Game 41: New Orleans Pelicans (24-17) at Dallas Mavericks (24-17)| 120-125 WIN

[KillerLeft]

This game will officially get us to the halfway mark of the Mavs' season. Win or lose, it has undeniably been a better than expected first 41, but on the other hand, losing to this team the other night, on a back to back when they were resting all of their players, was a huge drag. Now we're all in a Cowboys funk, so a win would really be helpful. 

Derrick Lively back. I hope that helps. 

[Nowitzki Way]

Anyone have a streaming link? Asking for a friend.

[Chicagojk]

No luka, jones or Exum today.

Can’t wait until Luka comes back, so Kyrie can miss a few weeks

[KillerLeft]

Can’t wait until Luka comes back, so Kyrie can miss a few weeks

That is what it feels like, isn't it? 

I guess it's good that Luka can miss a game and getting a win is still a possibility.

[loki]

Anyone have a streaming link? Asking for a friend.

[Chicagojk]

omax was recalled too. Will be interesting if he gets any run with Jones out.

[KillerLeft]

Kleber starting tonight. Interesting. 

https://x.com/MFollowill/status/17469757...27736?s=20

I guess I don't hate it. Seems like the plan is to put a bigger shooter with Lively, leaving Williams to play with Powell off the bench. I think it's a little reckless, at this point, to completely give up on Williams as a starter this way, especially since we all kind of know Kleber's minutes should be kept down, but I get the logic.

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omax was recalled too.  Will be interesting if he gets any run with Jones out.

I would LOVE to see some O-Max.

Since the Mavs cannot trade him, they'd might as well start getting him some experience.

[Chicagojk]

Kleber starting tonight. Interesting. 

https://x.com/MFollowill/status/17469757...27736?s=20

I guess I don't hate it. Seems like the plan is to put a bigger shooter with Lively, leaving Williams to play with Powell off the bench. I think it's a little reckless, at this point, to completely give up on Williams as a starter this way, especially since we all kind of know Kleber's minutes should be kept down, but I get the logic.

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I would LOVE to see some O-Max.

Since the Mavs cannot trade him, they'd might as well start getting him some experience.

Really interesting.  I don't want to give up on Williams, but he has been ugly to watch.   For me, his value will be how strong help defense he plays and if he can play passable perimeter defense.  

With that being said, he better get in gear.  With everyone eventually healthy, there are going to be a lot of mouths to feed.   Right now, he may have trouble getting consistent minutes if his plays does not improve.

[Reunion Mav]

The Pels are likely to be a close seeding competitor. We really need this game but we really needed the last one to.

[KillerLeft]

I HATE running pick and roll with Kleber while Lively is in the dunker’s spot.

I HATE IT

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Love the combo of Lively and Kleber on defense, however.

[KillerLeft]

GREAT box out from Williams there.

[KillerLeft]

Lively making a huge difference.

[loki]

It's nice to watch a life-size team for a change.

[KillerLeft]

Powell hanging in there on that first possession when things looked bad. Good defense.

[KillerLeft]

The Mavericks must know that we are all hurting here in Cowboys country. They are doing their best to help.

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I also suspect @roytarpleysghost is not watching today.

[Chicagojk]

Great start.

Man, Seth has to stop with the off ball fouls with the other team in penalty

[phiL]

Lmao what is Zion doing?! He looks like a random overweight guy picked up at the burger shop next door

[KillerLeft]

I don’t mean to offend @Surfpuckmd, who is a great contributor, but… I feel really sorry for pelicans fans. Zion has to be one of the most disappointing NBA investments of all time.

There are long stretches when I don’t even realize he’s out there. I legitimately believe I would rather have Derek Lively than Zion and that is WILLLLD

[dirkfansince1998]

Rough stretch for Lively. Don't really like the fit next to Kleber.

[KillerLeft]

Lmao what is Zion doing?! He looks like a random overweight guy picked up at the burger shop next door

You and I both might’ve typed too soon.

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Rough stretch for Lively. Don't really like the fit next to Kleber.

It looked good on defense in the first quarter!