04-02-2021, 11:28 PM
MAVS WIN DEFENSIVE BATTLE IN BIG APPLE
In a game where shots weren’t falling, both teams relied on their defensive chops to stay in the match. Although the Knicks put up a determined fight, the Mavs were able to put their stamp on the game at the end.
NOTABLE ITEMS
PERSONNEL. We all got a surprise when the news came out that Carlisle had unexpectedly tested positive for COVID in the morning, despite having been vaccinated in January. He remained in the hotel for the game, pending results of a re-test. Coach Mosley assumed sideline duties as acting head coach. After the game, Moze reported that Rick has been cleared for travel to D. C. tomorrow, so hopefully, it was just a false positive.
WCS was still out pursuant to health and safety protocols, per the injury report. Willie has been listed as absent for that reason for over two weeks, so one hopes that nothing more serious has intervened. Redick was with the team in an observer capacity. Before the game, he said he is eager to get back on the court as soon as possible, and is very excited about playing with Luka and KP. Terry remained out for personal reasons. Mitchell Robinson was absent for the Knicks.
GAME FLOW. The game began in a “ratty” manner, to quote Moze, and was pretty much a dogfight in the first quarter. Dallas trailed 22-25 after one. The Mavericks went through a putrid stretch to begin the second, allowing NY to accumulate a 13-point lead. Your boys came right back to close the quarter on an 18-2 run, with the Mavs taking a 49-46 lead on a 29’ step back three from Luka to end the period.
Both teams exchanged runs in the third, and Dallas led 72-69 after thirty-six. The Mavericks really clamped down around halfway through the fourth, built a double-digit lead, and never looked back.
STATS. The teams were about even in the possession battle, but the Mavs shot better inside the arc (47% v 36%). Point differentials for the Mavericks were +18 on points from twos, even on points from threes, and -5 in made free throws, with our men missing five of their 10 freebies. The visitors had a 50-25 advantage in PIP, but were on the wrong end of a 21-11 difference in points off turnovers. The defense can be credited for holding the Knicks to 86 points on 36% shooting overall. Five Mavs scored in double figures — Luka leading with 26, Brunson with 15 off the bench, KP and THJ chipping in 14 apiece, and Josh adding 11.
KLEBER. Maxi had 7 points and 7 boards, but made his best contribution on the defensive end, holding his assignment Julius Randle to 14 points on 5-20 shooting. Coaches and players alike were raving about the German after the game, expressing amazement at the job he had done on Randle. Good work, Maxi!
DONCIC. Luka had a 26/8/7 line, with a decent shooting night at 11-23. After the game, he said he didn’t think he had played all that well, but he was happy that the team managed the win. He is the motor that makes this team go, and he did a splendid job finding his teammates. He had a couple of nifty no-look passes, and Boucek commented that she has seen a lot of players make those passes, but the difference with Luka is that he uses his eyes to move the defense before making those unexpected passes. We’ll keep a lookout for that.
In the fourth quarter, Luka draw a technical foul, softer than a baby’s skin, for yelling “and-one” after posterizing RJ Barrett. He may have gotten a makeup call later in the period, when he swung like Tarzan from the rim. At any rate, that was his 11th tech, so he may want to be a little careful going forward to avoid the automatic suspension after 16 T’s.
PORZINGIS. Kristaps got off to a bad start, and looked unimpressive throughout most of the first half. He got it together more in the second, and ended up with a not-too-bad 14 points and 11 boards, although the points were on 6-17 shooting, and he had three turnovers. Returning to his old team, and perhaps extra motivated by the lusty boos of the “crowd” at MSG, I am sure that he hoped he would do way better, but it wasn’t to be. He had a technical foul at halftime — not sure what that was about, but may have reflected his frustration at how things were going.
Post-game, the Bally crew and Boucek postulated that KP may have gotten a little overanxious to impress and ended up with a case of the yips. Coach Jenny said, however, that she was proud of KP for sticking with the game plan, refraining from forcing his offense, and “didn’t hurt the team.” Whoa, faint praise. Whatever the issues, Kris will get another crack at his old squad before long.
BRUNSON. Jalen continued to wow with another phenomenal game. He had 15 points (6-9 FGA), 7 rebounds and 5 assists in 25 minutes off the bench. It was very enjoyable to watch the way he is able to break down the defense and get to the rim. Jenny admired his secondary playmaking, poise, and shot creation, declaring the Mavs to be a better team when JB is on the floor. Moze also complimented Jalen for his timing, game management, court vision, and team leadership. Wonderful!
