12-05-2021, 12:22 AM
STAR-LESS MAVS COME UP SHORT AGAINST JA-LESS GRIZZ
The short-handed Mavs hoped to redeem themselves after a miserable blowout the night before. They made a game of it at the end, but ultimately couldn’t quite get across the finish line.
GAME NOTES
Dallas will have to try to win this one without Willie (personal reasons), KP (knee), and Luka (ankle). Well. Okay, then. Ja is out for Memphis. The Mavs are on the second night of a back-to-back. Followill is rocking a flashy red and black checked blazer. Kidd selected a starting lineup of Brunson-Bullock-DFS-Maxi-Powell.
FIRST QUARTER
Bullock gets the Mavs on the board at 9:14. Mavs can’t score or defend. Dang. 2-13 8:14
Reggie gets a second-chance opportunity. Has all 5 of the Maverick points. Mavs in a zone defense, but Memphis skips to the basket. Yikes. Maxi hits from downtown! It’s incredible how open teams leave Maxi, considering his shooting ability. Bobi gets an ovation just for stepping on the court, lol. Bobi puts one in. Corner three from Dorian. 13-17 3:02
Burke from the corner! Frankie returns to the court. Adams called for taking down Bobi. Woah. Burke takes it to the hole.
18-22 after one
Well, we have 18 points. Cool, cool. Mavs 7-22 (32%). ‘Kay.
SECOND QUARTER
Early timeout. 18-29 10:34
Sterling gives the Mavs their first points of the quarter. Brunson pull-up. Mavs having a tough time against Steven Adams. Another Brunson pull-up. DFS hits from long range. Called for his third foul on the next possession. Tim gets Mavs’ first free throws of the night. Hits both. DFS stays on the floor with the fouls. Timmy’s first basket is a jumper. 31-44 2:23
DFS hits another three. Timmy hits a long one.
37-49 HT
Mavs have 19 points in the second quarter. Since it's a positive world, that’s one more than the first quarter. Dallas shooting 30% for the half. Dorian leads the team with 9 points.
THIRD QUARTER
Powell gets his first basket. DFS with another three. Glad someone can make a bucket. Powell with a circus shot and-one. They cleaning crew is spending a lot of time mopping the floor the last couple games. Brunson scores on a drive. Now there’s an official timeout, so they can mop some more. Adams crushing the life out of us. Adams trips Maxi, then keeps him from falling in a nice maternal gesture. 48-64 6:21
Brunson puts one back. 51-66 3:45
Trey and Frankie making a little noise.
58-72 after three
21 points in the third. That’s a little better than the first and second. Mavs still shooting 30%. There’s still time.
FOURTH QUARTER
Timmy one of two from the line. Then another one of two trip for him. Draws a foul again. Hits one before the timeout. 61-74 9:15
Tim hits the second free throw. Brunson one of two, but puts in his own miss. Jaren Jackson called for his fifth, Timmy one of two again. Timmy with a deep three gets the Mavs within 9. DFS called for his fifth, goes out of the game. Timmy from downtown! Bane getting to the basket like it’s the Easter parade. 72-87 4:53
T on Dillon Brooks. We’re mopping again. Timmy makes the free throw. Maxi corner three! Timmy another three. Tim trapped on the sideline, Kidd bails him out with a timeout. 78-88 3:30
Timmy three over Brooks! Brunson drive and score. Brunson-Tim-DFS-Maxi-Powell on the floor. Brunson again! Deficit down to six! Another Timmy three with a foul! Woo-hoo! Misses the free throw. Offensive rebound, but then Brunson steps out of bounds. Kidd challenges. Unsuccessful. Tyus Jones drives and scores. DFS puts one in at the basket. 90-95 28 seconds
Looks like Memphis doesn’t like something about the inbounds set up. 90-95 23 seconds
Mavs have to foul Tyus Jones. Jones makes both freebies. 90-97 22 seconds
Mavs don’t score.
90-97 FT
ANALYSIS
The stats are not pretty. Read them if you dare.
Comparative stats are Dallas-Memphis.
Shooting percentages 34/36/68, 49/35/58
Point diffs -24 on points from twos, +18 on points from threes, -1 on made free throws
Shots attempted 92-76
Free throws attempted 19-24
Rebounds 42-52
PIP 22-52
Second-chance points 7-17
Fast-break points 2-16
The Mavs stayed in the game, courtesy of the Grizz turning it over 22 times and shooting 14-24 from the line. Luckily for Dallas, Memphis was pretty sucky themselves in many respects.
