Luka is reminding/silencing all the haters that he is top 5 player on the planet. Many of them even turn 180 degrees quickly from Luka critics (he should even be traded) into "I told you Luka is the best" mode. It's all about trying to receive some attention as they can't get it other ways. And they will keep turning again 180 degrees once Luka misses a free throw in the next game against a lower opponent.
Once it gets really competitive, a slight playoff-like intensity as we saw in some of recent games, it is clear Luka is several levels above Morant. In a grinding physical game like this one (and also GS, Bulls and now Memphis) Luka is Luka - This is by far the best and most physical Luka to date. Morant should add a lot more weight and be more physical like Luka, and in addition he is clearly lacking a ton of skills and bbIQ to reach to Luka levels and dominate inside where it matters the most in these types of games.
Luka dominated in the second half, and Memphis only hope was to double him. Luka distributed the ball well in those situations which lead to multiple "hockey assists". I really think the team has improved in taking of the situations where Luka is doubled. Powell often received the ball from Luka and quickly distributed it to an open shooter outside. This was a massive issue early in the season, and the team didnt perform at all well when Luka was doubled which explained many of the bad +/- and lost games early on.
There is yet another gear to Luka come playoff time, this is also clear, and this makes Mavs all more scary. Dallas is contending this year! In fact, any team having a Luka has a chance to go all the way, any given season. Luka can't sustain a whole season at his 100% intensity and needs to protect his ankle and I believe he has been a lot better this season to chose his battles, to perform in higher gears against the best opponents. Its clear that he is saving the best for playoffs and this is smart.
Regarding contention, missing on that Desmond Bane pick is a HUGE DISASTER for Mavs as a franchise. This was clear almost for two season and is once again. It can very well be the reason we don't go all the way this season and many of the next ones. People told that Bane has no wing span and cant play in NBA! Well, that has turned out really bad... The difference between Bane and Green is just staggering. I love the small flashes Green has brought in recent games, as we need that contribution from this pick all we can get, but it is all more clear that Bane is consistent near all-star level player that contributes consistently every single game. Green is/will have many games like this one unfortunately. Bane would have been even more amazing next to Luka than he is next to Morant. The team would be a lot more dangerous with that kind of elite shooter and player next to Luka.
Really missing ML recaps.
EDIT: Luka fit with Brunson is AMAZING. Brunson a player to keep at all costs. What I mentioned so many times, the extra Space Luka gives to Brunson, he is so amazing in taking advantage of that not only by shooting but also by easier penetration into the paint by Brunson where he dominates. Happened so many times yesterday again. Luka and Brunson should be Mavs players for rest of the career. Build around the two.
Once it gets really competitive, a slight playoff-like intensity as we saw in some of recent games, it is clear Luka is several levels above Morant. In a grinding physical game like this one (and also GS, Bulls and now Memphis) Luka is Luka - This is by far the best and most physical Luka to date. Morant should add a lot more weight and be more physical like Luka, and in addition he is clearly lacking a ton of skills and bbIQ to reach to Luka levels and dominate inside where it matters the most in these types of games.
Luka dominated in the second half, and Memphis only hope was to double him. Luka distributed the ball well in those situations which lead to multiple "hockey assists". I really think the team has improved in taking of the situations where Luka is doubled. Powell often received the ball from Luka and quickly distributed it to an open shooter outside. This was a massive issue early in the season, and the team didnt perform at all well when Luka was doubled which explained many of the bad +/- and lost games early on.
There is yet another gear to Luka come playoff time, this is also clear, and this makes Mavs all more scary. Dallas is contending this year! In fact, any team having a Luka has a chance to go all the way, any given season. Luka can't sustain a whole season at his 100% intensity and needs to protect his ankle and I believe he has been a lot better this season to chose his battles, to perform in higher gears against the best opponents. Its clear that he is saving the best for playoffs and this is smart.
Regarding contention, missing on that Desmond Bane pick is a HUGE DISASTER for Mavs as a franchise. This was clear almost for two season and is once again. It can very well be the reason we don't go all the way this season and many of the next ones. People told that Bane has no wing span and cant play in NBA! Well, that has turned out really bad... The difference between Bane and Green is just staggering. I love the small flashes Green has brought in recent games, as we need that contribution from this pick all we can get, but it is all more clear that Bane is consistent near all-star level player that contributes consistently every single game. Green is/will have many games like this one unfortunately. Bane would have been even more amazing next to Luka than he is next to Morant. The team would be a lot more dangerous with that kind of elite shooter and player next to Luka.
Really missing ML recaps.
EDIT: Luka fit with Brunson is AMAZING. Brunson a player to keep at all costs. What I mentioned so many times, the extra Space Luka gives to Brunson, he is so amazing in taking advantage of that not only by shooting but also by easier penetration into the paint by Brunson where he dominates. Happened so many times yesterday again. Luka and Brunson should be Mavs players for rest of the career. Build around the two.
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