(12-30-2020, 12:47 PM)Sonic Wrote: That looks good as a closing lineup: last 4 - 8 minutes in a close game. There is no reason you can't have that lineup closing, and a completely different lineup starting.
For example, Kleber has shown historically that he does not perform well with large minutes in several consecutive games. He has to be held to 28 minutes or less to get consistent production on offense. If you are going to limit him to 28 minutes, and potentially play him the last 8 minutes of the game, he only has 20 minutes available to play in the first 40 minutes of the game. That is a good reason for him not to start.
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Perhaps the Mavs should start another shooter instead. How about THJ?
This is a good point, there are many aspects like this also. I think the start and finish to the games are the key. I dont know if there is an official stat for this, but this is how you set the tone. This is psychological also how you impact the opponent by getting the lead. I would start this lineup, and finish with it.
(12-30-2020, 10:14 AM)omahen Wrote: I think you are wrong in your assumption, Mavs are still playing two SG. The only change that was made was to insert Burke (another SG) in line-up earlier to replace THJ. THJ than spent more time with the "bench" unit. Player that will have best day will finish each specific game. Mavs need elite shooting and Maxi/DFS doesn't provide that. Elite is not just high percentage but also ability to shoot a lot with limited space given allowed by defense.
While still extremely small sample, it wasn't a problem to play two SG. The problem was THJ played like crap in first two games.
Im also more inclined to see Burke playing instead of THJ. Burke plays bit more team basketball compared to THJ, although he also loves to shoot whenever possible.