03-02-2020, 07:23 AM
(03-02-2020, 01:26 AM)Mavs2019 Wrote:(02-26-2020, 06:50 PM)radioaktiv Wrote: Yahoo power rankings. Interesting bit on how Powell's injury is affecting us.Yeah, but we are 6-3 without Powell, when Luka plays, so....eh.
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10. Dallas Mavericks (35-23)
The Mavericks have been bumped and bruised throughout the season, but they should have their full contingency of talent entering the playoffs, save for Dwight Powell’s underrated value as a screener and smart defender. Powell tore his right Achilles tendon in late January. If Dallas ever was a true contender, could an injury to a role player like Powell really derail their potential to surprise?
At the time of Powell’s injury, the Mavericks were 27-15, fifth in the Western Conference and owners of the league’s third-best net rating behind only the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. They were posting the NBA’s best offense by almost three points per 100 possessions — a historic mark. These are signs of a contender, conceding these Mavs have little NBA playoff experience.
Since Powell’s injury, the offense has actually been better while the defense has slipped, resulting in a net rating that ranks closer to the middle of the pack. Their record in that stretch is 8-8, dropping Dallas to the seventh seed. There is little risk of falling further, but they are in danger of a brutal draw.
Consider this, though: Wunderkind Luka Doncic missed half of those games, including five losses. Meanwhile, All-Star big man Kristaps Porzingis continues to make giant strides in his first season back from an ACL injury, culminating in averages of 25 points (on 48/38/90 splits), 10 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 30.6 minutes per game this month. If both stars are playing at peak levels come the playoffs, no first-round matchup short of the Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers should scare them.
With Powell playing alongside Doncic, Porzingis, Dorian Finney-Smith and Tim Hardaway Jr., the Mavericks’ preferred starting lineup was outscoring opponents by 11 points per 100 possessions — a top-10 outfit among five-man units with at least 200 minutes together. Subbing Maxi Kleber in for Powell has produced negative results. Dallas coach Rick Carlisle has found some success slotting Seth Curry in smaller lineups, but the ankle injuries to Doncic have prevented him from tinkering too much since losing Powell. Carlisle will be searching for the right rotation over the next seven weeks.
How many of those six are above .500? I'll save you the trouble...one.
The Mav's are actually 6-4 with Luka and without Powell if you count the 9 minute game where Powell got hurt as being without Powell. They are 25-13 with both. The team has a .645 winning percentage when Luka plays. .658 when Powell plays and .600 when he doesn't. Strength of Schedule is much stronger in the games Powell played than in the games he didn't.