A Few Thoughts on Mavs 106, Nuggets 107

[mavsluvr]

DFS wasn't supposed to be on Jokic. Powell and DFS failed to execute the desired switch. 

Once it happened, for whatever reason, the other Mavs decided not to help, and DFS chose not to foul. These guys just aren't very good at making decisions when plays go wrong in high-pressure situations.

Right but is Powell any better on Jokic? Even moreso, if the Nuggets got such a favorable switch, then Carlisle should've called an impromtu double off the drive. As soon as Jokic put it down, Powell should've shaded down and forced the double which in turn would've forced Jokic to pass the ball and make someone else beat us. I'd rather have a Murray 3 than a free Jokic layup.

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RC had Powell on Jokic but Murray screened him and forced the switch.

So in other words, RC failed to tell the team don't switch. It was a massive blunder by RC giving the Nuggets one of the most favorable matchups for them on the last possession.

There weren't any great options, once the play had blown up. Powell could have helped one pass away, and Murray could have gotten an open shot. DFS could have fouled, and taken his chances with Jokic at the FT line. Might have actually been dope if someone would have run over from the weak side. There were alternatives that probably should have been taken, but none of the options were high-percentage choices.

I think the bigger point is not that the Mavs would have done great except for Carlisle screwing up his coaching on this one play. More that, due to inexperience and perhaps lack of specific coaching direction, the young Mavs just don't make good decisions when they have to scramble under pressure. Rick took responsibility for it, but this wasn't just about one bad play. It's about a pattern.