GAME 8: NYK (2-7) @ DAL (5-3) | 102-106 loss

[j0Shi]

Mey keys:

• Protect home court: Mavs team has been better on the road than at home, which is unusual for a young team. Sure some is quality of opponents, but they've also yet to beat Vegas, which means they have underperformed. Once more huge fav against a bad team. Would be nice if we didn't have to sweat this one out.
  
• DSJ is back: He is with the team, but won't likely play. Still interesting to see what the reception will look like. Imho most fans do wish him well in NY.
  
• Don't let the Kristaps narrative take over: Yes it's technically KP's "revenge" game, but the Mavs should not make this game about him vs. his old team. Just play the right way and you'll win. Otherwise it might get ugly, which will only help the Knicks.
  
• Match their intensity early on: NY has some weirdos on the team and they might think they have to prove something against KP for their fans at home. Have to be ready.
  
• Randle is having a putrid season, which probably means he'll kill us inside. Him and Morris are gunning for their own shots on a bad team, and you should just let them do that (given solid defense).
  
• Backcourt is the one to watch out for. Barrett has played a decent season so far and is especially lethal driving to the bucket. Frankie Smokes has also been playing well in DSJ's absence, but is only a defensive stopper. Still those two can cause some pain on both sides of the floor.
  
• Not sure what to highlight for the Mavs honestly. Playing solid should result in a sizeable win. With Robinson out we should even be able to control the boards comfortably.
  
• Maybe one thing: Taking care of the ball. Orlando was able to pull away early because Mavs threw away the rock left and right. Don't give a bad team any hope by making stupid mistakes.