Finishing lineup Brunson-Tim-DFS-Maxi-Powell
PLAYER NOTES
DFS (37 min). Dorian was the leading scorer for a long time, and ultimately had 14 points, including 4 threes, along with 6 boards, 4 dimes, and 3 steals. He was in foul trouble late, but managed to stay on the floor at the end of the game.
BRUNSON (37). Jalen had 15 points and 8 assists as the starting point guard, although he shot only 7-21. He was trying to play a Luka-like game, driving and scoring, but had a very difficult time finishing.
KLEBER (33). Maxi had 7 points and 9 rebounds, but was 2-8 from the field. Kidd said he got a lot of good looks, but the shots just didn’t go down.
HARDAWAY (31). Tim was the game’s hero, if there was one, as he stepped up with 29 points, completed 5-9 threes, got to the free throw line for 14 attempts (!), hitting 10, and had 7 rebounds. He was incredible in the fourth quarter, scoring 20 points in the frame, and playing all 12 minutes. He is the guy you would hope would step up in the absence of Luka and KP, and it was very good to see him do that. Reggie took his place in the starting lineup, but Tim was on at the end. Kidd liked his aggressive play.
BULLOCK (27). Reggie had a forgettable performance, going 2-9 from the field and scoring only 5 points.
POWELL (24). Dwight had 5 points, 4 rebounds, and a surprising 5 assists in his role as starting center. He had a tough time with Adams (as did everyone), but was included in the finishing unit.
MENTIONS. STERLING (15) was underwhelming, taking only 3 shots and completing one. BURKE (13) had eight points, but was 3-9 from the floor. FRANK (13) had 3 points. BOBAN (11) collected 7 rebounds, but was 1-5 for 2 points.
BROWN, GREEN, MCLAUGHLIN, and OMORUYI were DNP-CD. Asked why they didn’t play, Kidd responded that there were only 48 minutes in the game, the guys on the floor were playing hard, and there weren’t enough minutes for them to get involved.
There is no timetable for the return of WILLIE, PORZINGIS, or LUKA. Luka, who has a sore ankle, had an MRI today and will be re-assessed tomorrow.
GRIZZLIES. Desmond Bane was the best player on the night, with 29 points (12-20) and 9 rebounds. He scored from everywhere on the floor, and the Mavs couldn’t contain him. Kidd said they had talked about Bane in the locker room, but he was too much for them, and the Mavs need to do a better job on him next time they see him. Tyus Jones was 16-6-7, and sealed the game with free throws at the end. Steven Adams was an irresistible force, laying 11 points and 14 rebounds on the Mavs, and destroying our team inside. Jaren Jackson (13), Dillon Brooks (11), and De’Anthony Melton (11) were also in double figures.
OBSERVATIONS
Bally crew. When it came down to it, our squad just couldn’t score, although they did get some good looks. The Mavs had a great comeback fourth quarter, largely thanks to Tim Hardaway, but you aren’t going to win many games when you shoot 34%. We had no answer for Steven Adams.
Kidd was back in his positive world mode after the game. He allowed that his guys were within range of a victory at the end, forced a lot of turnovers, created a lot of good looks even without Luka and KP, got Tim going, and exhibited good effort. The injuries obviously affected them, but he was proud that his players “never let go of the rope.” Ultimately, they “couldn’t get the little things done at the end,” but they gave themselves a chance. Admitting that he felt like a broken record, he said they had some great looks that just didn’t go down.
In all honesty, there wasn’t a lot to write home about when it came to this game, although there was one bright spot. Tim Hardaway came through with flying colors, and if this contest has gotten him back on track, it would be more than worth it.
The fourth quarter applied some lipstick to what was a pretty dismal first 36 minutes, so maybe the guys can still hold up their heads, especially since they were playing without their stars. For a social media positive, maybe some of the Twitter yammerers who think Luka is the problem with this team can get that idea out of their systems, now that they have seen what happens when he is dropped.
Despite the loss, and a slog through the first three quarters, the fourth was pretty exciting, and had a bit of a feel-good ambience.
NEXT. The Mavs face none other than the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. Yikes. I hope Luka and KP are back.
