AROUND the NBA: Pat Bev Suspended 4 Games Next Season| PHX Fires Vogel

[Smitty]

SOS doesn't mean anything if they can't defend even the worst teams. Remember Salah Mejri. Even a team that's trying to tank is hapless not to score against a team that can't/won't defend absolutely anything.

I agree Mavs have to be better defensively but I think they'll be okay moving forward and that's why I posted that I think they finish 6.

Kidd has two options the way I see it. Play the best 8-9 (playoff type rotation) and try to win as many as possible or tinker with the lineup and rotations to gather more data going into the playoffs, while also trying to win of course.

Either way I'm optimistic that he seems to have found some things that work. Gafford is out of the doghouse recently. Exum says his minutes restriction is lifted and Kidd can play him roughly 25 minutes if need be. Hardaway is playing under 20 mpg (17mpg in March). With more time on the court together the Mavs will look better on both sides, IMO. They have been the most injured team in the league this year and the TDL guys have only played 12 games.

Minutes played for top 5-man lineups:

1. OKC 693
2. DEN 774 & 345
3. MIN 610
4. LAC 466
5. NOP 387
6. PHX 274 & 190
7. SAC 654
8. DAL 88
9. LAL 242 & 216
10. GSW 168 & 140 & 135