GAME 20: DAL (14-6) @ NOP (6-15) | 118-97 win

[j0Shi]

Bullets:

• This was such an ugly game and Mavs still came away with 118 points. Incredible. They were getting to the line and hitting threes, but only shot 43% overall.
  
• The bench was incredible. They eliminated an early deficit in the second quarter and then sealed the game late. I'm not sure whether to like our unpredictability or hate our inconsistency. We're definitely deep, but besides Luka do not have a second guy you can really bank on to give you 15-20 points. Tonight it was Seth, tomorrow it could be BOBAN.
  
• Blowout wins on the first night of a back-to-back are the best type of wins. Luka played 28, KP even less due to foul trouble. We might see him tomorrow.
  
• KP is definitely getting a lot of weird post looks that he can't convert at this point, or maybe never. Not sure what the deal is there, but these are wasted possessions at this point. Maybe the Mavs think they can make it work, but it honestly doesn't look promising, even long-term.
  
• THJ is back to being mediocre, but he's still much less annoying in the starting unit. Doesn't take dumb shots, makes a play here and there. You'd love more consistency of course, but the starting gig still works for him.
  
• Let's appreciate the Mavs beating a decent opponent on the road by 20. Don't forget that they kept it close against the Lakers and in Utah. Even though they're struggling this is not your usual margin of victory. Vegas had Mavs as 4pt fav.
  
• You have to praise Luka after every game although it's just another day in the office for him right now. But 33-18-5 in 28 minutes... And he started with like three quick turnovers in what looked to become an equally challenging game as the one against the Clippers. But he's simply on a different level.