(03-31-2021, 11:35 PM)mavsluvr Wrote: BRUNSON. Jalen had a phenomenal game, with 21 points on 8-10 shooting, together with 5 boards and 3 dimes off the bench. He was part of the clutch unit (starters, with JB in instead of KP), and was especially effective in the critical last few plays. A really good showing by the man from Villanova!
PORZINGIS. Interesting evening from KP.
Well, anyway, it’s a win, so let’s be happy. The Mavericks face the Knicks on Friday, and new Mav JJ Redick is expected to be with the team, although not on the court yet. After telling Mavs Twitter on his podcast today to “Calm the F down,” lol, he indicated that he is in fact not laying out, but looks forward to playing with Luka, KP, and the rest of the his new teammates.
Next stop, Madison Square Garden!
Great stuff ML. Consistent MVP writeups!
Thoughts that jump out to me on this one (this Melli throw-in guy btw looks like he could be a fun story but another day, give him time).
Luka ! Despite the poor stretch with turnovers, I think we're watching this young super star in the process of ascending to another level when it was already at the franchise player and NBA Allstar level.
He said he was going to focus on his shooting, especially his 3 point shot as an area of improvement and incredibly you can see him trying to get into that extended range, step back, Curry, Dame range with some degree of accuracy. Just turned 22!
Becoming a threat out there takes his offense to that continual MVP candidate level we're really seeing for the 1st time this season. Brad Stevens and the Celtics clearly treated him with defensive respect of a guy they see as the key to the game when he's on the floor. Stop Doncic and worry about everyone else later.
Fortunately everyone else included a capable team with a guy named ...
Jalen B. ! If Luka is a 1st name only needed guy, Jalen maybe a guy that needs only an initial added. (There was that Jalen Rose guy that also pops to mind ...). I've said the gem of draft pick from Villanova might have Chris Paul light as a ceiling. I'll admin that does seem a bit exaggerated, after all he's not an NBA Allstar, yet, but really, how good might Brunson get if he continues on this pace? He's a little older on the young player curve at 24 but his BBIQ makes him fun to watch his growth.
KP ! The KP thing is fascinating to watch for me because it goes directly to observations I and others have made about the quirky brilliance of Rick Carlisle and the very specific mindset he applies to his basketball system. I've pointed it out as it particularly affects the BIG men on his teams, most specifically the 5 position.
Fitting with Carlisle ball as a 5 requires a very specific beast and the Unicorn probably sits right at the edge of acceptability because no matter what a center can do offensively Carlisle thinks 1st in terms of who does he defend?
Quote: Taking KP out for most of the fourth was really bewildering me. I thought he must have picked up a knock. Although I guess we have an official explanation -- KP couldn't guard the small Celtics, I remain puzzled. My main concern after the match is what it portends for the future. If an opponent playing small means KP can’t be on the floor, I think that is a portent heralding few good things for the Mavs.
I made this point ad nauseum as it relates to Boban, whose career looks to be pretty much ending effectively in Dallas in the bench cheerleader role primarily. KP who is a star player and a giant in his right just like Boban, still must be able to guard someone effectively at all times. No matter what the score is.
We can all see that if the Celtics were super small they would be a problem for KP or any giant sized Mav or even just a BIG Mav to guard.
At the same time, the mismatch on the other end should mean they have major problems guards a giant Mav near the basket, right? The losing team has to get stops more so than the team with significant lead right?
Carlisle ball doesn't have that mode, despite the fact that he is known for his brilliant offense. Its the defense that dictates there. As Coach Stan Van Gundy pointed out, this is the way NBA coaches are trained, and its why a Boban can't get minutes in today's game, although he is an extreme case.
Rick won't close the game by holding a lead with using an offensive scoring mismatch. The team has to defend well, no matter what the score says or logic even would seem to dictate in terms of winning the game.
Quote:the Celtics went super-small, and KP, according to Rick, would not have been able to keep up with Marcus Smart and the other talented Boston smalls “coming at us 110 mph.”