HAWKS 113, MAVS 87

[sefant]

The main difference was Capela. Once Luka got into the paint past Hunter, he released his man and protected the paint. Great defensive team effort from Hawks in these situations to switch around. With an elite blocker (and we have seen this stragegy before also with how  Zubac was used) that waits for Luka in the paint, its hard to score for Luka inside with an elite blocker waiting there. Luka correctly passed it out of the paint for the open shooter in these situations. But we didnt take advantage of that with the opens spaces, the cuts and shooting from outside that this left. There was plenty of room to take advantage of this agressive defensive strategy. The energy was not there in this game from Luka or anybode else perhaps. The whole team didnt look up to full speed.

I hate that we dont have Seth Curry anymore. With an elite shooter this strategy was often quickly changed and Luka was not doubled in the paint.

Also missing Carlise in addition to Curry, before at least I see anything good from Kidd.

On defense, KP looks better. But still Capela destroyed us in the paint. Two seasons ago we saw Maxi and KP play physically and protect the paint. Since then, both of them have not been able to protect the paint. This is key to going far and doing well. We just need better inside presence. Hoping that will change in next game. They need to be more physical inside on both ends of the floor.

Besides Luka, overall talent from hawks was clearly visible. They added much better FAs and also better draft picks other than Luka. Hunter is a great player and is consistent. Capela, Collins, Bogdanovic, Gallinari, all would be major upgrades over our starters.

I mean they literally played into Capela strength. Play 5 out, Bullock in for Powell. KP the 5. Its not like Powell offered any resistance at the rim either. DFS/KP, Bullock/KP, Kleber/KP are all superior choices against that matchup. Keep the floor spread. Wouldn't made any difference with the way the Mavs shoot the ball, but it would been the right game plan. Maybe you can get Luka going. Maybe you hit a few shots, and get hot.

Rick played different (starting) lineups against teams based on matchups. Remains to be seen, if Kidd stick to a lineup. Force feeding the ball inside against a team with strong rim protection is probably not the way to go. Can the coaching staff alter the game plan going forward.