Game 72: Dallas Mavericks (42-29) vs. Sacramento Kings (42-29)

[surfpuckmd]

It changes everything when we can play physical and control the paint on both ends. Gafford and Lively slamming down. Offensive rebounds. The denials at the rim

All of it combines to demoralize our opponent. Couple that with the best backcourt in the NBA and we’ve seen how successful we can be. The 3’s falling like they were tonight makes us unstoppable

PJ with 13 boards and put Sabonis and Murray in PJail every opportunity he got. We ran several plays for PJ tonight. He’s shooting just fine. That running floater in the paint he has is already a staple of the mavs offense. It’s really exciting that he’s embraced this special “Aaron Gordon” position

Having an elite rim runner and finisher available for 48 minutes per game has made the Mavericks a much better team.  I don't love that Lively has had his minutes cut somewhat but the Gafford starting gambit is working so well that it obviously has to continue.  It's just amazing to have two such effective centers.  

PJ Washington's defense is obviously the other factor that has elevated our ceiling this year.  I couldn't be more impressed with what he does for us defensively.  

Also, Dante Exum being an excellent 3rd guard is another revelation.  

It's all good news for the Mavericks right now.  If PJ and THJ are hitting their 3 point shots, we can beat anybody in the West in the playoffs.  The Celtics might be another matter.  

Congratulations to Jason Kidd as well for figuring some things out and creating a winning formula.  His job security looks so much better than it did 3 weeks ago.