A Few Thoughts on Mavs 111, Clippers 126

[mavsluvr]

Luka can't get to the basket against Clippers as in other games, because they have many excellent defenders, big and strong enough. Plus they were throwing more bodies on him ignoring open three pointers from role players.

The Clippers' defensive strategy generally appeared to be to shut off the paint, and dare the Mavs to shoot threes. On the right night, Dallas might survive that, but the shooters didn't make them pay in this one. 


If Luka can't get to the basket, that's partly on the coach (assuming Luka isn't ignoring instructions). The coaching staff needs to work out a plan to run him around multiple screens or something, so that he isn't just relegated to the perimeter. Also think KP should play a less passive role in the offense when Luka is on the court. That's also at least partially a coaching issue. There were also a few cases of Mavericks spurning open shots at the rim, which was puzzling.  

When the Mavs aren't hitting their threes, it's very hard for them to win. There doesn't seem to be a Plan B. 

I make these remarks more or less as comments on areas the Mavs need improvement. I'm not suggesting they would have beaten the Clippers if they had only done this or that differently. The Clippers are a better team, and it is not surprising that they exposed the Mavericks' weaknesses. Hopefully, lessons will be learned and the experience will be beneficial for next season.