MAVS 112, CLIPPERS 104

[mavsluvr]

MAVS END LOSING STREAK ON LUKA’S RETURN
COINCIDENCE? I THINK NOT

The Mavericks faced the Clippers again in LA, hoping to avoid their fourth loss in four games. After a rough first half, Luka and KP took the game to the wire, but the Clips sent the match to overtime with an 11-1 run in the last minutes of the second half. The Mavs then cruised to a compelling victory in the extra period. 


GAME NOTES

Frankie (calf) and Reggie (illness) were out. However, the Mavs were delighted to welcome Luka back after his three-game absence. Kawhi and Batum were out for LA. Kidd decided on a new starting lineup — Luka-Tim-DFS-KP-Willie. Devin speculated that Kidd wanted a bigger body to match up with Zubac.

After the game, Kidd explained his thinking on the starting unit. Said Powell hasn’t done anything wrong, but they thought this would be a good time to make a change and see what Willie looks like in that lineup. The Bally crew said they think the change was made because Willie is a little better defensively than Powell, and the team doesn’t care that much about offense from that position. Additionally, they like the Maxi-DP combo. 

FIRST QUARTER

Willie starts with a foul on Zubac. Mavs getting good looks, but they’re not falling. Luka called for an offensive foul on PG. He’s getting a boatload of defensive attention. Luka has the Mavs’ first basket. Jackson getting to the paint, pretty as you please. PG blocks an attempt by Willie. DFS has missed three kick-out corner threes. Morris makes one for the Clippers. Not the start we were hoping for. Mavs 1-7 from the field.  3-11 8:32

Luka must be getting tired of making the right passes, just for the recipient to brick the shot. WCS this time. Hardaway with a jumper from Dallas breaks the drought. KP draws a foul. DFS misses another corner three. Powell in for Willie. Luka called for his second foul. Powell also called for one. Brunson comes in for Luka. KP hits in the paint over multiple defenders. Dallas score six straight points, but Mann answers with a three. Jackson waltzes into the paint again, like no one was there. Aargh. Mavs turn the ball over, Clips take advantage. 9-18 4:49

Two fouls on Powell now. He stays out there. JB finds a cutting DFS at the basket. THJ hits again. Reggie Jackson with another dance to the basket. THJ deflects a Clippers attempt. Maxi gets on the board with two free throws. Excellent transition find by Brunson, but Trey bricks the shot. Luka posts up Mann, but is teed up, apparently for saying something to Mann. Shakes his head and smiles wryly. Luka goes against Mann again, draws free throws, and hits both. Maxi airballs a three. Maxi makes a catch in the paint, but can’t make the bucket. 

21-26 after one

Mavs 0-7 from three-point land. Clips have a 7-0 advantage in fast break points, and a 12-6 rebounding edge. 

SECOND QUARTER

Mavs in a zone defense. Mann called for an OF, his third foul of the game. Maxi leaves one short. Don’t think he’s quite ready to go. Luka three disallowed due to defensive three-second call on the Clips. KP takes the technical free throw, knocks it down. Luka draws free throws from posting up Morris. Two of two. Luka airballs a three over Zubac. Meanwhile, both Coffey and Morris score. PG draws a charge against KP. DFS steps out of bounds. The Mavs don’t look sharp. Luka-KP alley oop. DFS misses another one from the corner, but gets a steal on the other end, and scores in transition. Mavs still 0-9 from three, being out-rebounded 9-17. 28-32 7:29

Luka sails one through Willie’s hands and into the stands. Jackson step-back over Willie. Luka called for offensive foul against Bledsoe. Bledsoe makes a meal of it. Third foul on Luka. Zubac over Willie. Sterling goes straight up on an offensive rebound. Brunson is limping off the court. Burke comes in to replace him. 32-37 4:56

THJ draws a foul driving against Luke Kennard. One of two. Brunson has left foot injury, questionable to return. Looked like Zubac fell on him. KP draws a foul on Zubac. Luka returns, despite his three fouls. Zubac hook shot over Luka. Mavs really settling on these long threes. PG gets his first bucket. Now, three fouls on Bledsoe. KP has to leave the court to get some bleeding from his face stopped, but returns to complete both free throws. DFS called for touch foul on PG, for a Clippers and-one. Luka cross-court pass intercepted, Coffey scores. Luka with the Mavs' first three! Clips called for an away-from-the-play foul by Coffey. One free throw, plus possession. DFS fouled by PG on the inbounds pass, hits one of two FTS. 

