A Few Thoughts on Mavs 99, Clippers 114

[mavsluvr]

Two things. Well actually three.

Interior defense and rebounding
Without KP in the game the Mavs give up layups. I have seen a lot of Powell as a single big this season and do not like it. The Clippers bullied both on the glass. The lack of boxouts is driving me crazy and it has been a problem all year long.
I won´t blame it solely on KP and Powell though. Rebounding is a team effort and if your bigs are struggling they need help. Luka is probably the best rebounder on the team and actually does a better job against guys like Harrell, Harkless or Tucker (last game) than Powell but it is probably not the best solution to waste his energy that way

I came across an article recently (maybe by Rob Mahoney?) analyzing the effect that Luka's superior rebounding has on the Mavs' flexibility regarding lineups. I believe one of the takeaways was, since Luka rebounds like a big man, it gives the team flexibility not to have two big guys on the court for rebounding purposes. 

DFS and Delon are solid as well.
We have to talk about THJ (29 min 1 reb), Curry (19 min 2reb) and Brunson (13 min 1reb). They combine for 61 minutes of playing time and 4 rebounds. If we include Barea (16 min 2reb) who probably won´t play in most games that makes 6 rebs in 77 minutes.
It´s not like the Clippers beat us with a single guy. They had 7 players with 5+ rebounds.

Well, when you put it that way. . . . Of course, it doesn't matter if they actually get the rebound if they are boxing out. I am guessing I know what your reply is going to be. 

Perimeter defense
Notice a pattern. Offense isn´t the Mavs problem on most nights. Defense is a big one. Who is the best perimeter defender on the roster.
Delon? Probably slightly above average onball. Makes most of his impact as a team defender. Jumping passing lanes and playing help defense.
DFS? By default? Only semi athletic wing but in my opinion he is more of a hustle guy. Good rebounder (especially on offense) probably average on defense. Asking him to defend the best opposing player without any help is not going to work.
Luka? Honestly think that when he is giving 100% effort he might be the best against players like George or Kawhi but he is obviously trying to save some energy.

I think the lockdown perimeter defender doesn't exist on this roster. Some are better than others, but none is super good on a consistent basis. 

Offensive scheme
When the 5-out motion offense is working the Mavs are the best offense in the league. Pick and roll plays with Luka as the ballhandler are unguardable because the defense cannot take away all options. Floater, lob/inside pass, kick out pass or pass to a cutter. One option will be available and the Mavs will get a high percentage look nearly all the time. Problem is that the entire concept is based on the Mavs ability to hit 3s. The Clippers gave up the 3 but the Mavs could not punish them.
Which offers the question...what can they do on a cold shooting night. Does it make sense to change the scheme? What are the Mavs options?

Agree that the offense depends substantially on the players' hitting threes at a respectable clip. It is designed to get them the best looks from three, but when they rush their shots, they don't take advantage of the system. I guess it's possible they are being instructed to shoot quickly, but I imagine it is more that they don't trust the system to deliver them better shots. Not that they don't buy into the system -- I think they do. But they have not yet become proficient at executing it, which makes sense, so early in the season. Agree that a system depending on good three-point shooting calls out for good three-point shooters, and I would guess that they plan to grow or buy them. I don't think they're going to change the scheme without giving it more of a chance, unless they make roster moves that compel a revision. 

Good thoughts.