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

[burekemde]

I don't think they've played badly together, as the +/- seems to suggest, and I don't think they've had enough time together yet, especially in this new offense, for us to make a decision yet, honestly.

...but I'm not sure my eye test evaluation of the pairing has reached the same conclusion as yours. They might fit great, given time to adjust, but I see a ton of shots created by one for the other that simply aren't being taken. I think there's a catch-and-shoot element missing from those lineups, so far. The good news is that both Luka and Brunson CAN shoot off the catch. It's just that neither is accustomed to doing so...yet, I hope. 

This is an extremely interesting crossroads for the Mavs, imho. What they do next will be make or break, possibly.

+/- seems to be great, as long as THJ is not in lineup. Depends which of the myriad +/- one chooses to look at. Makes sense in many ways also with the eye test, as THJ tends to take those quick contested jumpshots and then it (almost) doesnt matter if Luka and Brunson are in the lineup or someone else.

I mainly noticed the cooperativity to enter the paint. Not so much on catch and shoot, there hasnt been much of that indeed as you mention. I dont think thats going to be the real strength of the pairing of Luka and Brunson, although as you write there is potential for that as well.

To me it appears that when they both are in, its much harder to double each of them. Then its becoming increasingly clear to me that when Luka operates and draws defenders, and the ball then ends to Brunson either directly from Luka or through another teammate, then Brunson has a much easier path to the paint, than he would have had otherwise. With time defenses will learn to respect Brunson when Luka is in, and this will draw less defenders on Luka.

Before in time (without Brunson next to Luka), the extra space Luka created by drawing defenders was always used as an improvement in time we had to take that outside 3 pt shot. However, with Brunson in the lineup, he tends to use this extra space by penetration and driving to the paint where he scores much more efficiently than we ever did from 3 (besides maybe when we had Curry and in the games where he couldnt miss from 3). This new concept has given our offense a new dimension IMO.

I will keep en eye on those plays and how Brunson uses that extra space. IMO he should just attack the paint when given the chance. Not settle for that open 3 as catch and shoot (that is up to DFS and Maxi etc. to exploit the extra space in this manner as they dont have the skills in paint as Brunson does).

Finally, finally, we are also able to take some plays on offense, without Lukas involvement. We never saw that before. Brunson can lead the attack on some plays with Luka taking a short break (and same time acts as decoy). And the offense still dangerous. We will see if that could improve Lukas long term stamina, defense etc. Its exhausting to play defense after being the one that carries the ball up the court every single time. No wonder he cant breathe at some points. I think Lukas defense has improved a lot recently.