42-48 HT

Low-scoring game. Mavs are 1-14 from three. Really? Clips also have a 9-2 advantage in FB points, and have gained 13 points off Dallas turnovers. Mavs, however, have 19 FTAs and 17 makes. KP and Luka combine for 24 points for the Mavs. Jackson and George have 20 for LA. 

THIRD QUARTER

Luka-DFS lob-dunk. Oh, no, Luka called for his fourth foul. Not a smart foul, just a reach-in on Zubac, who was already being guarded by KP. Luka staying on the court. DFS bringing the ball up. Luka three. Luka to the rack! THJ fouls Reggie on an unlikely attempt. KP three on a second-chance opportunity. Luka gives Dallas the lead with another three from downtown. Luka imposing his will. 57-56 8:36

Zubac takes it back with a put back over KP. DFS bricks a WIDE open shot. Clips get a tech for two delay-of-game penalties. Willie drives and scores. KP with an athletic put-back of THJ miss. Wins the Oculus Unbelievable Play of the Day. Jackson over Luka. Jackson three over Powell. DFS air balls another open three. Mavs get a couple of ORs, but can’t capitalize. Jalen will not return. Timmy hits a beauty from Luka. Then is called for his fourth foul. Sterling goes in for him. Luka rainbow over Hartenstein! Luka says hello to the winda. 70-70 2:43

Terence Mann called for a flagrant one on Powell. Dwight misses both free throws. Burke fouled on a three-point attempt. Fifth foul on Mann. Trey hits all three of his freebies. Reggie Jackson again. I wish the Mavs would try to figure this guy out. Burke with a jump shot. Jackson again. KP finds Sterling Brown at the rim. OMG! Inbounds pass downcourt to Sterling Brown who hits the three! Excellent! 

80-76 after three

Third quarter is 38-28 Mavs. Luka has 15 of those points, and played 10 minutes with four fouls. Now, that’s a superstar move! 

FOURTH QUARTER

Burke running point. KP turns the ball over out of bounds. KP pass stolen, Bledsoe fouled by Maxi. Four on Maxi now. PG ties the game. KP blocks George’s dunk attempt. Bledsoe is switched on to KP, which is rather humorous. Luka loses the ball, Kennard three. DFS open on a three, but drives and scores instead. Willie draws a foul on Hartenstein. THJ pull-up from the baseline. Hartenstein over Maxi. DFS baseline cut for a jam, from Willie! 88-87 7:26

DFS with a corner three! Finally! KP from downtown! Kleber’s pass deflected out of bounds. Clutch time. Timmy with a three. DFS with another corner three! 100-92 4:14

Jackson with an airball over DFS, in what Harp calls the best defensive play of the night. Luka-MK slam dunk off the inbounds pass. Kleber blocks Mann. Reggie bucket and Kennard three reduce the lead from 10 to 5. 102-97 59 seconds

Clipper turnover. 102-97 20 seconds 

Jump ball between KP and Mann, off the inbounds pass. Mann wins the tip. Hardaway takes the foul to give. 102-97 10 seconds

Jackson three. Maxi fouled. Could ice the game, but hits only one of two free throws. Clippers take their last timeout. 103-100 1.1 seconds

Boban guarding the inbounds. OMG, PG hits the desperation three. Play being reviewed. It’s good. Overtime, here we come. Clips were 11-1 down the stretch. Aaaagh.

103-103 after four

OVERTIME

KP putback. Maxi left WIDE open in the corner. He hits! Morris passes to the Mavs bench! A wedgie by Jackson. KP-PG jump ball at center court. Balll ends up in Luka’s hands. Kicked ball by Mann. KP to the basket for a slam! 110-103 2:28

PG miss at the rim. Luka scoop no good. Reggie with another wedgie! Mann faces KP for the jump ball. Mann wins the tip, but is called for a loose ball foul on KP after the jump. Coach’s challenge. Unsuccessful. Mann has fouled out. KP called for a T for clapping at the official. PG hits the free throw. Luka miss, but KP OR, and KP scores. Clippers miss. Luka step-back miss. PG misses, Mavs run the shot clock out. Clips miss their last shot. 