MENTIONS. THJ made a good recovery from a forgettable game against Boston, and had 14 points on 5-9 shooting in 21 minutes of action. Jenny called his performance “tremendous,” and commented on what a luxury it is to have a guy off the bench who can get hot so fast and operate as a game changer. She allowed that whenever the Mavs get down, Timmy is going into the game. Richardson had a few really nice plays, and had an efficient (5-10 FGA), if limited, evening with 11 points. Powell and Melli served as the third and fourth bigs, and combined for 4 points and 1 rebound in 24 minutes.
REDICK. JJ didn’t play, but Coach Boucek gave us some insights as to what he is expected to contribute to the team. She confirmed that what the Mavs were really looking for in signing Redick is help in the playoffs (hence, why they are not too discombobulated by his lack of a timetable right now). They see him as a shooter who can run off ball screens and hit with a high degree of accuracy. He also has more playoff experience than the whole rest of the team combined, and they think he will be a great addition in the locker room. We hope he makes his way to the court before long.
KNICKS. The Knicks have really come along, particularly on the defensive end, of late, and aren’t the pushovers they once were. Alec Burks was their leading scorer with 20 points off the bench. Randle had 14 points and 11 boards, and Reggie Bullock added 13. The Mavs deserve some credit for holding several Knicks to extremely inefficient shooting — Randle 5-20, Barrett 3-11, Rose 1-10, Quickley 2-9. Pee-ew.
OBSERVATIONS
The acting head coach applauded his squad for a “great team effort.” He said he felt a sense of comfort when Rick messaged him before the game with the news that Moze would probably coach, and assured Mosley that he was ready. Jenny added that, at this point in Rick’s career, he is all about leaving a legacy and passing the torch, and gives a lot of attention to the professional development of his coaching staff. The players who spoke after the game unanimously declared that Mosley did a great job.
This was an unusual contest, in that the Mavs’ high-powered offense was not consistently on display. It was a grit n’ grind type of game, and it was great to see that our team was able to dig out with defense and win ugly, since that’s probably what they’re going to see in the playoffs. It was also satisfying to see the opponent crater in the stretch and the Mavs to build on and cement their lead, for a change.
The Mavericks travel to DC tonight for a SEGABABA against the Wizards. I don’t know whether the Mavs are going to rest players, but if Luka plays, I look forward to the Luka-Russ matchup.
I like this game. Hope they can keep up the good work tomorrow.
In a game where shots weren’t falling, both teams relied on their defensive chops to stay in the match. Although the Knicks put up a determined fight, the Mavs were able to put their stamp on the game at the end.
NOTABLE ITEMS
PERSONNEL. We all got a surprise when the news came out that Carlisle had unexpectedly tested positive for COVID in the morning, despite having been vaccinated in January. He remained in the hotel for the game, pending results of a re-test. Coach Mosley assumed sideline duties as acting head coach. After the game, Moze reported that Rick has been cleared for travel to D. C. tomorrow, so hopefully, it was just a false positive.
WCS was still out pursuant to health and safety protocols, per the injury report. Willie has been listed as absent for that reason for over two weeks, so one hopes that nothing more serious has intervened. Redick was with the team in an observer capacity. Before the game, he said he is eager to get back on the court as soon as possible, and is very excited about playing with Luka and KP. Terry remained out for personal reasons. Mitchell Robinson was absent for the Knicks.
GAME FLOW. The game began in a “ratty” manner, to quote Moze, and was pretty much a dogfight in the first quarter. Dallas trailed 22-25 after one. The Mavericks went through a putrid stretch to begin the second, allowing NY to accumulate a 13-point lead. Your boys came right back to close the quarter on an 18-2 run, with the Mavs taking a 49-46 lead on a 29’ step back three from Luka to end the period.
Both teams exchanged runs in the third, and Dallas led 72-69 after thirty-six. The Mavericks really clamped down around halfway through the fourth, built a double-digit lead, and never looked back.
STATS. The teams were about even in the possession battle, but the Mavs shot better inside the arc (47% v 36%). Point differentials for the Mavericks were +18 on points from twos, even on points from threes, and -5 in made free throws, with our men missing five of their 10 freebies. The visitors had a 50-25 advantage in PIP, but were on the wrong end of a 21-11 difference in points off turnovers. The defense can be credited for holding the Knicks to 86 points on 36% shooting overall. Five Mavs scored in double figures — Luka leading with 26, Brunson with 15 off the bench, KP and THJ chipping in 14 apiece, and Josh adding 11.
