(05-25-2024, 11:01 AM)The Jom Wrote: Gafford has really struggled in the POs until last night. Here’s a decent smoking cuban piece on that: https://thesmokingcuban.com/posts/dallas...mberwolves
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?
Great point. I personally feel down the hot stretch in the regular season there were way too many people trying to default to 5 out basketball. Heck, I love long, skilled players and I do think there are matchups that this could be our best lineup. It should be a piece in our toolbelt. But I think too many discounted the benefits of playing big because that is how most analytics and teams are moving away from.
None of the Mavs big man are Shaq, but I think his example can be used a tad. Shaq was so big and the thought process is you would give up good shots due to some of his limitations but his size and force would wear on teams as a series goes on. Those shots become harder to make while Shaq's shots are still at the rim. We have seen the Mavs get stronger so far as the series goes on. I think their calculus is our bigs are going to control the paint on offense and defense and Luka and Kyrie are better scoring their your stars. While we may give up some good looks from the perimeter we are betting as the series goes on we are going to get easier shots while protecting the rim of defense and limiting easy looks and then Luka and Kyrie will be better than your stars late.