Game 25: Dallas Mavericks (16-9) @ Portland Trail Blazers (6-18) 131-120 WIN!

[dirkfansince1998]

Ayton was bad.  Few quick buckets to start the game and then nothing.  I mentioned in the offseason that I was up in the air on him.  I really though he wound come into the season with a chip on his shoulder.  Very passive.  Mavs may have dodged a bullet there.

I mentioned a few games ago that Morris wasn’t an nba rotation player any longer.  The last few games he has looked very good.  He will be a deep bench piece when everyone is healthy but I don’t think we win tonight if we finished the fourth with Powell.  That is not a slight at Powell either but he wasn’t very good out there.  Morris just made a lot of plays on offense.

Another good game by Exum.  Sort of surprised he was not in the closing lineup over Grant.  Grant another questionable performance.

Powell gave them a couple of extra possessions on the offensive board but 5-out was the better option when the Blazers started to trap Luka as soon as he crossed half court. Morris made good decisions in the resulting 4vs3.

I wonder why Exum didn't close the game. 2nd best player on the team right now. Had high hopes that he would replace one out of Grant/DJJ in the starting five when Kyrie returns but it seems like Kidd isn't there yet.
Speaking about Grant Williams. He has too many games like this. Mediocre/bad defense and no contribution on offense. Bulky Reggie Bullock.

DJJ with another big game. In the mentioned 4vs3 situations a cutter like DJJ can create easy looks for himself. Back door for the lob from Morris or attacking a wide open lane from the perimeter.

THJ with the usual Timmy gives it...Timmy takes it away performance. At times he carried the Mavs offense. At times he was shooting them out of the game.