02-22-2020, 05:06 AM
Mavs Stomp Magic in Orlando
The Mavericks came out of the All-Star Break strong, pummeling the offensively-challenged Magic with their usual road form.
Game Story and Analytics
Except for a period at the end of the second quarter and beginning of the third, in which the visitors squandered an 18-point lead, Dallas looked to be in control. Porzingis addressed the big Orlando run, attributing it to his team's getting a little hectic on offense and rushing their shots, together with the Magic making several plays with a side PNR until the Mavs' coaching staff made an adjustment.
The Magic put up an astonishing 20 more shots than the Mavs, due in part to Dallas giving up 16 offensive rebounds and turning the ball over 16 times. However, Orlando's abysmal shooting (21% from deep) and propensity to send the Mavs to the line (26 Dallas FTAs) proved their undoing. Our boys were +18 on points from threes, +6 on made free throws, and -8 on points from twos. The Mavericks' three-point shooting continued to be a strength, with the guys shooting 39% from long distance.
Players
Luka (34 min) looked well-rested and sharp for the majority of the game, with a 33-10-8 line. He faded a little in the second half (9 points, 2-9 FGA), and Rick said he had a "quiet 33 points." Is that oxymoronic? Anyway, the young star impressed with numerous drives to the basket, step-back threes, lovely finds, and long downcourt passes sailing to a teammate for an easy score. He let his frustration get the better of him a little in the third quarter, getting called for a T for complaining about a non-call. It was hard to blame him, really, with the refs allowing the Magic to beat up on him, including a couple of hits in the face, with impunity. Net performance: breathtaking.
Kristaps (34 min) had another brilliant game, with an almost unparalleled line of 24-10-5-5 (blocks). He has come a long way this season, playing with a confidence and swagger that was missing at the beginning of the term. With Powell's injury, KP has become less of a spot-up shooter, and much more involved in the offense, getting more touches and being used more in the PNR. He is an underrated facilitator, and had a gorgeous bounce pass through traffic to Luka for a layup on a give-and-go. The Luka-KP connection continues to flourish, and Porzee thinks that the best is ahead of the duo. Jet described Zinger as reaching a new level, and especially complimented his increasing familiarity with his teammates and the system, along with his rim protection and rebounding.
Tim (33 min) was his dependable self, with his 15-ish points per game, putting 16 points on the board and grabbing 6 rebounds. The Magic made the mistake of leaving him open, and he punished them (3-5 3PTA). He seems to have improved his consistency from the beginning of the year, which is huge if it holds up.
Maxi (23 min) was the man of the hour, with a career-high night of 26 points on 10-13 shooting off the bench. He and Jalen Brunson lit a firestorm in the fourth quarter, with Maxi scoring 12 points in the period. The FSSW studio crew remarked on how much the man from Wurzburg has come on this season, becoming a proficient roller and improving his three-point shooting, especially from the corners. In addition to three triples, Kleber had an authoritative slam over Mo Bamba, and was impressive on both ends of the court.
MKG (4 min) made his Mavericks debut, with 3 fouls in a 4-minute cameo. Boban was inactive as a result. Barea did not play, but drew praise from the coach for his professionalism. Coach said he told Barea before the season that his role was to mentor the young guards (who would get most of the minutes) on and off the court, and to be ready when he was called upon. He lauded JJB for doing everything asked of him in what might be a difficult situation for the veteran champ. It remains to be seen whether the Puerto Rican will assume a bigger role in the run-up to the playoffs.
Magic. Evan Fournier came alive in the second half, and torched Dallas for 28 points on the night. Vucevic made a statement with 27 points and 12 boards, but was 12-27 overall and 1-7 from deep. Terence Ross surprised with 19 points off the bench, and Aaron Gordon was kept relatively in check at 10-12-7, on 4-13 shooting. The Magic were missing Aminu and Isaac, but I had expected them to put up a little better fight than they did. Apart from their one comeback stretch, they looked overmatched.
Remarks
Carlisle thought the break had energized his team, and was pleased to see Maxi and KP getting loose for shots with so many playmakers on the floor. As a side note, he was happy to watch Darrell Armstrong admitted to the Magic Hall of Fame. He said before the game that he liked the way MKG is coming along, and that he has made a lot of progress in the 10-12 days he has been with the team.
I thought this was an encouraging performance out of the break, the one sputtering stretch notwithstanding. It is amazing what a difference some rest makes. Luka and KP seem to be clicking, finally, and that is an enormous development, with Porzingis looking like the superstar he is. The team as a whole seemed to be firing on all cylinders, with great playmaking (26-43 made baskets assisted), a lot of ball movement, strong shooting from many quarters, and tremendous defense in the first period. Granted, it was Orlando, who didn't look very sharp, but the Magic did mount a comeback and the Mavs responded well. A reasonably entertaining, if somewhat unremarkable, match.
Next. The Mavericks face the Hawks in Atlanta Saturday night. Isn't it great to have basketball games again?
