Game 62: Indiana Pacers (34-28) vs. Dallas Mavericks (34-27)

[Mavs2021]

Really feels like Kleber and Irving cannot handle more than a few games in a row. Kleber had an incredible run after his return from injury but looks slower than he did just two weeks ago.
Kyrie was incredible in february but the last three games were a disaster on the defensive end and sloppy on offense.

Overall team performance isn't helping them because they aren't getting any breaks and are desperately needed to prevent a complete collapse but I wouldn't be suprised if they miss more than just 1-2 games in the next few weeks.

Kyrie is better than KP ever was but when it comes to durability it is the same story. And Kleber is still the same old Kleber. On a good team he would probably get the Iggy treatment. Bubble wrapped during the regular season. Playing starter minutes in the playoffs.
But the Mavs aren't in a position where they can afford to give both of them extended rest. And it feels like they are running both of them into the ground. Something that we already saw in past seasons (Bullock and DFS after the WCF, Luka post allstar break last season).

The crazy part is that Hardy has played well recently and could solve the Kyrie/THJ minutes problem very easily. Furthermore Powell could for Kleber a little. His effort is still useful during the regular season. It just doesn´t translate in the play-offs, when everybody maxes effort and game-planning. We have enough depth for the strategy, if the coaching was sufficient.

There is no reason we cannot be better, especially offensively. This whole offense is ass backwards.

THJ should be the one standing in the corners. He should never touch the ball elsewhere on offense, cause the defense immediately knows: shot. It should be Hardy, Green, Exum and Washington involved in the motions, cause they can actually put it on the floor and willingly pass it. 

Exum 47.8%
Green 40.4%
Hardy 36.5% (trending upwards)
__________
8.8 attempts per game

THJ 35.9% (trending downwards)
Washington 31.0%
__________
14.1 attempts per game

Washington is 29/47 (62%) from 2pt range, yet has taken far more 3s since he´s here. Since the trade THJ is 12-34 from 2pt range 35%. The Mavs always punish the rooks with don´t bother us, stand in the corner, since the Carlisle days. THJ is the literal definition of stand in the corner and don´t bother us. He always shoots, when he touches the ball. He cannot create off the dribble, cause he never passes and he cannot shoot from inside the 3pt line.