff run will be important to him. I have no idea what his salary range is for next year.
![[-]](https://www.mavsboard.com/images/collapse.png)