112-104 FT


ANALYSIS

Both teams shot poorly overall, with the Mavs having a 4-shot advantage in attempts, and a 7-shot edge in 3PTA. Point differentials were +4 on points from twos, +6 on points from threes, and -2 on made free throws. Forcing turnovers was a key strategy for both teams. The Mavs had 11 steals, and won 22 points off Clippers turnovers (while giving up 25 on their own giveaways). It all came down to the overtime period, which the Mavs won 9-1.


PLAYER NOTES

DFS (49 min). Doe-Doe played an incredible 49 of the 53 minutes of the game, and the Mavs needed every one of those. After starting the game with a few bricks, he re-laced his scoring boots and had a season-high 17 points and 3 steals. He also was instrumental in limiting Clippers star Paul George. What a stalwart!

DONCIC (41). Luka took a half to get going, but caught fire in the third quarter, playing with four fouls. He almost had a triple-double, with a 26-9-9 line, and guided his team to a win as only he can. According to KP, Luka takes a lot of pressure off everyone else, and the players feel more comfortable when he is on the court. Amazing performance, especially considering he was playing through  pain and was a game-time decision. Kidd complimented him for making the right decisions when he was double-teamed, whether passing or fighting through them. Luka confessed to being quite tired after the game, but he held up fine. Welcome back, young man!

HARDAWAY (41). Another mediocre shooting night from Timmy (5-17, 2-10 3PTA), but Kidd relied on him for most of the game, and he had some good plays. His durability was appreciated on a night when the guards seemed to be dropping like flies. 

PORZINGIS (40). This may have been KP’s best game of the season, with 30 points and 7 rebounds. Playing aggressively, he drew a team-high 10 free throws and completed every one. Kidd said that KP is playing at a very high level, and noted that KP didn’t force anything. Excellent Luka-KP combination.

KLEBER (36). Maxi started out a little shaky, but ended up strong, with an 8-9-6 line, along with a couple steals and a block. He seemed to be still catching up in his second game back, but looked great in an eventual leap forward. He was in the closing unit, which consisted of the starters, with Maxi in for Willie. If we were nitpicking, we would note that Maxi could have sealed the game if he had made his second free throw late in regulation (as Kidd did), but in light of events, we might as well not mention it. 

MENTIONS. The above five players absorbed the bulk of the minutes. However, the role players also contributed. WILLIE (17) had 2 points, 2 rebounds, and a steal, and had a few impressive plays. Kidd thought he did a very good job in a starting role. BRUNSON (11) unfortunately had to retire from the court with a left foot injury after Zubac fell on him. We hope it’s nothing serious, but await an update. STERLING (10) had 7 points and 4 rebounds, and an exciting series of plays in the third quarter. BURKE (10) held down the fort when Luka was in foul trouble and Frank and Brunson were out. POWELL (9) did not score, but Kidd thought he did a good job off the bench. BOBAN had a 1-second cameo guarding the inbounds pass on the last play of regulation. 

MOSES and GREEN had DNP-CDs. No update on FRANK. 

CLIPPERS. I really wish the Mavs could get a handle on Reggie Jackson. That pesky little guy had a game-high 31 points, along with 10 boards and 3 steals. Paul George ended up with 26 points, largely on the strength of 11-12 FTA. Thanks to Dorian’s tenacious defense, he was limited to 7-23 from the field, and 1-6 from three. Marcus Morris, Jr. and Ivica Zubac each added 10 points for the Clips. 


OBSERVATIONS

Kidd was proud of the performance, particularly the defense, which he adjudged to be great throughout the game. In the first half, his team defended well, but couldn’t make a shot. When the shotmaking started turning, they were able to recover. He commended his guys for changing coverages on the fly and not giving up on the last game before Thanksgiving. 

