RS 23/24 - Mavs vs Cavs (Wed., 830PMEST)

[41Dirk41]

Kidd likes lose games rather than try Holmes, he rides the injuries to retain his job. It's his only hope.
And he does it very well.

Blame Luka is just stupid, he carries the team every game alone... Our second and third best players tonight were Curry and Exum who are just role players.

[41Dirk41]

-21 on boards....when will this FO realize we have a massive frontcourt problem?

The priority is find minutes for Powell so se don't need any bigs.

[Archx]

+/- is pretty generous for Josh, he was for sure not far the best Mavs player.

I didn't say he was. Only that him and Exum played great together specially in the 4th Q when Mavs made a run and then Kidd killed it. If basically everyone is negative and you have 2 guys positive, well... that should actually tell you something.

[Bob8]

+/- is pretty generous for Josh, he was for sure not far the best Mavs player.

I didn't say he was. Only that him and Exum played great together specially in the 4th Q when Mavs made a run and then Kidd killed it. If basically everyone is negative and you have 2 guys positive, well... that should actually tell you something.

Josh was + 12 mostly because he wasn't on the court, when Cavs made 15:0 run. Now, you can say that they wouldn't do that run, if he was on the court, but the reason why he wasn't on the court is his total inability to score. I would say he having far the best +/- is just an anomaly. Exum on the other hand is proving every night that his great +/- is not an anomaly.

Mavs main problem in offensive side is not having enough players, who can score. It's basically Luka scoring or creating everything. THJ is doing too much mostly because others can't score. If Josh/Grant and some others could score more, THJ wouldn't be playing and forcing that much and his efficiency wouldn't be that bad in last games. So Josh, Grant and Lively being totally incapable of scoring, forced Kidd to play some dubious rotations in the end.

And we could see in this game that Lively is still a rookie. Allen with 24/23 dominated Mavs. There was where Mavs have lost the game.

[Archx]

+/- is pretty generous for Josh, he was for sure not far the best Mavs player.

I didn't say he was. Only that him and Exum played great together specially in the 4th Q when Mavs made a run and then Kidd killed it. If basically everyone is negative and you have 2 guys positive, well... that should actually tell you something.

Josh was + 12 mostly because he wasn't on the court, when Cavs made 15:0 run. Now, you can say that they wouldn't do that run, if he was on the court, but the reason why he wasn't on the court is his total inability to score. I would say he having far the best +/- is just an anomaly. Exum on the other hand is proving every night that his great +/- is not an anomaly.

I don't agree with that. He was on the floor when him and Exum made the run. They were 2-man duo with Lively in the 4th Q. Then Kidd subbed both of them out and Cavs went on a 17-2 run in the last 4.40 mins. I don't care that he couldn't score, no Maverick could score, that includes Luka aswell. I even wrote a post that Mavs only have 36 pts so far in the 2nd half. But Green was active on both ends and made some nice plays plus he played great defense again but Cavs made some really tough shots. Literally the last basket Mavs scored (before Luka layup) was Exum under the rim. We know Green is not responsible to be a scorer but he made little things right and i can't fault him for that.

And THJ is more or less a lost cause. Dude has those flamethrower games where he looks like prime Ray Allen but most of the time he sucks. Horrible defense and one dimensional offense. He's a huge liability almost anytime he plays. The only thing he does right is taking more charges this season. 38% from the floor this month on high volume is a total joke.

[BliscoSantos]

Went to sleep at half so I didn't see what happened,but it's obvious when Luka's not super human this team has problems... especialy since nobody else can create anything or make any shots(now that Kyrie's missing)...I think it's Kidd's fault...he doesn't have a system, he's not coaching, he's Just watching... he's relying on Luka to get them the baskets,the shots on O and doing that(playing Luka big minutes) is wearing him down, making him do mistakes...as Long as Kidd's the coach I'm not sure Mavs can be contenders...he Just doesn't have it on him,he should be an assistant

[41Dirk41]

Went to sleep at half so I didn't see what happened,but it's obvious when Luka's not super human this team has problems... especialy since nobody else can create anything or make any shots(now that Kyrie's missing)...I think it's Kidd's fault...he doesn't have a system, he's not coaching, he's Just watching... he's relying on Luka to get them the baskets,the shots on O and doing that(playing Luka big minutes) is wearing him down, making him do mistakes...as Long as Kidd's the coach I'm not sure Mavs can be contenders...he Just doesn't have it on him,he should be an assistant

Agree.

