2021-2022 MAVS NEWS: 4th in West | WCF loss [ARCHIVED]

[dirkfansince1998]

I don't disagree with this. 

I do think the O looks off much of the time, especially when KP was playing...but even with Luka. But there ARE open looks being generated. But for whatever reason the "rhythm" isn't there. Is it scheme changes? Is it coaching mentality? Is it random anomaly? Is it KP issues? Is it Luka issues?

I. don't. know.

I think an important aspect is the who gets the open looks question. DFS with career high numbers in FGAs and usage. THJ on the other hand with the lowest usage since he joined the Mavs. "Back ups" like Sterling Brown or Frankie N. are getting more opportunities.
Floaters from DFS. Jumpshots from WCS or Powell. Per definition "open" shots. But not the kind of looks the Mavs want to create.

My biggest concern right now is that the Mavs are struggling to score in the paint. Mavs are dead last in points in the paint (SA leads the league with 55, Nets rank 29th with 39, Mavs 30th with 34).
The pick and roll offense that lead to easy points for bigs like Powell or WCS is completly off. Outside of Luka and Brunson no one can get to the rim. And more often than not the paint is clogged because the spacing is off.
Really strange because the Mavs dominated the paint in the preseason. Makes me hopeful that they can improve.

And now it gets difficult. What is the bigger issue right now? Is the paint clogged because the Mavs are struggling from 3? Are the shooting percentages down because the Mavs aren´t creating the drive and kick opportunities that lead to easy 3s?