06-02-2021, 01:23 AM
(06-01-2021, 07:52 PM)dirkfansince1998 Wrote: Small ball prevents penetration. The Mavs get most of their inside scoring from guards/wings. KP isn´t a reliable inside scorer. Boban isn´t getting any minutes. They rely on dribble/drive, pick and roll, penetration to the rim. In games 3&4 Luka was the only one that could beat his defender of the dribble and even he struggled in some matchups. Just really difficult for Brunson or THJ when the Clippers worst perimeter defender is Rondo, Batum or Morris.
I think you really nailed the point there DF. Guards/Wings can effectively slow down the inside scoring of other guard wings as well as chase them out to the perimeter. In the chess match of guard/wing prominent NBA clashes Rick Carlisle's has a big hole in a mostly brilliant scheme. The Mavs eliminate their volatility with a guard/wing penetration led attack largely supporting their 3 point shooting. Dallas can't play the card of attacking well with Bigs inside who score consistently by shooting over the top of the smaller wings or by pure bully ball in the paint and rebounding advantage.
Luka is incredibly good at points going to the rim and in the paint when he's healthy and he has good support from Brunson, THJ and the cast. Fully healthy he almost pulled off the amazing feat of outplaying Leonard & George!
Even then, the Clippers small ball guard/wing attack led by Kawhi & George and the rest of that cast is probably 2nd to none in a game that is primarily small vs small clash.