We can't rely every game to Luka God mode... If a 40points game isn't enough to win against those Cavs we have a big big problem.

Kidd is still a mediocre coach.

[Bob8]

I didn't say he was. Only that him and Exum played great together specially in the 4th Q when Mavs made a run and then Kidd killed it. If basically everyone is negative and you have 2 guys positive, well... that should actually tell you something.

Josh was + 12 mostly because he wasn't on the court, when Cavs made 15:0 run. Now, you can say that they wouldn't do that run, if he was on the court, but the reason why he wasn't on the court is his total inability to score. I would say he having far the best +/- is just an anomaly. Exum on the other hand is proving every night that his great +/- is not an anomaly.

I don't agree with that. He was on the floor when him and Exum made the run. They were 2-man duo with Lively in the 4th Q. Then Kidd subbed both of them out and Cavs went on a 17-2 run in the last 4.40 mins. I don't care that he couldn't score, no Maverick could score, that includes Luka aswell. I even wrote a post that Mavs only have 36 pts so far in the 2nd half. But Green was active on both ends and made some nice plays plus he played great defense again but Cavs made some really tough shots. Literally the last basket Mavs scored (before Luka layup) was Exum under the rim. We know Green is not responsible to be a scorer but he made little things right and i can't fault him for that.

And THJ is more or less a lost cause. Dude has those flamethrower games where he looks like prime Ray Allen but most of the time he sucks. Horrible defense and one dimensional offense. He's a huge liability almost anytime he plays. The only thing he does right is taking more charges this season. 38% from the floor this month on high volume is a total joke.

Kidd has played with 9 players, 4 of them together have scored 13 points together, Curry the only one except Luka hitting something. Knowing that Luka will be doubled and Lively totally non factor, you just can't have 2 non shooters together on the court in final minutes.

But again, all that would have been enough, if Allen didn't have 23 rebounds. Lively is great for Mavs, but he was totally outplayed in this game.

[tleikheen]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/mavericks-dante-exum-saves-the-ball-in-dennis-rodman-style/ar-AA1m9hVd?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=cb30bdeaa9c34c57b1cfdad67f0563a8&ei=40 ........ team mates gotta like this

[Dirk]

The 4th quarter started 90-82. +8

Luka entered the game with 5:40 left, 105-96. +9

It was all set for Luka to calm things down, but the opposite happened... Luka had like two bad turnovers and bad shots in the last few minutes. Yeah, we can criticise the coach, etc... but ultimately that was and is on Luka. When he returned he wasn't sharp. And of course, others helped as well... Curry had two open 3s and missed.

If anything, it's just puzzling how bad they are on those out of bounds plays at the end of the game. Going back to last season... just nuts how many are botched --- this stuff is really pathetic... because everyone knows Luka is going to get doubled, yet on the final play no one moved to get the ball.

This loss is very embarrassing and disheartening. Didn't take the other team seriously... when this team is nowhere near good enough to coast.

Arghhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Let's hope Kyrie's fingernail heals soon.

Wasted a game with these cool passes.

[BliscoSantos]

The 4th quarter started 90-82. +8

Luka entered the game with 5:40 left, 105-96. +9

It was all set for Luka to calm things down, but the opposite happened... Luka had like two bad turnovers and bad shots in the last few minutes. Yeah, we can criticise the coach, etc... but ultimately that was and is on Luka. When he returned he wasn't sharp. And of course, others helped as well... Curry had two open 3s and missed.

If anything, it's just puzzling how bad they are on those out of bounds plays at the end of the game. Going back to last season... just nuts how many are botched --- this stuff is really pathetic... because everyone knows Luka is going to get doubled, yet on the final play no one moved to get the ball.

This loss is very embarrassing and disheartening. Didn't take the other team seriously... when this team is nowhere near good enough to coast.

Arghhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Let's hope Kyrie's fingernail heals soon.

Wasted a game with these cool passes.

