MAVERICKS 139, PELICANS 107

[mavsluvr]

Reluctantly, I'm starting to buy into the idea that he can be a plus on defense again. He has certainly had several 5-6 minute stretches this season during which that was undeniably the case. 

The true test will be: can he survive in a big game when the other team implements a plan to attack his slow feet in space? So far, we've seen that he can hang (and even win) on defense in the paint. I just need to see him win as a screen defender without resorting to drop coverage a few times. Once that ability is established I'll feel a ton better about where the team is.

Those are all good points. 

I was responding to Hakeem's seeming suggestion that we need to get Josh Green in the starting lineup to help cover for KP's defensive deficiencies. I find it a depressing idea that we need to accept that KP is a guy they need to find a way to hide on that end, especially if it is an accurate assessment.

The poor interior defense is not all on KP or even the bigs in general. They can cover only so many instances of the perimeter guys not containing the opponent. KP has been able to hold his own in stretches, but I found the relentless march to the basket of the Wizards and Cavs a bit alarming. The pick and roll is a whole set of issues on its own.

Anyway, glad to see that KP's increased mobility is enabling him to get back in his defensive groove a little, and hope he can extend his improved performance to more than a few 5-6 minute stretches per 19 games.