Game 35: Portland Trailblazers (9-24) vs. Dallas Mavericks (20-15) 97-126 WIN!

[Chicagojk]

Mavs took care of business last night against an overmatched team. Last year about this time, the Mavs had a home back to back against the same team (Denver?). They won big the first game and then laid a massive egg the second game as the other team rested almost all their rotation players. Lets see if this years mavs team is different and takes care of business. I would guess the next game is much closer.

I liked Green starting. I wonder if that will be a thing. He will need to live up to his end of it though. Because our offense is so Luka dependent, I wonder if it is better bringing Exum off the bench. It feels like you are mostly in the corner to start games. Exum deserves to start and has been one of our best players this year, but I wonder if we come to conclusion that he is best as a 6th man.

I really liked Green's energy on defense last night. I also thought Grant was good on defense. This is the key for both. Scoring is a bonus and mostly off open threes. If they can be impactful on defense and with hustle plays, they can both be valuable pieces...even when their shots are not falling.

I sort of like Raep. Not sure if he is more than a fringe NBA player, but I thought he has looked good a few times when we have played Portland.