MAVS NEWS:

[BigDirk41]

I didn't notice anything either, which is what makes me wonder if this is just an excuse to get Luka that week off to get into better shape some fans have been asking for. Obviously, that's just total (possibly irresponsible) speculation on my part, and I'm not even sure I think that's what's happening - just a thought that crossed my mind.

This is my thought as well. He doesn't look right and they are trying to address his fitness imo.

[Ghost of Podkolzin]

This is a godsend. Luka needs the conditioning and needs to learn how to play off the ball. The rest of the rotation needs to learn how to play without Luka's insane usage rate.

[ThisIStheYear]

Did this happen during garbage time? I remember thinking Kidd left him in too long after he’d pulled other starters. That would be unfortunate and very Jason Kidd.

[chaparral]

Did this happen during garbage time?  I remember thinking Kidd left him in too long after he’d pulled other starters. That would be unfortunate and very Jason Kidd.

Good point why did Luka play in the 4th quarter.  Did Kyrie and Klay play in the 4th?

[Reunion Mav]

NBA is a joke. I think we’ve reached less than a 50% chance any good regular season matchup will have both teams best players suiting up.

Had league pass for 20 years until I didn’t renew it last year. There’s no way in hell I’m paying to actually attend a game.

Your loss on attending games.

[Knutsen]

Good point why did Luka play in the 4th quarter.  Did Kyrie and Klay play in the 4th?

The other two guys don‘t need cardio.

[SleepingHero]

What stands out?

[BoredAssistant]

I heard on the radio Luka said he hurt his wrist in the 1st quarter and played through it. He didn't know how it happened. eta: That chart is shocking.

[SleepingHero]

@NationMffl
Tim MacMahon on Kyrie Irving’s future in Dallas:

“The point is they have demonstrated, 'We value you and we will pay you how much we value you within the ability to have a little bit of wiggle room financially.' They are going to put a big number on the table for him. He has been extremely happy in Dallas. They are extremely happy with him. He's the leader of this locker room. That's unquestioned...”

[RGP1981]

What stands out?

Well, for one... that the Rockets have the #1 defensive rating, despite having Sengun at Center.

So there's no reason why the Mavs can't have a high defensive rating too, despite Luka... and they do at #2.

[MarkAguirreWrathofGod]

Well, for one... that the Rockets have the #1 defensive rating, despite having Sengun at Center.

So there's no reason why the Mavs can't have a high defensive rating too, despite Luka... and they do at #2.

Helps to have Brooks, Van Vleet, Eason and Amen next to him.

[SleepingHero]

Quentin Grimes over his last 5 games

11.2 PPG
51% FG
45% 3P
90% FT
4.6 RPG
3.2 APG
+18.1 Net Swing

[ThisIStheYear]

Not Luka’s year for MVP or even all NBA or all star probably but he can still get the last laugh if the Mavs can hold on to a top 4 seed with him missing a fair number of games and if he’s healthy down the stretch.

Well I’m wrong again. Checked my favorite advanced stat, the LEBRON, which is kind of a mix of box score and plus minus with offensive and defensive components, and Luka is, astonishingly, 5th this season. In fact, it’s the first time I’ve ever seen him with a positive number on the defensive component of that metric.  It just seems like he’s been so impaired, but he’s still been good. If he gets healthy, stays healthy, and finds his form, he’ll make it into the MVP conversation.

[Scott41theMavs]

Quentin Grimes over his last 5 games

11.2 PPG
51% FG
45% 3P
90% FT
4.6 RPG
3.2 APG
+18.1 Net Swing

He gonna be expensive. 

[SleepingHero]

He gonna be expensive. 

I knew he’d be but as long as he’s below 4/70, I think I will be happy with the number.

[MarkAguirreWrathofGod]

Quentin Grimes over his last 5 games

11.2 PPG
51% FG
45% 3P
90% FT
4.6 RPG
3.2 APG
+18.1 Net Swing

So glad he’s RFA.

[SleepingHero]

@SloHoopsFan

Naji post game talked about the next man up mentality, but also said:

“We hopin Luka comes back as soon as possible”

I love this guy.

[SleepingHero]

@noahweber00

Kyrie Irving’s message to Luka Doncic after that win over Denver:

“We miss you hermano. Hopefully at home you’re happy man. This is definitely one for him…”

https://twitter.com/noahweber00/status/1...65614?s=46

[Ghost of Podkolzin]

How's that Naji/Grimes DJJ/J.Green upgrade looking now? Two great roster moves. I would take each individually and definitely collectively

[RGP1981]

How's that Naji/Grimes DJJ/J.Green upgrade looking now?  Two great roster moves.  I would take each individually and definitely collectively

Looking very good. Truthfully though, I would have liked to also keep Green, to rotate him with Grimes, since Exum has been getting injured often... and maybe add another PF.

G: Kyrie / Hardy / Gortman
G: Grimes / Green
F: Luka / Klay / Naji
F: PJW / Who??
C: Lively / Gafford / Kleber

Avdija doesn't look very happy in Portland.