Game 53: Oklahoma City Thunder (35-16) vs. Dallas Mavericks (29-23)

[youzigizag]

They play somewhat organized offense today as a test run or they play rec ball style offense?

[Jym]

Looking at the standings home court is out of reach. Mavs are 6.5 games behind the 4th seed (Denver). Mavs need to worry about actually making the playoffs. 30 games left to overtake two out of Phoenix, Sacramento, NO to avoid the play-in. Lakers are also in the mix. Realistic best case is finishing 5th in the west. Worst case 9th.

Yeah true, 5th or 6th is probably the ceiling.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

They just have to stay the course, and beat the teams they're suppose to beat, and break even with the good ones. That can be a challenge at times though.

[Mavs2021]

Looking at the standings home court is out of reach. Mavs are 6.5 games behind the 4th seed (Denver). Mavs need to worry about actually making the playoffs. 30 games left to overtake two out of Phoenix, Sacramento, NO to avoid the play-in. Lakers are also in the mix. Realistic best case is finishing 5th in the west. Worst case 9th.

We suck at home. 5th or 6th seed secures away court advantage for the whole play-offs. 7th could be problematic, we´d have two home play-in games in a row.

[KillerLeft]

So, with Lively hurt, it makes sense to not start Gafford?

Absolutely. He has never even practiced with the team. He hasn’t even met the entire team.

It’s not 2K. They have to learn at least some of what this team spent a whole training Camp learning.

[SleepingHero]

All Things Mavs (@All_Things_Mavs)
just a reminder that if Gafford and PJ don’t look like home runs in game #1, they’ve only been in Dallas for like 24 hours and good things take time

that being said

If they look amazing, then we are Finals bound

[dirkfansince1998]

Probably the best consecutive defensive possessions of the season to start the game. Maxi playing off Giddey. Mavs switching everything.

[SleepingHero]

THE MAVS LOOK LOCKED THE HELL IN

LUKA BOMBING FROM 3! KYRIE SLICIN AND DICIN!

[KillerLeft]

Probably the best consecutive defensive possessions of the season to start the game. Maxi playing off Giddey. Mavs switching everything.

Yeah, the strategy to make sure they contain SGA with Green/DJJ was inspired.

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Kleber is looking better by the game these days. It’s almost like he’s the third added player from the trade deadline. Game changer.

[dirkfansince1998]

I wish that someone would have the balls to call out Luka for plays like this. Doesn't boxout and gives up the offensive rebound. Doesn't close out and gives up the wide open 3.

[SleepingHero]

New guys are here!

[dirkfansince1998]

Lob city !!!

[SleepingHero]

GAFFORD TWO DUNKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[donzingis38]

This is going to be fun when Lively comes back

[KillerLeft]

This is going to be fun when Lively comes back

As long as the team plays defense like it has so far today, it’s pretty fun right now.

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Grant Williams could not have caught and converted that.

[donzingis38]

SGA abusing THJ

[KillerLeft]

I always forget how much Luka likes these afternoon games, on account of what time it is in Slovenia.

[SleepingHero]

THAT PJ WASHINGTON OOP OUT OF THE TIME OUT

THE LUKA RAZZLE DAZZLE AND-1!

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HOLY SHIT GREEN TO GAFFORD!!!!!!!!!!

[Jym]

An engaged, motivated Luka in the regular season has got to be terrifying to other teams
He can somehow halfass his way to a 35 point triple double

[KillerLeft]

Good double team from PJ there, leading to a good break from Luka and Green and a great finish from Gafford.