I'm sorry but it your star Player is making mistakes you sit him down,let others play... it's definetely on the coach if he can't control Luka....Slovenia won the euro Gold in the finale 4 minutes playing without Goran(MVP) and Luka...they finished the game with some bench Players..Luka Got hurt,Goran was making mistakes,playing bad because of cramps,yet the coach had the balls to sit him on the bench...Kidd doesn't have the balls to sit Luka down when he's off,making mistakes

[joesha1698]

A 6'2-6'3 guy that plays like he's 6'6 and one of the best finishers in NBA history is soft? Hit one of the most iconic shots in NBA history and came back down 3-1 against a team with the best record in NBA history. It wasnt just Lebron. Soft guys don't do that.

Kyrie is tough on the court but he's soft off the court. You really have to tip toe around what you say with him which means he gets pretty much free reign to babysit his injuries whenever he wants. Be honest. If Luka and Kyrie had the exact same injury and scouting report says "questionable to play". Who do you have more faith would actually tough it out and play with it? Think we all know the answer is Luka.

He's soft off the court? Whatever that means. I thought we were concerned with basketball here? I didn't realize you knew him personally. So, you think the Mavs front office is tip toeing around Kyrie's injury? Okay. Do you have some evidence of this or is this just baseless speculation?

To answer your question, I have more faith that a 24 year old at 6'8 220lbs will play over a 31 year old at 6'2-6'3 170-180lbs with a history of foot/leg injuries. I think the Mavs are being very cautious with Kyrie and injuries in general. Why shouldn't they be?

Josh Green has played 19 games this year. 2 more than Kyrie including the one last night (elbow injury, kinda odd)
Maxi has missed the whole season thus far, basically. (toe injury)

Are those guys faking it as well? How is that someone who has played worst since signing his contract extension has missed just as many games as Kyrie but you're not complaining about him and speculating that he's soft?

[joesha1698]

A little heel injury. He’s soft though, not surprised he’s out for this long.

I’m just waiting to see what coach we can get and how we can improve at the deadline.

A 6'2-6'3 guy that plays like he's 6'6 and one of the best finishers in NBA history is soft? Hit one of the most iconic shots in NBA history and came back down 3-1 against a team with the best record in NBA history. It wasnt just Lebron. Soft guys don't do that.

Kyrie aint soft. The problem is the Mavs play a soft brand of basketball and live and die by the 3 point shot - which is settling / the opposite of being aggressive. Plus, our best player (Luka) probably cries more than any great offensive skill player Ive ever seen. So, I don't get where you can call Kyrie soft and totally ignore the Mavs style of play or Luka's questionable effort on defense and constant whining for calls. Watch the final 5 minutes of tonight's game and you'll literally see Luka and some of the other Mavs escort the Cavs to the basket for easy points.

Yeah, the guy who cries is logging 40MPG and leaving it all on the court, he has a bad game every 10 games, Kyrie has been missing for 9 games now, 13 games in total this season, is posting his lowest scoring on worst efficiency in 9 years.
Team's problem isn't the guy who's been out there all season and had maybe 4 bad games in the 30 he's played.

A lot of guys have got better since leaving Luka Ball. The two biggest names to play with Luka have gotten better since leaving. Brunson and Porzingis."Luka Ball" basically makes our offense one dimensional and reduces players to watching or spotting up for 3s.

That's great for 3-D guys with their shot is falling but it limits our offense and some of the skill sets of other players. Luka logging all those minutes and dominating the ball all game is because he has the ball every possession, pretty much. This style of play can build quick leads but also let teams back into the game because it doesn't value time of possession, making teams work on defense, and the law of avgs return -any game can be lost.

So, Kyrie or no Kyrie - we lost that game because Luka ball went cold (the shooters) and we do not focus entirely enough on defense as a teamand w'ere too one dimensional on offense. (i.e. when shooters go cold, we usually blow leads and loose)

[BliscoSantos]

A 6'2-6'3 guy that plays like he's 6'6 and one of the best finishers in NBA history is soft? Hit one of the most iconic shots in NBA history and came back down 3-1 against a team with the best record in NBA history. It wasnt just Lebron. Soft guys don't do that.

Kyrie aint soft. The problem is the Mavs play a soft brand of basketball and live and die by the 3 point shot - which is settling / the opposite of being aggressive. Plus, our best player (Luka) probably cries more than any great offensive skill player Ive ever seen. So, I don't get where you can call Kyrie soft and totally ignore the Mavs style of play or Luka's questionable effort on defense and constant whining for calls. Watch the final 5 minutes of tonight's game and you'll literally see Luka and some of the other Mavs escort the Cavs to the basket for easy points.