Asked about the 11-1 run by the Clippers at the end of regulation, Kidd admitted that they just didn’t do some of the little things. They didn’t think Paul George had enough time to make the last shot after the deflection, but observed that that’s what stars do to you. He admired his guys for coming back strong in overtime.  

I think we can be proud of this victory over the league’s #2 defense. It was great to see Luka playing at a superstar level again. It seemed like that fourth foul in the first minute of the second half served to galvanize him. After pleading to stay on the floor, he unleashed his talents on the Clippers, to devastating effect. He also serves as a stabilizing influence over this team at the ends of games, and that was in evidence in this match. Porzingis looked very good, and DFS deserves a shout-out, as well. I like it. 


NEXT. The Mavs face the Wizards at the AAC on Saturday. It’s good to go into the holiday on a high note. 

Happy Thanksgiving, MFFLs!

[aguiar95]

Another bad game against a team that will not be a contender.

1st half and OT was hideous from Luka.

KP absolutely needs a rebounding PF/C next to him. If you exclude the OT, he had 4 rebounds for the whole game.

Timothy again proving that he's nothing more than a 6th man.

I like what I've seen from Sterling so far. Doesn't worry me that his shot isn't falling, but his skillset is somewhat usefull (same as Frank).

Come TDL, it's time to trade Green. Pass him to some tanking team with no aspirations (I hope Moses will be cut for Dragic) in exchange for some short-term solutions.

[ThisIStheYear]

The game had a vey familiar look to it.  These two teams know each other like the backs of their hand. Physically, Luka looked the quickest he’s been all year.  As long as Brunson’s injury isn’t serious, this was a very encouraging performance. I’ve seen this game a million times, and the team that blows a seemingly insurmountable lead on the road rarely wins the OT.  Mavs get big credit in my book for toughness and resiliency.

My only small quibble, the Mavs have to do better than WCS in the starting role. He played his best game of the year and was still pretty bad.  The poor start nearly doomed the Mavericks.  (Okay, it’s a big quibble).

[Chicagojk]

The game had a vey familiar look to it.  These two teams know each other like the backs of their hand. Physically, Luka looked the quickest he’s been all year.  As long as Brunson’s injury isn’t serious, this was a very encouraging performance. I’ve seen this game a million times, and the team that blows a seemingly insurmountable lead on the road rarely wins the OT.  Mavs get big credit in my book for toughness and resiliency.

My only small quibble, the Mavs have to do better than WCS in the starting role. He played his best game of the year and was still pretty bad.  The poor start nearly doomed the Mavericks.  (Okay, it’s a big quibble).

Yeah, I can understand starting WCS because Zubac tends to bully us.   So maybe they just liked WCS matchup better against him.  But the Mavs need to get better there.  Either a better starting PF or C.   Ideally I would prefer a physical, versatile PF type but those are harder to find.   One who is a threat to score is a plus as well.   If KP is out, we have no one besides a random Boban appearance who is a threat to score inside the three point line.   I really hope the Mavs look to make a move to improve this spot.  I would prefer a longer term fit, but I would take a short term fix as well.   

Nice win last night.  I am holding my breath that Jalen's injury is not serious.  Always worries me when a tough kid like Jalen goes out and isn't on the sideline for the rest of the game.    We have a few days off, but we have some games where we should be favored coming up.

[Kammrath]

Another bad game against a team that will not be a contender.

IMO LAC is one of the best teams in the league, even without Kawhi. They are well coached, long, and tenacious. This is a good, quality win.

[Chicagojk]

IMO LAC is one of the best teams in the league, even without Kawhi. They are well coached, long, and tenacious. This is a good, quality win.

Yeah they are good.  Man, would I love to find a Reggie Jackson type off the trash pile.   I thought there was a chance he would come back to earth this year, but in the two games against us he actually looks better.   

As frustrating as this 1-3 stretch has been, the Mavs played two good teams on the road and until late in the game had a good chance of winning them.   3 of these games were without Luka too.  Winning late is the key difference between solid and really good teams and the Mavs have a lot of work ahead of them.    But if you skim pass a lot of the ugliness, the Mavs showed themselves pretty well minus some fourth quarters.

