Game 44: Phoenix Suns (25-18) vs. Dallas Mavericks (24-19)

[youzigizag]

Looking back on these bad losses…..a common theme I’ve noticed is when our shots stop falling we stop playing defense. Even just one quarter of that type of quit will lose us a game.

Kidd after the game saying “we’re looking for a leader on defense” hinting that that player is not on the team

I wonder what this team would look like with Dorian back. I’m having trouble coming up with another player or coach we could get that everyone(including and especially Luka) would respect

This seems so true even if I dont have stats to back it up.   

This is why...drum roll...I have been to biggest hater of Luka step back 3s and Tim Hardaway on court behavior when the ball is passed to him.

If Luka is taking too many bad shots that arent falling and Tim is cold...I think guys check out quicker because its less stimulating to play that style.

Sure...you can bring up that they are paid very well and should be professionals and not check out...and I cant argue with that.   But psychology is supposedly a thing...and in my opinion it would be easier to check out when the team is not scoring...but mostly when Luka and Tim are taking bad shots that arent falling.

I guess some could argue that no one else is capable of scoring.   I will reply back that Luka could take a better shot instead of a step back 3 and Tim could move ball around more instead of taking a shot without passing with 20 seconds still left on the shot clock.

And to tie all this together....this is why a lot of posters here and on discord seem to like the Kyrie games when Luka sits....there is a way different energy.   The team moves the ball and we get transition buckets.    Seems like the team plays harder.

I love Luka...best offensive player ever easily.   He has taken less step backs that 2 years ago.   He's cleaned it up some.   He's never going to be a transition player...and thats fine.    Tim...just wish he could control himself when he gets the ball.   Or the coaches force him to by benching him for bad shots.    Tim is an incredible shooter...but you cant play ball like he plays...too high of volume and it could possibly cause guys to check out on defense.