The loss put the Mavs at .500, 11-11. I figure they're going to get back on track sometime. Why not now?
The short-handed Mavs hoped to redeem themselves after a miserable blowout the night before. They made a game of it at the end, but ultimately couldn’t quite get across the finish line.
GAME NOTES
Dallas will have to try to win this one without Willie (personal reasons), KP (knee), and Luka (ankle). Well. Okay, then. Ja is out for Memphis. The Mavs are on the second night of a back-to-back. Followill is rocking a flashy red and black checked blazer. Kidd selected a starting lineup of Brunson-Bullock-DFS-Maxi-Powell.
FIRST QUARTER
Bullock gets the Mavs on the board at 9:14. Mavs can’t score or defend. Dang. 2-13 8:14
Reggie gets a second-chance opportunity. Has all 5 of the Maverick points. Mavs in a zone defense, but Memphis skips to the basket. Yikes. Maxi hits from downtown! It’s incredible how open teams leave Maxi, considering his shooting ability. Bobi gets an ovation just for stepping on the court, lol. Bobi puts one in. Corner three from Dorian. 13-17 3:02
Burke from the corner! Frankie returns to the court. Adams called for taking down Bobi. Woah. Burke takes it to the hole.
18-22 after one
Well, we have 18 points. Cool, cool. Mavs 7-22 (32%). ‘Kay.
SECOND QUARTER
Early timeout. 18-29 10:34
Sterling gives the Mavs their first points of the quarter. Brunson pull-up. Mavs having a tough time against Steven Adams. Another Brunson pull-up. DFS hits from long range. Called for his third foul on the next possession. Tim gets Mavs’ first free throws of the night. Hits both. DFS stays on the floor with the fouls. Timmy’s first basket is a jumper. 31-44 2:23
DFS hits another three. Timmy hits a long one.
37-49 HT
Mavs have 19 points in the second quarter. Since it's a positive world, that’s one more than the first quarter. Dallas shooting 30% for the half. Dorian leads the team with 9 points.
THIRD QUARTER
Powell gets his first basket. DFS with another three. Glad someone can make a bucket. Powell with a circus shot and-one. They cleaning crew is spending a lot of time mopping the floor the last couple games. Brunson scores on a drive. Now there’s an official timeout, so they can mop some more. Adams crushing the life out of us. Adams trips Maxi, then keeps him from falling in a nice maternal gesture. 48-64 6:21
Brunson puts one back. 51-66 3:45
Trey and Frankie making a little noise.
58-72 after three
21 points in the third. That’s a little better than the first and second. Mavs still shooting 30%. There’s still time.
FOURTH QUARTER
Timmy one of two from the line. Then another one of two trip for him. Draws a foul again. Hits one before the timeout. 61-74 9:15
Tim hits the second free throw. Brunson one of two, but puts in his own miss. Jaren Jackson called for his fifth, Timmy one of two again. Timmy with a deep three gets the Mavs within 9. DFS called for his fifth, goes out of the game. Timmy from downtown! Bane getting to the basket like it’s the Easter parade. 72-87 4:53
T on Dillon Brooks. We’re mopping again. Timmy makes the free throw. Maxi corner three! Timmy another three. Tim trapped on the sideline, Kidd bails him out with a timeout. 78-88 3:30
Timmy three over Brooks! Brunson drive and score. Brunson-Tim-DFS-Maxi-Powell on the floor. Brunson again! Deficit down to six! Another Timmy three with a foul! Woo-hoo! Misses the free throw. Offensive rebound, but then Brunson steps out of bounds. Kidd challenges. Unsuccessful. Tyus Jones drives and scores. DFS puts one in at the basket. 90-95 28 seconds
Looks like Memphis doesn’t like something about the inbounds set up. 90-95 23 seconds
Mavs have to foul Tyus Jones. Jones makes both freebies. 90-97 22 seconds
Mavs don’t score.
90-97 FT
ANALYSIS
The stats are not pretty. Read them if you dare.
Comparative stats are Dallas-Memphis.
Shooting percentages 34/36/68, 49/35/58
Point diffs -24 on points from twos, +18 on points from threes, -1 on made free throws
Shots attempted 92-76
Free throws attempted 19-24
Rebounds 42-52
PIP 22-52
Second-chance points 7-17
Fast-break points 2-16
The Mavs stayed in the game, courtesy of the Grizz turning it over 22 times and shooting 14-24 from the line. Luckily for Dallas, Memphis was pretty sucky themselves in many respects.