KLEBER. Maxi had 7 points and 7 boards, but made his best contribution on the defensive end, holding his assignment Julius Randle to 14 points on 5-20 shooting. Coaches and players alike were raving about the German after the game, expressing amazement at the job he had done on Randle. Good work, Maxi!
DONCIC. Luka had a 26/8/7 line, with a decent shooting night at 11-23. After the game, he said he didn’t think he had played all that well, but he was happy that the team managed the win. He is the motor that makes this team go, and he did a splendid job finding his teammates. He had a couple of nifty no-look passes, and Boucek commented that she has seen a lot of players make those passes, but the difference with Luka is that he uses his eyes to move the defense before making those unexpected passes. We’ll keep a lookout for that.
In the fourth quarter, Luka draw a technical foul, softer than a baby’s skin, for yelling “and-one” after posterizing RJ Barrett. He may have gotten a makeup call later in the period, when he swung like Tarzan from the rim. At any rate, that was his 11th tech, so he may want to be a little careful going forward to avoid the automatic suspension after 16 T’s.
PORZINGIS. Kristaps got off to a bad start, and looked unimpressive throughout most of the first half. He got it together more in the second, and ended up with a not-too-bad 14 points and 11 boards, although the points were on 6-17 shooting, and he had three turnovers. Returning to his old team, and perhaps extra motivated by the lusty boos of the “crowd” at MSG, I am sure that he hoped he would do way better, but it wasn’t to be. He had a technical foul at halftime — not sure what that was about, but may have reflected his frustration at how things were going.
Post-game, the Bally crew and Boucek postulated that KP may have gotten a little overanxious to impress and ended up with a case of the yips. Coach Jenny said, however, that she was proud of KP for sticking with the game plan, refraining from forcing his offense, and “didn’t hurt the team.” Whoa, faint praise. Whatever the issues, Kris will get another crack at his old squad before long.
BRUNSON. Jalen continued to wow with another phenomenal game. He had 15 points (6-9 FGA), 7 rebounds and 5 assists in 25 minutes off the bench. It was very enjoyable to watch the way he is able to break down the defense and get to the rim. Jenny admired his secondary playmaking, poise, and shot creation, declaring the Mavs to be a better team when JB is on the floor. Moze also complimented Jalen for his timing, game management, court vision, and team leadership. Wonderful!
MENTIONS. THJ made a good recovery from a forgettable game against Boston, and had 14 points on 5-9 shooting in 21 minutes of action. Jenny called his performance “tremendous,” and commented on what a luxury it is to have a guy off the bench who can get hot so fast and operate as a game changer. She allowed that whenever the Mavs get down, Timmy is going into the game. Richardson had a few really nice plays, and had an efficient (5-10 FGA), if limited, evening with 11 points. Powell and Melli served as the third and fourth bigs, and combined for 4 points and 1 rebound in 24 minutes.
REDICK. JJ didn’t play, but Coach Boucek gave us some insights as to what he is expected to contribute to the team. She confirmed that what the Mavs were really looking for in signing Redick is help in the playoffs (hence, why they are not too discombobulated by his lack of a timetable right now). They see him as a shooter who can run off ball screens and hit with a high degree of accuracy. He also has more playoff experience than the whole rest of the team combined, and they think he will be a great addition in the locker room. We hope he makes his way to the court before long.
KNICKS. The Knicks have really come along, particularly on the defensive end, of late, and aren’t the pushovers they once were. Alec Burks was their leading scorer with 20 points off the bench. Randle had 14 points and 11 boards, and Reggie Bullock added 13. The Mavs deserve some credit for holding several Knicks to extremely inefficient shooting — Randle 5-20, Barrett 3-11, Rose 1-10, Quickley 2-9. Pee-ew.
OBSERVATIONS
The acting head coach applauded his squad for a “great team effort.” He said he felt a sense of comfort when Rick messaged him before the game with the news that Moze would probably coach, and assured Mosley that he was ready. Jenny added that, at this point in Rick’s career, he is all about leaving a legacy and passing the torch, and gives a lot of attention to the professional development of his coaching staff. The players who spoke after the game unanimously declared that Mosley did a great job.
This was an unusual contest, in that the Mavs’ high-powered offense was not consistently on display. It was a grit n’ grind type of game, and it was great to see that our team was able to dig out with defense and win ugly, since that’s probably what they’re going to see in the playoffs. It was also satisfying to see the opponent crater in the stretch and the Mavs to build on and cement their lead, for a change.
The Mavericks travel to DC tonight for a SEGABABA against the Wizards. I don’t know whether the Mavs are going to rest players, but if Luka plays, I look forward to the Luka-Russ matchup.
I like this game. Hope they can keep up the good work tomorrow.