PRESEASON GAME 1: MIN vs. DAL

[omahen]

Not a lot of fun to be a big on the Mavs.

Powell 4 FGA
Lively 2 FGA
Kleber 3 FGA
Holmes 1 FGA

Unwilling or unable to involve bigs on offense. Guards just looking for their own shot.

I am not sure why would something else be expected in this regard. The only move Powell and Lively (at this point) have is a dunk from PnR. Something defense can (and did) take away by rather letting some 3 point shots. The only move Kleber has is a wiiiiiiiiiiide open shot. The only one from this group that might have something more in his arsenal is Holmes, but he only played garbage minutes with guys who were only looking for their own shot (Hardy, Walker).

Still, I am not concerned about the offense. Sure, offense yesterday looked like a group of guys who met at the gym for the first time and play some basketball. But I would assume this to improve. Shots didn't went in (26 % from three in the first half compared to 45 % from Minny). Mavs still lack a lot regarding the talent. Williams doesn't look to be able to do anything but shoot threes. Kyrie didn't seem to be very interested in the game. But as I said, I don't think offense will be a problem (never was in "Luka era"). 

My main concern is on the defensive side. I didn't see anything that would make me think Mavs will show an upgrade in this area. Lively tries, but is extremely raw and gets pushed around. Noone really looked like a defensive force that would be able to elevate the defense. I actually thought Powell played by far best team defense, he is just limited in one on ones against bigs like KAT. Kyrie presents a new challenge as you can't switch him and Mavs didn't show any plan how they will be addresing that. 

I hope the plan for this game was to just let guys play an easy game to get their legs ready. Without any actions or schemes. Minny looked way more motivated.