Finishing lineup Brunson-Tim-DFS-Maxi-Powell
PLAYER NOTES
DFS (37 min). Dorian was the leading scorer for a long time, and ultimately had 14 points, including 4 threes, along with 6 boards, 4 dimes, and 3 steals. He was in foul trouble late, but managed to stay on the floor at the end of the game.
BRUNSON (37). Jalen had 15 points and 8 assists as the starting point guard, although he shot only 7-21. He was trying to play a Luka-like game, driving and scoring, but had a very difficult time finishing.
KLEBER (33). Maxi had 7 points and 9 rebounds, but was 2-8 from the field. Kidd said he got a lot of good looks, but the shots just didn’t go down.
HARDAWAY (31). Tim was the game’s hero, if there was one, as he stepped up with 29 points, completed 5-9 threes, got to the free throw line for 14 attempts (!), hitting 10, and had 7 rebounds. He was incredible in the fourth quarter, scoring 20 points in the frame, and playing all 12 minutes. He is the guy you would hope would step up in the absence of Luka and KP, and it was very good to see him do that. Reggie took his place in the starting lineup, but Tim was on at the end. Kidd liked his aggressive play.
BULLOCK (27). Reggie had a forgettable performance, going 2-9 from the field and scoring only 5 points.
POWELL (24). Dwight had 5 points, 4 rebounds, and a surprising 5 assists in his role as starting center. He had a tough time with Adams (as did everyone), but was included in the finishing unit.
MENTIONS. STERLING (15) was underwhelming, taking only 3 shots and completing one. BURKE (13) had eight points, but was 3-9 from the floor. FRANK (13) had 3 points. BOBAN (11) collected 7 rebounds, but was 1-5 for 2 points.
BROWN, GREEN, MCLAUGHLIN, and OMORUYI were DNP-CD. Asked why they didn’t play, Kidd responded that there were only 48 minutes in the game, the guys on the floor were playing hard, and there weren’t enough minutes for them to get involved.
There is no timetable for the return of WILLIE, PORZINGIS, or LUKA. Luka, who has a sore ankle, had an MRI today and will be re-assessed tomorrow.
GRIZZLIES. Desmond Bane was the best player on the night, with 29 points (12-20) and 9 rebounds. He scored from everywhere on the floor, and the Mavs couldn’t contain him. Kidd said they had talked about Bane in the locker room, but he was too much for them, and the Mavs need to do a better job on him next time they see him. Tyus Jones was 16-6-7, and sealed the game with free throws at the end. Steven Adams was an irresistible force, laying 11 points and 14 rebounds on the Mavs, and destroying our team inside. Jaren Jackson (13), Dillon Brooks (11), and De’Anthony Melton (11) were also in double figures.
OBSERVATIONS
Bally crew. When it came down to it, our squad just couldn’t score, although they did get some good looks. The Mavs had a great comeback fourth quarter, largely thanks to Tim Hardaway, but you aren’t going to win many games when you shoot 34%. We had no answer for Steven Adams.
Kidd was back in his positive world mode after the game. He allowed that his guys were within range of a victory at the end, forced a lot of turnovers, created a lot of good looks even without Luka and KP, got Tim going, and exhibited good effort. The injuries obviously affected them, but he was proud that his players “never let go of the rope.” Ultimately, they “couldn’t get the little things done at the end,” but they gave themselves a chance. Admitting that he felt like a broken record, he said they had some great looks that just didn’t go down.
In all honesty, there wasn’t a lot to write home about when it came to this game, although there was one bright spot. Tim Hardaway came through with flying colors, and if this contest has gotten him back on track, it would be more than worth it.
The fourth quarter applied some lipstick to what was a pretty dismal first 36 minutes, so maybe the guys can still hold up their heads, especially since they were playing without their stars. For a social media positive, maybe some of the Twitter yammerers who think Luka is the problem with this team can get that idea out of their systems, now that they have seen what happens when he is dropped.
Despite the loss, and a slog through the first three quarters, the fourth was pretty exciting, and had a bit of a feel-good ambience.
NEXT. The Mavs face none other than the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. Yikes. I hope Luka and KP are back.
The loss put the Mavs at .500, 11-11. I figure they're going to get back on track sometime. Why not now?
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