01-28-2021, 01:05 AM
Biggest problem Mavs have is lack of spacing and this game is perfect to see the issue. Both teams rely heavily on PnR. When Utah plays PnR with Gobert the paint is always wide open as the other three Utah players will hit a wide open three pointer with high percentage. Utah is at 43 % on wide open threes. Basically they are playing what Mavs did last season.
When Mavs try to play PnR this season, there was always Gobert waiting in the paint, because they can easily afford to leave at least one of the Mavs (DFS, Iwundu, Johnson) completely open. Mavs are below 35 % on open threes. Luka could drive and kick out ball to DFS all day long, but whats the point. This leads to non optimal decisions and exposes weaknesses of this team. KP is unable to exploit his height advantage. Luka step back threes are same low percentage as those open corner threes from guys mentioned before. This leads to obvious frustration, especially Luka, which leads to lack of effort on defense. Although I think his knee was really bothering him today.
All in all, Utah is fundamentally better team at this specific moment. Everything is clicking for them. But, if I catched it correctly, this was only the second lineup Utah started this season. Consistency means a lot.
When Mavs try to play PnR this season, there was always Gobert waiting in the paint, because they can easily afford to leave at least one of the Mavs (DFS, Iwundu, Johnson) completely open. Mavs are below 35 % on open threes. Luka could drive and kick out ball to DFS all day long, but whats the point. This leads to non optimal decisions and exposes weaknesses of this team. KP is unable to exploit his height advantage. Luka step back threes are same low percentage as those open corner threes from guys mentioned before. This leads to obvious frustration, especially Luka, which leads to lack of effort on defense. Although I think his knee was really bothering him today.
All in all, Utah is fundamentally better team at this specific moment. Everything is clicking for them. But, if I catched it correctly, this was only the second lineup Utah started this season. Consistency means a lot.