05-23-2021, 11:48 AM
(05-23-2021, 09:28 AM)KillerLeft Wrote: Just finished a rewatch of the game (thinking more clearly, without the adrenaline).
The Mavs are still in trouble. They got close to ideal performances from DFS and THJ on both ends of the court. Luka was Luka, and he might be able to play that well in most games of the series, but that might be the high water mark for THJ and DFS. You can argue that Brunson has another level to reach, and obviously we can hope for more out of Porzingis (maybe they figured some stuff out late that will help), but this was a GREAT performance by the Mavs...and the game was in question until very late.
On the flip side, basically only Leonard played well for the Clippers, and he could actually play quite a bit better. If, for example, the Clippers get the 2nd half Paul George for the entire game, this is a Mavs loss. If they get ANYTHING from Jackson, Morris or Beverley, this is a Mavs loss.
I'm happy for the win, but still not feeling great about this.
It’s the playoffs against an evenly matched opponent — nearly all the games should be in question until late. Last year, only the Mavs had matchup problems to solve. This year, both teams do. Luka is the best closer on the floor, whether he’s facilitating or scoring. Give him a series where all the games are in doubt at the 4 minute mark, and I’d bet he’d like his chances. The West is nuts. I honestly don’t see much separation between the top 7 teams, and Memphis has a scary athletic and talented roster itself. It could just come down to the team with the most dynamic player wins. Maybe the Mavs have a shot.