GAME 7: MIA (6-1) @ DAL (4-3) | 110-125 Loss

[SleepingHero]

They are 4-2 because they have played 4 crappy teams

I just totally disagree with the notion that Toronto, Spurs, and heck even the Kings are crappy teams. Especially TOR and SAS. Spurs after they lost to us they dropped a double digit win against MIL.  The Spurs nearly beat Denver and Lakers as well losing both to heart breaking 4th quarter collapses. 


Toronto has multiple quality wins against the Celtics and Pacers. And nearly beat the 5-1 Wizards.

Kings have beat the Suns and Blazers  both strong playoff candidates. 

Obviously there are things to be concerned about watching this team with DOA starts, mismanaged roster construction, and an oft-injured 2nd star, but it's disingenuous to make it seem like the Mavs are only 4-2 because we've just played OKC and HOU over and over. They haven't.

It's too early to make sweeping conclusions about anything, but it's also false to say the only 4 wins they have are against crappy teams.

[VintagePejav2]

Big time reality check coming tonight for the pollyannas.

Wake me up when KP is gone.

[Chicagojk]

It looks like Jalen is starting tonight and DFS is at the 4.  I think this lineup should get off to a good start but Miami will probably murder them inside and on the boards all game long.   Especially that Bam is playing.   

This will be a tough game to win.  Also, we took care of Miami pretty easily last year so that is another negative for tonight.  I think we need a super nova Luka game and hope for an off Miami game.   

So disappointed in the KP news.

[DrMav]

Heat are forever our mortal enemies. Must win game.

[KillerLeft]

It looks like Jalen is starting tonight and DFS is at the 4.

I actually don't hate this lineup, but I don't think Powell is the right fit to be its center. I don't hate Powell, I think he's a valuable guy in the right circumstances, but playing solo big next to DFS doesn't qualify as the right circumstances.

We'll see though. He or Kleber (sucks he's out) are the two best choices to defend Bam, probably.

[Chicagojk]

I do wonder if Eugene gets 15ish minutes tonight?    He may be the better matchup at the four against some of the Miami lineups.

[Scott41theMavs]

Good, foul Powell off the floor and make the Mavs play a real center on Bam.

[KillerLeft]

At least 3 great screen assists so far for Powell...

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Two ball-handling guards on the floor is sooooo much better than one.

[Kammrath]

https://twitter.com/bobbykaralla/status/...5210893316

[KillerLeft]

https://twitter.com/bobbykaralla/status/...5210893316

I think Brunson in the starting lineup is a good thing, and I think Powell is by far the best option at the 5 on this team offensively. His understanding of when/how to screen to get guys open is far and away above the rest, imo.

The problem is that I don't know that this lineup can defend many teams. Miami plays pretty damn small, which is good.

[Kammrath]

Interesting watching Luka be the coach in the timeout huddle....

[KillerLeft]

The Mavs are clearly trying to deny shot opportunities for Robinson, which I think is very smart. I like the defensive game plan, so far.

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Great ball movement!

[KillerLeft]

I was so enjoying this game…then, Kidd put Boban in. Now, I’m hoping death takes me soon.

[Kammrath]

https://twitter.com/bobbykaralla/status/...3008344070

[KillerLeft]

I like Bullock, but he is not quite the defender I hoped he’d be.

[sterlingmallory]

One thing I have to give to Kidd is at least he experiments with lineups in a way that I don't think Carlisle would. I like putting Brunson in the starting lineup for instance.

[Kammrath]

Kidd put Boban in.

Putting Boban in for offense when Luka sits makes sense. I think it could be a somewhat regular strategy, especially when you have a guy like Dedmon on the other side.

[Kammrath]

I like Bullock, but he is not quite the defender I hoped he’d be.

In what sense? I think his D is generally better than DFS.

[Kammrath]

https://twitter.com/bobbykaralla/status/...0300898305

[Kammrath]

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/14...0639330305