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

[burekemde]

I have been beating the drum for 4 years now: Luka needs a pick and roll partner. 

If JB is not a pick and roll partner for Luka, then he is not the ideal offensive partner for him. 

Whoever is not Luka's pick and roll partner is ultimately a catch and shoot guy, standing on the perimeter.

This goes along with omahens great point. Its not true that all the other 3 are just standing and watching. We have seen it all season long that Luka passes to Brunson, which then attacks the paint from different perspective. If you dont have Brunson among the other 3, you cant pull off something as this. In the case of Utah, Luka can get Gobert out, then pass to Brunson - which then can attack the paint without Gobert roaming. Just this one example shows how it is key to have Luka and Brunson.

Another aspect, that was immensely effective all year long, and reason for Brunson such effectiveness along with Luka, is that when Luka gets doubled, he is able to pass it to open Brunson. Brunson then not only is able to shoot open 3s, but also in contrary to the stationary 3&D players Brunson is also able to penetrate with ease to the paint and make huge damage. Another great example why we need Brunson along with Luka and not stationary 3&D guys that just stand and shoot. All year long thats why Luka and Brunson lineups have been so great for us. Brunson can shoot the 3s when they are going in, or simply attack the paint with a huge gap to him allowed when playing along with Luka. Either way, Brunson has been a weapon.