Yeah, the guy who cries is logging 40MPG and leaving it all on the court, he has a bad game every 10 games, Kyrie has been missing for 9 games now, 13 games in total this season, is posting his lowest scoring on worst efficiency in 9 years.
Team's problem isn't the guy who's been out there all season and had maybe 4 bad games in the 30 he's played.

A lot of guys have got better since leaving Luka Ball. The two biggest names to play with Luka have gotten better since leaving. Brunson and Porzingis."Luka Ball" basically makes our offense one dimensional and reduces players to watching or spotting up for 3s.

That's great for 3-D guys with their shot is falling but it limits our offense and some of the skill sets of other players. Luka logging all those minutes and dominating the ball all game is because he has the ball every possession, pretty much. This style of play can build quick leads but also let teams back into the game because it doesn't value time of possession, making teams work on defense, and the law of avgs return -any game can be lost.

So, Kyrie or no Kyrie - we lost that game because Luka ball went cold (the shooters) and we do not focus entirely enough on defense as a teamand w'ere too one dimensional on offense. (i.e. when shooters go cold, we usually blow leads and loose)

Who are this a lot of Players?? Brunson and Porzingis,seriously? jB is playing the same way he played with the Mavs(a lot of ISO), it's Just that he has the ball more in his hands,cause New York doesn't have Luka...but he played the same way when Luka was missing games...KP,seriously?? He was hurt the entire Mavs tenure....when he was healthy heplayed great with Luka....and he even admited he was stuborn,delat like he should be Luka's equal,bit now he has accepted the fact that he's the third or forth option on O,and he's finalu healthy.... you're reaching,JB has more control on New York O than in Dallas and KP has finaly realized he's not a first or even second option,even when healthy(unless he'd Play for a non playoff team)...now tell ne who Else is playing better without Luka than these two??

[Mavrelous]

So, Kyrie or no Kyrie - we lost that game because Luka ball went cold (the shooters) and we do not focus entirely enough on defense as a teamand w'ere too one dimensional on offense. (i.e. when shooters go cold, we usually blow leads and loose)

BS answered regarding KP and Brunson, I'd add that KP himself said on JJR podcast that he also didn't like what RC asked him to and didn't give 100%.
Brunson got plenty of opportunity in his 1st 3 years, Brunson lost the Mavs the series against the Clippers.
Yeah, Luka ball fails, I can give you 5 worse examples than this game last year, that's why Mavs traded for Kyrie.

[Archx]

I'm sorry but it your star Player is making mistakes you sit him down,let others play... it's definetely on the coach if he can't control Luka....Slovenia won the euro Gold in the finale 4 minutes playing without Goran(MVP) and Luka...they finished the game with some bench Players..Luka Got hurt,Goran was making mistakes,playing bad because of cramps,yet the coach had the balls to sit him on the bench...Kidd doesn't have the balls to sit Luka down when he's off,making mistakes

I know what you're trying to say and i do agree with your message but i don't think it's such a good example.

Slovenia at that time had a center who dominated both Gasol brothers and everyone else in the tournament, he played insanely good defense. In those finals game, Prepelic was bombing 3s from all over the place and Dragic was tired because he was dragging our team to the finish line. Also we had a competent coach, that's true.

But if you compare this to Mavs last night. Lively was getting cooked by Allen, he's a rookie, it's fine, he'll learn. THJ was again a pure disaster class, Curry was hot then he went cold, DJJ tried his best but he's not a star player, we can't expect him to score over 20 every game. Who else is there then? You guessed it, it's Exum, but you know what? He got benched along with another guy who helped the train rolling. Kidd saw the mistake and sent first Exum back 2 minutes later and then Green.. But by that time Luka cooled off and everyone else did aswell.

And after the game, you know who Kidd blamed? Lively. Apparently he wasn't ready enough for this game. People are not even aware how horrible coach this guy is. Monty the other day took the blame for Pistons historic failure in 3 years we never heard Kidd say, "hey this game is on me".

[joesha1698]

Yeah, the guy who cries is logging 40MPG and leaving it all on the court, he has a bad game every 10 games, Kyrie has been missing for 9 games now, 13 games in total this season, is posting his lowest scoring on worst efficiency in 9 years.
Team's problem isn't the guy who's been out there all season and had maybe 4 bad games in the 30 he's played.

