GAME 4: DAL (3-1) @ DEN (3-1) | 109-106 win

[j0Shi]

Bullets:

• W with only 24 points from Luka/KP in Denver is a nice statement. Not the question of who the 3rd best player on the Mavs is might switch from 'we do not know' to 'everyone'.
  
• Luka didn't look like himself. Sure the Nuggets were trapping / doubling a lot, but he rarely even tried to counter it, especially late. In the 4th all he did was give it to Wright or pass it to his pick and roll partner. Almost looked like he wasn't at full strength or sth. This is also why I wouldn't set him on free throw watch again, although those late misses sucked badly.
  
• That said, I liked the chemistry between him and Kleber. Some nice rolls and easy baskets. Kleber had an outstanding game anyway. Again, he's on a bargain deal even if he never finds a consistent shot. That game-clinching block was awesome and he had more superb and crucial defensive possessions.
  
• KP's scoring was also not there, but he contributed plenty elsewhere. Rebounding and defense was strong.
  
• What an overall effort by the bench. Denver must have felt like us against Portland for stretches. Wright, Brunson, even DFS just got to the rim at ease.
  
• What's even more amazing: This game wasn't really that close down the stretch. Lots of people talking about missed opportunities for Denver late, but KP and Kleber really had unfortunate bounces and Dodo missed an easy transition play as well. Normally we win this by five or more and they never get a chance at the late 3.
  
• With DP back, we're ten deep now and can still throw in JJB or Boban as situational guys. What a luxury.
  
• Bonus: Jokic is just the best slowmo, unemotional, boring, almost disinterested basketball player I've ever seen. He's that mob killer that doesn't really enjoy the job, but reliably and surgically does what needs to be done because it's all he's good at.