Game 78: Houston Rockets (38-39) vs. Dallas Mavericks (47-30)

[michaeltex]

Feels like, starting several games back, that Luka finally realizes he has a competent team around him that can take advantage of the attention he draws. He seems happier and enjoying the game again and doesn't seem to feel like he has to take every pressure shot like before when everyone else not named Kyrie was bricking the opportunities. Now it's OK to spend energy on the defense because you don't have to carry the entire load offensively. To me, this mindset, and the wider team participation it engenders, is the key to the current success.

Looks like we'll be in a 4/5 matchup with LACs. Playoff Luka is a terror, but now he has a team that will amplify that terror, so maybe 2024 will see the exorcism of past first round fustrations.