A lot of guys have got better since leaving Luka Ball. The two biggest names to play with Luka have gotten better since leaving. Brunson and Porzingis."Luka Ball" basically makes our offense one dimensional and reduces players to watching or spotting up for 3s.

That's great for 3-D guys with their shot is falling but it limits our offense and some of the skill sets of other players. Luka logging all those minutes and dominating the ball all game is because he has the ball every possession, pretty much. This style of play can build quick leads but also let teams back into the game because it doesn't value time of possession, making teams work on defense, and the law of avgs return -any game can be lost.

So, Kyrie or no Kyrie - we lost that game because Luka ball went cold (the shooters) and we do not focus entirely enough on defense as a teamand w'ere too one dimensional on offense. (i.e. when shooters go cold, we usually blow leads and loose)

Who are this a lot of Players?? Brunson and Porzingis,seriously? jB is playing the same way he played with the Mavs(a lot of ISO), it's Just that he has the ball more in his hands,cause New York doesn't have Luka...but he played the same way when Luka was missing games...KP,seriously?? He was hurt the entire Mavs tenure....when he was healthy heplayed great with Luka....and he even admited he was stuborn,delat like he should be Luka's equal,bit now he has accepted the fact that he's the third or forth option on O,and he's finalu healthy.... you're reaching,JB has more control on New York O than in Dallas and KP has finaly realized he's not a first or even second option,even when healthy(unless he'd Play for a non playoff team)...now tell ne who Else is playing better without Luka than these two??

Who are these players? Any player that doesnt fit that 3-D style, completely. My point is, when we're playing Luka ball - guys like Brunson/Kyrie are kind of regulated to stand around. Dont get me wrong, Luka ball is very effective - I just think we need more movement in our offense so guys like Brunson(now Kyrie) aren't just watching Luka when they do not have the ball in their hands.

Ultimately, with the way Luka play (james harden had the same issue) a guy like Kyrie (who is a more talented scorer than Brunson) has to move without the ball and there needs to be an effort to get Kyrie jump shots in the half court to keep him engaged and to force the defense to react to the threat of Luka ball and guys cutting and moving for jump shots in the half court.

My ultimate argument is just to say, we're holding back the offense (when we have talent like Brunson and Kyrie) to just by play Luka ball all game and just let Kyrie go 1on1 or push it in full court now and then. We need a more compelling offensive attack that is multifaceted and incorporates some of Kyrie strengths/ other players and doesn't depend on Luka dominating the ball every play.

As for Porzingis, I agree with you that he was still trying to find himself as a player. I still think Dallas and Luka Ball did him no favors. When he was playing here it was the Luka show and he was reduced primarily to a screen setter and 3 point shooter. I just think he wasn't put in the best position to maximize his entire skillset. I like how Boston is using him in a multitude of ways. Boston also used Kyrie in a multitude of ways and were one of the only teams that played him off the ball. Remember, Jason Terry had a lot of success moving without the ball and Kyrie has a similar skill set and then some. The Mavs need to get more creative and not turn over their entire offense to Luka.

[Archx]

now tell ne who Else is playing better without Luka than these two??

Barnes and DSJ have been all-nba players since they left Mavs Bullock doesn't even see the floor anymore and DFS has been relegated to bench. So yeah, i don't know what he is talking about. Don't forget guys like Maxi, Powell, DFS, Green, THJ, etc... all have been paid well since Luka arrived.

[joesha1698]

Watch on YouTube

- teams with high usage ratings like luka doesnt win.

[joesha1698]

now tell ne who Else is playing better without Luka than these two??

Barnes and DSJ have been all-nba players since they left Mavs Bullock doesn't even see the floor anymore and DFS has been relegated to bench. So yeah, i don't know what he is talking about. Don't forget guys like Maxi, Powell, DFS, Green, THJ, etc... all have been paid well since Luka arrived.

DFS is having a career year (numbers wise) in a bad offense in Brooklyn last time i checked. Lastly, all these guys around Luka fit his style of play. So, you cant have it both ways, saying he needs more help and then when he gets help - blame them because they do not fit Luka's style. At some point your gonna have to look at his style of play(luka ball) just like James Harden if he continues to lose.