GAME 78: DAL (48-30) vs. WAS (34-43)| 103-135 loss

[burekemde]

Feb/March:

Luka / Kleber    103.4 DefRtg    | 110.1 DefRtg  | -5.7
Luka / Brunson  110.4 DefRtg    | 117.3 DefRtg    | -6.9
Luka / DFS      113.1 DefRtg      | 119.9 DefRtg  | -6.8
Luka / Bullock    114.2 DefRtg    | 117.5 DefRtg    | -3.3
Luka / Powell    116.1 DefRtg    | 122.4 DefRtg  | -6.3
Luka / Green    94.9 DefRtg      | 118.5 DefRtg    | -23.6



The starters has sucked on defense. Worst DefRtg in the entire league in the last 15 games. Also the blowouts probably playing a role in those numbers. The defense has been better against better opponents imo, just going by the eye test. Its the same tendency as under Rick again: The Mavs are playing better vs. better teams. More effort. Better defense.

They need to get their act their act together. Saying it again, Luka is the most inconsistent player on defense on the entire roster. His defensive effort/performance ranges from literally being Trae Young to being a pretty solid defender.
Still hopeful for the playoffs, unless Luka putting on no shows on defense there too.



Luka lead the Mavs in +/- in Feb, and is near last in March.


Feb: +67 (1st on the team)
March: -21 (nearly last on the team)

As good as his offense been, as bad has been his defense.

The explanation is fatigue and being overworked. Luka is not fat, so this is clearly not the reason. When injured and under heavy fatigue, he has tendency as was earlier in seasons as well as seasons before, to limp or be slower on defense. He will get his rest just before playoffs and play the best defense, which he has done season in the stretches where Luka had no injury and fatigue. In those stretches he was not just a solid defender, but excellent defender. I have no doubts about Luka, like I had no doubts early in season as well. Playoff Luka is another level player.