05-26-2021, 01:59 AM
(05-26-2021, 01:14 AM)mvossman Wrote: KPs role is more important, he is just not performing a big part of it (defense) well this season. He looked a lot better in the second half tonight. Hopefully he can continue down that trajectory the rest of the playoffs.
Mavs offense was close to perfect in these first two games. Everyone accepted their role and this is huge. You have four guys spreading the floor and Luka who is a perfect floor general. KP is spreading the floor taking his defender way out of the paint without complaining. But Clippers defense really falls apart because the other guys are not just a floor spreading idea as they were lots of time in the regular season. They are actually spreading the floor and punishing Clippers most of the time when they leave them open. And not just by shooting, also by driving to the basket. I mean even Maxi, who has been a totally onedimensional player in the regular season efficiently put the ball on the floor. Luka is just awesome. If they try to defend him one on one he just punishes them. Couple of screens to get a mismatch and it is over. The big ends on him it is an efficient shot. Small guy ends on him it is an easy layup. If they double him or over help rest of the team punishes them. THJ was 9-14, KP 8-12, Maxi 5-6, Brunson 4-7, JRich 2-4, WCS 3-3. DFS the only one a little bit cold with 1-6.
On the other side Clippers are getting very little from non Kawhi or George. I am really surprised by their lack of energy. I was expecting way more aggresive defense, but nothing from it.