PLAYOFFS ROUND 1: #4 DAL (4-2) vs #5 UTA (2-4) |

[burekemde]

I just don't get this takes about Luka, Brunson and Dinwiddie. Brunson had two great and one average game without Luka. With Luka back, he had just a couple of shots less than in previous games and got to his spots exactly as in previous games. The only difference was, that shots didn't fall - very similar to his first game. If the shots would fall, he would score 30+. Mavs worked fine when Luka and Brunson were on court. Starting line-up had awesome defensive and offensive ratings. Sure it would be better if Brunson was taller and had longer hands, but I don't think his spot is the one we need to think about upgrading. 

Dinwiddie on the other hand has a bad series. He does score 16 ppg, but at really low efficiency. Especially bad was his performance in game 4. He needs to improve his game for Mavs to have a chance. Clarkson is killing him in the battle of 6th men. 

I hope Mavs will adjust a bit in the next game. Luka should run PnR and force Gobert to switch on him and take him out of the paint. Than pass it to Brunson. Bench needs to give more. It also has to be admitted, that Utah lifted their defensive effort substantially. But I am sure Mavs have more in the tank to adjust and exploit their opponent weaknesses.

Exceptional post omahen. Agree with every part. It would be a great decoy to get Luka to get Gobert out of paint, and then pass it to Brunson - that is ordered to attack the paint immediately. So many ways to exploit defenses, when you have two playmakers. This would create heavoc in the defensive scheme of Utah. Brunson would become even more effective. Agree also Brunson and Luka have played so well together all year long. The record with Luka and without, speaks for itself.

At end of the day, Mavs have a more talented team, and they will prevail. The only way Utah wins is if they play with much higher intensity. I think Utah increased their physicality and intensity in last game . But I see Mavs winning big over Utah in next game, as a huge statement victory.