Playoff Gaffs

[KillerLeft]

To me, looks like the Mavs’ strategy is similar to Rocky’s—wear out the opponent with your chin. And Gaff has been that chin. Absorbing blow after blow but running the court anyway at full speed and forcing defenders to chase. In fact, I’d say Gaff’s getting punished in first halves has a lot to do with the team’s ability to punish opponents in Q4. And I’m thrilled he finally had a marquis performance to add to the grunt work he’s been delivering with a lunch pail, game in, game out. 

Especially glad that this performance came immediately after the game in which Luka was getting on his ass. Great sign. 

Starting to feel bad for 400 year old Al Horford and what’s in store for his legs next round. How long will he be able to sprint back every possession on D?

I think there's something to the idea that Gafford's physicality early in games "loosens up" the defense. That's a pretty interesting thought. It certainly comes with the benefit of holding Lively back to protect against the early emotion of these big games, when no one is quite sure how the game is going to be officiated and both teams are trying to walk the line between discovering what they can get away with that night and being the more physical competitors right away. 

I didn't expect Gafford to look as bad as he did against Zubac in round 1. I thought going in that he was one of the better Gafford matchups they were likely to face, so his struggles in that round freaked me out a little. Everyone knew he'd be out of place against OKC, and he was, but he did ok, depending on your perspective on what that means. 

But coming into this series, I underestimated him, and I really think that's because of how he looked against LAC. I honestly didn't think he'd be able to compete with Gobert in the paint, either scoring or on the glass, and boy have I been wrong about that, so far. I am in awe that the Mavs are winning the glass against Minnesota. 

I agree that Horford (or even Porzingis, for that matter) aren't ready for what's coming for them in the paint and on the glass (if the Mavs close the Wolves out). The issue there becomes whether or not the Celtics can spread out and make Gafford (and even Lively) move their feet more than they have any business doing. OKC almost figured that out, but couldn't use it to great enough effect. Boston has much more experience, however, and the ball MOVES in Boston, except for the occasional Jaylen Brown stickiness. It would be a fascinating series.