Go, Mavs!
The Mavericks came out of the All-Star Break strong, pummeling the offensively-challenged Magic with their usual road form.
Game Story and Analytics
Except for a period at the end of the second quarter and beginning of the third, in which the visitors squandered an 18-point lead, Dallas looked to be in control. Porzingis addressed the big Orlando run, attributing it to his team's getting a little hectic on offense and rushing their shots, together with the Magic making several plays with a side PNR until the Mavs' coaching staff made an adjustment.
The Magic put up an astonishing 20 more shots than the Mavs, due in part to Dallas giving up 16 offensive rebounds and turning the ball over 16 times. However, Orlando's abysmal shooting (21% from deep) and propensity to send the Mavs to the line (26 Dallas FTAs) proved their undoing. Our boys were +18 on points from threes, +6 on made free throws, and -8 on points from twos. The Mavericks' three-point shooting continued to be a strength, with the guys shooting 39% from long distance.
Players
Luka (34 min) looked well-rested and sharp for the majority of the game, with a 33-10-8 line. He faded a little in the second half (9 points, 2-9 FGA), and Rick said he had a "quiet 33 points." Is that oxymoronic? Anyway, the young star impressed with numerous drives to the basket, step-back threes, lovely finds, and long downcourt passes sailing to a teammate for an easy score. He let his frustration get the better of him a little in the third quarter, getting called for a T for complaining about a non-call. It was hard to blame him, really, with the refs allowing the Magic to beat up on him, including a couple of hits in the face, with impunity. Net performance: breathtaking.
Kristaps (34 min) had another brilliant game, with an almost unparalleled line of 24-10-5-5 (blocks). He has come a long way this season, playing with a confidence and swagger that was missing at the beginning of the term. With Powell's injury, KP has become less of a spot-up shooter, and much more involved in the offense, getting more touches and being used more in the PNR. He is an underrated facilitator, and had a gorgeous bounce pass through traffic to Luka for a layup on a give-and-go. The Luka-KP connection continues to flourish, and Porzee thinks that the best is ahead of the duo. Jet described Zinger as reaching a new level, and especially complimented his increasing familiarity with his teammates and the system, along with his rim protection and rebounding.
Tim (33 min) was his dependable self, with his 15-ish points per game, putting 16 points on the board and grabbing 6 rebounds. The Magic made the mistake of leaving him open, and he punished them (3-5 3PTA). He seems to have improved his consistency from the beginning of the year, which is huge if it holds up.
Maxi (23 min) was the man of the hour, with a career-high night of 26 points on 10-13 shooting off the bench. He and Jalen Brunson lit a firestorm in the fourth quarter, with Maxi scoring 12 points in the period. The FSSW studio crew remarked on how much the man from Wurzburg has come on this season, becoming a proficient roller and improving his three-point shooting, especially from the corners. In addition to three triples, Kleber had an authoritative slam over Mo Bamba, and was impressive on both ends of the court.
MKG (4 min) made his Mavericks debut, with 3 fouls in a 4-minute cameo. Boban was inactive as a result. Barea did not play, but drew praise from the coach for his professionalism. Coach said he told Barea before the season that his role was to mentor the young guards (who would get most of the minutes) on and off the court, and to be ready when he was called upon. He lauded JJB for doing everything asked of him in what might be a difficult situation for the veteran champ. It remains to be seen whether the Puerto Rican will assume a bigger role in the run-up to the playoffs.
Magic. Evan Fournier came alive in the second half, and torched Dallas for 28 points on the night. Vucevic made a statement with 27 points and 12 boards, but was 12-27 overall and 1-7 from deep. Terence Ross surprised with 19 points off the bench, and Aaron Gordon was kept relatively in check at 10-12-7, on 4-13 shooting. The Magic were missing Aminu and Isaac, but I had expected them to put up a little better fight than they did. Apart from their one comeback stretch, they looked overmatched.
Remarks
Carlisle thought the break had energized his team, and was pleased to see Maxi and KP getting loose for shots with so many playmakers on the floor. As a side note, he was happy to watch Darrell Armstrong admitted to the Magic Hall of Fame. He said before the game that he liked the way MKG is coming along, and that he has made a lot of progress in the 10-12 days he has been with the team.
I thought this was an encouraging performance out of the break, the one sputtering stretch notwithstanding. It is amazing what a difference some rest makes. Luka and KP seem to be clicking, finally, and that is an enormous development, with Porzingis looking like the superstar he is. The team as a whole seemed to be firing on all cylinders, with great playmaking (26-43 made baskets assisted), a lot of ball movement, strong shooting from many quarters, and tremendous defense in the first period. Granted, it was Orlando, who didn't look very sharp, but the Magic did mount a comeback and the Mavs responded well. A reasonably entertaining, if somewhat unremarkable, match.
Next. The Mavericks face the Hawks in Atlanta Saturday night. Isn't it great to have basketball games again?
Go, Mavs!