Hello Mavericks Nation!
What a way to kick off the season with a fantastic win against the San Antonio Spurs! Here’s a breakdown of our performance:
The Highlights:
- Luka’s Brilliance: Luka Dončić was in prime form, pulling off a remarkable triple-double with 33 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. It’s safe to say he’s started the season right where he left off.
- Rookie Surprise: Hats off to Dereck Lively! For a first-round rookie to shine this bright in a season opener is noteworthy. He synced beautifully with Luka and even managed to outscore past rookies in their Mavericks debut.
- Offensive Dynamics: The team’s ability to switch gears, as showcased by the quick 16-7 run in the first half, and the subsequent 8-0 spurt, displayed our offensive depth and adaptability.
- Pushing the Pace: The team’s intent was clear from the get-go with a strategy to push the ball, making the Spurs play on our terms.
Areas of Concern:
While the win was invigorating, we did notice some areas that need attention:
- Defensive Gaps: Our defense, an area of concern from last season, showed some signs of vulnerability. The Spurs were able to capitalize on our lapses, putting up a substantial 68 points in just the first half.
This brings us to a crucial point of discussion: While our offense is firing on all cylinders, do you all believe our defensive strategy needs a revamp to match the prowess of our attacking game? What can the Mavericks do to ensure a more consistent defensive performance?
I think it was a combination of things. The fact that San Antonio’s building and fans were more juiced than they have ever been since Kawhi left played a huge part. The Spurs were fired the F up and they were playing very fast and making everything. I also think the starting lineup wasn’t great, in-part because Maxi was playing absolutely terrible basketball for most of the game.
I think once we weathered San Antonio’s initial emotionally charged push and settled in we were great. Also, Lively should be the starting 5. Huge difference maker.
This game would’ve been a blowout if the Mavs had just played defense starting from the first quarter. There’s no way we could do that to Wemby, it would be too cruel.
Kidd said they didn’t start Lively because they didn’t want him to get into foul trouble.
I’m not an NBA expert, but it seems like a common strategy for opponents to attack rookies or amped-up energy guys is to quickly get them 2-3 quick fouls when nobody is sure how close the refs will call the game, and get the guy out of the game before he can make an impact.
Sort of like what we did to Wembanyama.
By that logic, I think Lively starts once they figure out what kind of whistle he’ll get, and/or how well he can play without getting into foul trouble. More games like the last one should help, where he learns how to toe the line between physical aggressiveness and grounded, foul-free play.
Kidd said they didn’t start Lively because they didn’t want him to get into foul trouble.
I’m not an NBA expert, but it seems like a common strategy for opponents to attack rookies or amped-up energy guys is to quickly get them 2-3 quick fouls when nobody is sure how close the refs will call the game, and get the guy out of the game before he can make an impact.
Sort of like what we did to Wembanyama.
By that logic, I think Lively starts once they figure out what kind of whistle he’ll get, and/or how well he can play without getting into foul trouble. More games like the last one should help, where he learns how to toe the line between physical aggressiveness and grounded, foul-free play.
That’s a lame excuse IMHO. Foul trouble in the first 4 minutes of the quarter or the last 4 minutes is still foul trouble. We have Holmes, Maxi, and Powell for depth. No real reason not to throw him out there and if he gets into foul trouble then next guy up. I mean…there’s no way Kidd can’t see how much better Lively is than every other C option we have on the team.
Couple things…
Starting Lineup - Kidd’s choice of DJJ and Maxi over Green and Lively was a huge mistake which should be remedied immediately. I mean, that Lively choice specifically had the ESPN crew calling him out on the national broadcast multiple times.
Pace - I’m unsure the Mavs gameplan was push the pace, I think SAS came at them running and we going down early we matched to try and catch up. Down the stretch the Mavs started controlling the pace of the game better. We can’t let teams run at us like that or we’re going to be playing from behind and a huge part of that is stronger transition defense where Lively and Green are critical.
Overall defense - I think from a starting lineup perspective Lively, GWill, and Green provide a versatile defensive unit that can switch to cover points of attack and the paint. Luka was active on D and limited his complaining on offensive possessions, This absolutely has to continue as that gives us 4 active defenders on the floor starting the game allowing some padding to hide Kyrie’s size and mediocre defense. What will be interesting is to see rotational depth develop.
Rotation - I’d think Maxi’s minutes need to be limited to the 4 and function more as a wing defender and Holmes back up the 5. I personally would like to see Hardy as a regular rotation player. THJ is solid in spurts but really, but I’d really like to see him traded for a combo big man and unless we have longer term interest in Exum I think Hardy is a better fit next to Luka/Kyrie especially as it serves us best to give him the minutes to reach his potential either to extend him as a primary rotation player to raise his value to trade. All this said…we still have a hole in depth at the wing. DJJ may be ok as a spot sub but unless OMax improves quickly I’d like a more polished 3/4 option pushing DJJ to 3rd string.
I dont want to see DJJ or Maxi starting again.
Maxi looked washed, maybe he turns it around but im not sure about that