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

[mvossman]

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.

I think Powell and Dinwiddie were destined to have a bad series.  Most of Din's game is driving to the paint, and that is really hard to do with Gobert sitting there.  Powell makes it easy for Gobert to sit in the paint.  They both would be better off playing minutes when Gobert is on the bench.

Guys like DFS, Maxi and Bullock were destined to have a good series if they could hit wide open shots (and they have so far).  Their defense is important against potent Jazz offense, and they should put pressure on Gobert to come out to perimeter (or feast on wide open 3s). 

I think we need to start Maxi and play him as many minutes as we can with Gobert on the court (hopefully he wont get as many bullshit calls at home).  I also think we may need to finish games with Bullock instead of Din.  Normally I would prefer to finish with Din do to having another playmaker out there and he is generally clutch, but with Gobert out there I think Bullock's floor stretching and defense are more useful.