[Hypermav]

This game was rough and I was super frustrated with DFS in the first half.  He has to be a threat to score or the Clippers just ignore him and swing the defense toward Luka and KP.  I would hope DFS had 17 points while playing all those minutes.

My favorite thing after the win was KP literally grinning ear to ear talking about Luka. He accepted praise from Harper and you for his role in the win but acknowledged, without a hint of jealousy, the impact of Luka on the team.  

Reading some of the Clipper fans posts after the game, they were really upset with coaching and not countering the size Dallas had on the floor.

Reggie Wedgie

[Paul Gasol]

Every game I end up wondering to myself if WCS is legally forbidden from attempting to dunk…

Also, I believe we’re now 1-0 in games where KP is involved in FIVE jump balls…

[ThisIStheYear]

Yeah, I can understand starting WCS because Zubac tends to bully us.   So maybe they just liked WCS matchup better against him.  But the Mavs need to get better there.  Either a better starting PF or C.   Ideally I would prefer a physical, versatile PF type but those are harder to find.   One who is a threat to score is a plus as well.   If KP is out, we have no one besides a random Boban appearance who is a threat to score inside the three point line.   I really hope the Mavs look to make a move to improve this spot.  I would prefer a longer term fit, but I would take a short term fix as well.   

Nice win last night.  I am holding my breath that Jalen's injury is not serious.  Always worries me when a tough kid like Jalen goes out and isn't on the sideline for the rest of the game.    We have a few days off, but we have some games where we should be favored coming up.

It would be great to add a player for that role, but for now, just start Maxi. He’s not really hard nosed or especially physical, but he’s big, has skills, is versatile on defense, and isn’t a pushover either. It’s an upgradable position, but on this roster, it’s become clear that Maxi is the one to fill out the starting lineup going forward.

[omahen]

It would be great to add a player for that role, but for now, just start Maxi. He’s not really hard nosed or especially physical, but he’s big, has skills, is versatile on defense, and isn’t a pushover either. It’s an upgradable position, but on this roster, it’s become clear that Maxi is the one to fill out the starting lineup going forward.

Agree. In the trade I would look to find a better version of Maxi and play Maxi as third big of the bench.

[Dahlsim]

All star recap @"mavsluvr"   

Big takeaway, a glimpse of what the Mavs look like when both Luka and KP play like stars.  
The team still has challenges holding leads and closing games but coming back from the 4th quarter crunch time meltdown to then take over and win the OT? 

That is a great sign of growth for the team and a nice hint that the Jason Kidd coached teams could close games better than recent years? 

After the game, Kidd explained his thinking on the starting unit. Said Powell hasn’t done anything wrong, but they thought this would be a good time to make a change and see what Willie looks like in that lineup.

The Bally crew said they think the change was made because Willie is a little better defensively than Powell, and the team doesn’t care that much about offense from that position. Additionally, they like the Maxi-DP combo. 

Good insight into Kidd's continued adjustments and thinking on the Mav's front line rotations around a resurging Unicorn.  Defensive support.

[mavsluvr]

This game was rough and I was super frustrated with DFS in the first half.  He has to be a threat to score or the Clippers just ignore him and swing the defense toward Luka and KP.  I would hope DFS had 17 points while playing all those minutes.

My favorite thing after the win was KP literally grinning ear to ear talking about Luka. He accepted praise from Harper and you for his role in the win but acknowledged, without a hint of jealousy, the impact of Luka on the team.  

hahaha

It was indeed great to hear KP showering praise on Luka and talking about how he "loves" playing with him. About time, if you ask me.

Reading some of the Clipper fans posts after the game, they were really upset with coaching and not countering the size Dallas had on the floor.

Marcus Morris also had some choice words for the Mavs after the game. For example, complained that the refs didn't let him breathe on Luka, and that the Mavs have a burr up their butts because the Clippers beat them "all the time."

Words like this are food for my soul, lol. 

Also, now that I think about it, where did Marcus Morris get the idea that he should be allowed to breathe on Luka, anyway?

