Mavs 113, Nets 109

[mavsluvr]

I though this was a poor coaching job by Carlisle for 2 1/2 quarters. Namely that 3rd quarter being atrocious. Mavs couldn't buy a bucket and he kept insisting on keeping Richardson in the game. 

As soon as Josh Green came in along with Brunson it was like the Mavs could breathe again.

The Nets did a great job at bothering Luka in the 2nd half. JRich is useless. 

This team NEEDS a good rim roller and a dynamic 2 guard that can score in bunches. When THJ is on, this team is a whole different beast. Perhaps Portland blows it up and CJ McCollum is available because he'd be a perfect fit.

Thanks for the comments, SH. I mostly agree, but since we're all here for discussion, I will offer a slightly different take. 

I thought Nash was out-coached by Carlisle. I liked the way the Mavs took advantage of Griffin, for example, as well as their defensive scheme on Durant. Agree that the most dramatic display of the coaching chess match was in the fourth. We may be in agreement on this point, not sure. 

I thought Green did some good things, and was glad to see him out there, but it didn't seem to me that he came in and took the squad to a new level. He and Brunson came in after/at the end of the Mavs' big run in the third, and the score actually slid a little after they entered. I think it is reasonable to expect the bench players to hold down the fort rather than increasing the lead, so that isn't a negative comment. With both Luka and THJ off the court to start the fourth, it is quite commendable that the bench unit kept the team in the game

Agree that the Nets frustrated Luka in the second half. As far as J Rich is concerned, "useless" is a very strong term, and I wouldn't go that far. I thought he had a good first quarter, and Rick took him out when it was evident that he had stopped contributing much. 

Agree that rim-rolling and accurate high-volume scoring from the wing position are huge. I would go so far as to say essential for a playoff run.