(06-10-2021, 07:31 PM)vfromlmf Wrote: What's crazy and a bit counterintuitive is the Mavs forced the Clippers to go small but that had the unfortunate side effect of rendering many of Dallas' best players unplayable too.I like this line of thinking -- addressing the domino effect of various primary adjustments, resulting in numerous players becoming unplayable/losing minutes, and others needing to play more and/or in different roles than was considered desirable at the outset. And ultimately turning into a systemic collapse.
KP couldn't guard the paint so Carlisle had to go big with Boban, WCS and a bit of Powell. That forced KP to forward who took Kleber's minutes.
Then you had three Mavs who needed 40+ MIN
- DFS, who Carlisle couldn't take off the floor.
- THJ, because at least he had balls.
- Of course Luka
In the end I certainly don't think Brunson, Kleber or JRich played great, but I don't think the loss is an indictment on them at all. It was all just matchups and the combined ripple effect of Luka dominating Beverly & Zubac and KP not being able to defend the rim.
(06-10-2021, 09:19 PM)Kammrath Wrote: I think Luka has three major issues:
1) His diet and conditioning. I think this is BY FAR his biggest issue and literally cost the Mavs the series against LAC. This is my biggest concern for his long term career. He can challenge MJ as best player ever IF he gets this together, if he doesn't his career could take a much lower trajectory.
2) Immaturity as a team leader. I talked a lot about this in Dec and Jan when the KP stuff and other on court chemistry started to lurk. Luka just doesn't quite know how to be the Alpha yet...I trust he will figure this out.
3) Not having enough help from other guards. I think Luka needs more help from other guards to be able to spell him in the playoffs, BUT the greats can all produce 42-48 min nights in the playoffs and not lose a step.
Thanks for this and your other ideas. Will respond in the next couple days.