01-02-2021, 11:52 AM
Luka's conditioning and KP's absence both have a negative effect on team performance, but there are a lot of others who are missing shots and looking out-of-place.
This feels like some periods during the last two seasons where Luka felt a big burden because he couldn't trust his teammates to hit open shots and ended up trying to do too much. Now he's not in shape to perform as well as then and everything craters. I think Rick's going to run him into shape. He certainly looked better in the paint against Bam last night.
Certainly missing KP is a thing. He was getting to be a monster last season and I was crushed when he got hurt. We have really only seen glimpses of what he and Luka can become. So getting our unicorn back is key.
Another factor not talked about is the timing for starting this weird season. Short notice with a compressed off season and the Covid isolation left a LOT to be desired on team prep. I think they only had a week-ish of 5 on 5 time before the first game. Add to it the fact that the season launches 3 days before Christmas so all the holiday distractions are going on as well. I mean, these guys are well paid, world class athletes, but they are still human and it's a rough time to be trying to get into a season's rhythms.
PHO was first game and they were probably over-prepped compared on a normal regular season game. LALs were about LeB and AD on national TV. Mavs did well with LACs but they had the day off for their family holiday the day before. Mavs get back to DAL and back to home and family then go out and throw up a stinker against Charlotte before starting to look like something with potential against MIA.
This has been an extended exhibition season and the real season starts now. Let's re-convene in two weeks and see what it looks like then.
This feels like some periods during the last two seasons where Luka felt a big burden because he couldn't trust his teammates to hit open shots and ended up trying to do too much. Now he's not in shape to perform as well as then and everything craters. I think Rick's going to run him into shape. He certainly looked better in the paint against Bam last night.
Certainly missing KP is a thing. He was getting to be a monster last season and I was crushed when he got hurt. We have really only seen glimpses of what he and Luka can become. So getting our unicorn back is key.
Another factor not talked about is the timing for starting this weird season. Short notice with a compressed off season and the Covid isolation left a LOT to be desired on team prep. I think they only had a week-ish of 5 on 5 time before the first game. Add to it the fact that the season launches 3 days before Christmas so all the holiday distractions are going on as well. I mean, these guys are well paid, world class athletes, but they are still human and it's a rough time to be trying to get into a season's rhythms.
PHO was first game and they were probably over-prepped compared on a normal regular season game. LALs were about LeB and AD on national TV. Mavs did well with LACs but they had the day off for their family holiday the day before. Mavs get back to DAL and back to home and family then go out and throw up a stinker against Charlotte before starting to look like something with potential against MIA.
This has been an extended exhibition season and the real season starts now. Let's re-convene in two weeks and see what it looks like then.