GAMETHREAD: OKC @ DAL, Oct 14, 7:30 pm (107-70 win)

[michaeltex]

So I have a question for those with waaay more BB smarts than me...

Eyeball-wise, Luka had a great, very "Luka" game. Passing, rebounding, wicked stepbacks, etc. But my question is about drives to the rim. 

Does he finish well or does he sort of bail out hoping for a foul call? I ask because there were a couple of times it seemed like he made a contested drive and the ball didn't even come close to the rim. I realize I'm picking nits here, but just wanted to hear what the wiser heads here think.

I understand that it takes a lot of guts and energy to make the move to the rim, I'm just wondering if there is enough efficiency right now. He does seem to be getting some veteran calls now that weren't there last season.

Last year Luka shot 63.7% on shot attempts at the rim  (158/248). On lay-ups specifically he shot 55.5% (146/253). 

Around the NBA, the only guards that qualified and were better than Luka at the rim were Ben Simmons, Russell Westbrook, Bradley Beal, Jrue Holiday, Eric Blesdoe, Jimmy Butler and Demar Derozan. 

Luka was tied/a smidge better with Kyrie Irving, DeAaron Fox, and Devin Booker. So while Luka lacks the vertical leaping ability to dunk it on people, he is a very effective player around the rim. His ability to draw fouls just enhances that skill.

I knew I came to the right place to get an answer! Best team board I've seen!

Well, it looks like the work on FTs is paying off. At least in the last few games. He looks like he's having fun, too.