07-01-2021, 11:20 AM
(07-01-2021, 09:56 AM)dirkfansince1998 Wrote: He had the toughest matchup but gave up 65% from the field against Kawhi. 50% against PG (17/34). Eight 3s and 12 additional FTA. DFS is probably the Mavs best perimeter defender but just like in 2020 bigger and stronger wings bullied him. Sucks that Kleber wasn´t healthy. In 2020 he was getting torched as well but at least forced them to take contested jumpers instead of layups.
Just looking at the matchup data THJ and Luka actually did a better job against the Clippers duo. Especially Luka.
PG against:
DFS 17/34 FG 8/19 3s 11/12 FT, 7tov
THJ 11/20 FG 3/8 3s 4/4FT, 4tov
Doncic 2/8 FG 0/2 3s 4/5 FT, 1tov
Kawhi against:
Kleber 22/36 FG 6/14 3s 15/17 FT, 4tov
DFS 17/26 FG, 4/9 3s 6/7 FT, 6tov
THJ 9/17 FG 2/5 3s 2/2 FT, 3tov
Doncic 7/16 FG 3/7 3s 4/4 FT, 1tov
Conclusion. Sample size to small. Not to mention that it is nearly impossible to evaluate individual defense in the broken Mavs scheme against the Clippers. But I don´t think that DFS deserves special consideration for his attempts to play defense.
The slower and more iso heavy half court offense in the playoffs really helps Luka on defense. Was the same last season. He has the size and strength to keep up with bigger wings. Really hope that the new coaching staff can build on that.
Yeah defense against elite players is a team effort. Not DFS fault that Carlisle doesn´t scheme double teams or the others are too lazy/unfit to execute some help defense.
Dorian was the only Maverick besides Doncic that showed up for game seven, but the moronic coaching to play Kawhi 1-on-1 until down 10 with a minute to play, while the Clippers doubled Luka was ultimately the differene-maker.