MAVERICKS 105, KINGS 99

[Jommybone]

Not just 3s. They can’t even make FTs. Which probably means they’re expending a ton of energy on D and that’s taking a toll. 

This seems like the kind of thing you’d expect after a defensive-minded coach takes the reins and guys are playing real defense for the first time in their careers. 

Obviously that doesn’t explain Reggie. Something’s just off about him. Covid recovery? Enjoying his payday a bit too much? Hope he gets right.

[Kammrath]

The new ball might explain some of the shooting woes as well. Shooting is down across the league.

[mavsluvr]

The new ball might explain some of the shooting woes as well. Shooting is down across the league.

Yes, I was just reading this morning that shooting, and scoring in general, are down so far this season. (Sorry I can't remember the source.) Down by six points per hundred possessions, which was said to be a very large decline. 

The downturn was attributed to several factors --

-- adjustment to the new rules on officiating;
-- adjustment to the new ball;
-- several very high-scoring players sidelined or hampered with injuries;
-- two consecutive shortened offseasons, resulting in players being in worse shape than they usually are at the beginning of a season, and their bodies not completely recovered from the previous season.

[KillerLeft]

His defense is just elite and he moves the ball.

...and he moves the ball.

Damn right!

[fifteenth]

The new ball might explain some of the shooting woes as well. Shooting is down across the league.

Why did we need a new ball?

[Kammrath]

Why did we need a new ball?

Switching back to Wilson as the sponsored ball, after 37 years of Spalding. Wilson had the first 37 years the league was in existence.

[michaeltex]

This seems like the kind of thing you’d expect after a defensive-minded coach takes the reins and guys are playing real defense for the first time in their careers. 

IIRC, when Avery took over from Don Sr., there was a defensive focus and the season started off kind of herky-jerky with some offensive stinkers. Smoothed out as the season went on and the players learned how to manage energy output on both ends.

Or maybe it was allll a dream...