GAME 7: ORL (2-6) @ DAL (5-2) | 107-106 win

[Mak]

AD, Love, and Vuc actually are all-stars and really good players tho ...  it’s not like they’re just feasting on Powell to ‘look’ like all stars.

I knew you were going to reply to this. 

The fact they are good players is even more puzzling as to why Carlisle puts Powell on them. Powell is one of the worst post defenders in the league, and putting him on all-stars is inane.

2 things to consider for your puzzlement: (1) those  guys aren’t exclusively post players, they’re quick, versatile scorers with range (2) Powell isn’t as bad as you think. These are superstar players you’re talking about, they’d likely get similar or better numbers against virtually anyone.

My issue is that the Mavs have a proven better defender on the roster in Maxi, and should most definitely be getting the start over Powell.

Historically, Powell has always been a terrible defender.  Anthony Davis scored 19 points on Powell, on 7/12 shooting last year (AD didn't play much against the Mavs last year but when he did he lit Powell up). Compare that with Maxi, whom AD shot 11/22, which is 8% less. AD got his numbers but had to work for them with Maxi. 

Love against Maxi shot 1/4 last year. On Powell 5/9. 

Vucevic there's no data for Maxi, but against Powell he shot 1/5, which I'll give it to him is pretty good.  

But thats not even the point. The issue is that Powell cannot defend anyone, let alone superstars. Take for instance Steven Adams, a player not known for his scoring prowess. On Powell last year, Adams shot 8/11 for 16 points. Maxi- 8 points 3/6. 

I'm tired of Carlisle pretending that Powell can defend. He is a great roll man, but just like Brendan Wright, he shouldn't be starting.

I don’t have a problem with Maxi starting over Powel. The whole starter vs reserve thing seems like it gets overblown importance in a 48 minute game. 

Ya still seem to be overlooking defense as a whole tho imo or oversimplfying it by just looking at another player’s shooting percentage. Powell is a good switch defender, with potential to be a great switch defender. He’s got all the ingredients like quickness, athleticism, versatility, footwork, and high BBIQ. Dwight is an underrated team-scheme defender.