Game 65: Dallas Mavericks (36-28) vs. Chicago Bulls (31-33)

[omahen]

Totally agree. In the few games wherein Luka has struggled over the past few seasons, it's always because the opponent is playing him to pass, guarding him 1-on-1 with someone who can actually bother him. There aren't very many defenders who can, but every once in a while someone can frustrate him a little. As you say, approaches like the one in that picture are the worst possible thing you can do against him, imo.

It is not even necessarily stopping him. In the last losing stretch Mavs were losing even with Luka and Kyrie scoring 70+ points combined on good efficiency, as they were able to limit rest of team. Although really bad defense in those games was probably more of a factor than not having solutions on offense.