Reggie Wedgie

[Jannemann2]

[mavsluvr]

Looking at the shooting stats, we should remember that some of the misses were by guys who got stuck with the ball deep into the shot clock and had to take a tough shot. 

https://twitter.com/iztok_franko/status/...57988?s=20


During the period referenced, the Mavs were trying to run down the clock. Wonder if they should take their shots slightly earlier in such circumstances.

[Tikkun Olam]

Yeah, I can understand starting WCS because Zubac tends to bully us.   So maybe they just liked WCS matchup better against him.  But the Mavs need to get better there.  Either a better starting PF or C.   Ideally I would prefer a physical, versatile PF type but those are harder to find.   One who is a threat to score is a plus as well.   If KP is out, we have no one besides a random Boban appearance who is a threat to score inside the three point line.   I really hope the Mavs look to make a move to improve this spot.  I would prefer a longer term fit, but I would take a short term fix as well.   

Nice win last night.  I am holding my breath that Jalen's injury is not serious.  Always worries me when a tough kid like Jalen goes out and isn't on the sideline for the rest of the game.    We have a few days off, but we have some games where we should be favored coming up.

Exactly why I wanted Larry Nance. As I recall his salary fit perfectly into our MLE.

[burekemde]

All star recap @"mavsluvr"   

His recaps are All-NBA 1st team, every season.

[KillerLeft]

During the period referenced, the Mavs were trying to run down the clock. Wonder if they should take their shots slightly earlier in such circumstances.

For sure. Those two, consecutive THJ misses from the baseline come right to my mind. He was not great last night at all, and he certainly didn't produce on those two possessions late, but I remember hating that the plan seemed to be "milk the clock and then when the double comes, get the ball to Timmy in the corner and let him cook." They did this twice in a row while trying to close the game out, and both attempts were rooooough.

[mavsluvr]

For sure. Those two, consecutive THJ misses from the baseline come right to my mind. He was not great last night at all, and he certainly didn't produce on those two possessions late, but I remember hating that the plan seemed to be "milk the clock and then when the double comes, get the ball to Timmy in the corner and let him cook." They did this twice in a row while trying to close the game out, and both attempts were rooooough.

You think that was actually the plan? Aargh.

I would believe it, sadly.

[KillerLeft]

You think that was actually the plan? Aargh.

Maybe, maybe not. But to your point, I think it's at least evidence of the absence of a plan, or maybe just proof that the players didn't understand how to execute whatever the plan was, if there was a better one. 

I can imagine creating an iso situation for THJ at the end of the shot clock, especially if you get the switches you want, being something that sounds like a good idea in a game situation like that on some nights, but I didn't think last night was a particularly good or representative game for him, so I probably wouldn't have chosen to do it when they did. And, they did it twice in a row!

[meistermatze]

Excellent recap, as always mavsluvr.

I have been lurking for a couple of weeks now but I check in after every game to enjoy your recaps and the great discussions around here.

Keep up the good work guys, life has me in her tight bitchy grips but I will never stop appreceating you guys.

My thoughts:

KP looks better than ever. He's even better than in the bubble, because he's not forcing things, he's just balling. I wrote in the KP thread that it's a 3-factor-thing:

- he's healthy and really mobile (for now...)
- he has accepted his role as the co-star (he is way more positive and looks like he actually wants to be there)
- he does not get treated like Kelly Olynik

The problem is that I have zero doubts that he will suffer a major injury again. But we should still appreciate the level of play. He is clearly a special kind of player, when healthy. Even the pick and roll with Luka is a thing now, and I love it.

However, given his history, you HAVE to trade him. What makes it worse: I don't believe a deal sufficient for Cuban will come up. That means we are stuck with KP, for better or worse.

Loved the win and this tea is definitely improved but we still go as far as KP's health goes... if he stays healthy, I think we can be a contender this year (because, obviously, Luka is the best player on the planet and makes you instantly relevant). Albeit "contender" this year means like one out of ten teams who could possibly win it all.

mavsluvr, what do you think about Kidd as a coach? I like what he has tried so far, I like, whatever he has done, to start the Luka-KP-action. Is he as good a coach as his rhetoric (meaning: he's shit) or is he underrated?