01-08-2021, 03:28 PM
(01-08-2021, 03:20 PM)dirkfansince1998 Wrote: Just talking about the rotation and substitutions RC really nailed it.
After a slow start and with a struggling offense he used Boban to create some easy scoring opportunities in the paint. When the team struggled in the early 3rd quarter he made the perfect adjustment and replaced a struggling Richardson with THJ. The Brunson-Doncic-THJ-Kleber-Powell lineup went on a big run and tied the game.
In the early 4th quarter both teams exchanged baskets. THJ missed some good looks and Richardson replaced him. Mavs finished the game with the starting five.
One thing that annoyed me. Foul management. Mavs did a great job and got into the bonus early in the quarter all game long but they did not take advantage and settled for jumpshots.
Even worse. Jokic started the 4th quarter with four fouls. He finished the game with four fouls. A smart team (Lakers in the WCF) would attack him without mercy. Leaving Jokic with a choice. Give up easy baskets or foul out.
Agree that the substitutions worked out well, and were not altogether expected.
I kept thinking about that foul situation during the game, especially after Jokic was called for his fourth. That isn't entirely uncharacteristic of the Mavs. They often don't target players who are in foul trouble. Go figure.