GAME 40: NOP (24-16) @ DAL (23-17) | 127-117 win

[Kammrath]

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/16...8412204032

[Chicagojk]

Mavs get a short handed and tired Pelicans team tonight.  Although looking at their roster, there is still plenty of talent there.   We have discussed how New Orleans have made smart move after smart move over the past year and a half.  Some is due to draft picks but they have also shown you don't need high first round picks to find talent.

Herb Jones for example.   But also Jose Alvarado was an undrafted guy.  In addition a guy like Naji Marshall who scored 23 last night and averaging 12 and 5 the last 10 games.  He was undrafted in 2020.   

I feel we spend a time talking about putting all our remaining assets for a second star to Luka.   Teams like Memphis and New Orleans show you should never stop trying to find pieces on the edges.   Several of the guys we discuss via trade where either late first round picks or second round picks in the past.

[SleepingHero]

Is it bad that I think the fact that Zion is out actually hurts our chances more?

This team needs motivation. Now without Zion it's probably going to lead to these guys coming out flatter than some seltzer water left out in the Texas heat for an hour.

[Chicagojk]

Larry Nance and CJ are out tonight for the Pelicans and Jonas is questionable.   With a back to back for the Mavs with OkC tomorrow it would be nice to have a light workload for Luka so he can play tomorrow.  Who am I joking though...expect a 40 minute 45 point Luka game that we squeak by at the end.

[Kammrath]

https://twitter.com/townbrad/status/1611869900649238530

[KillerLeft]

Hardaway just single-handedly stopped a 2-on-1 fast break.

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Couple of decent minutes from McGee, so far.

[KillerLeft]

I think wood’s weakness isn’t playing defense, it’s playing defense without fouling. But, I feel bad for him on that one. Kind of a BS call.

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GREAT defense from Powell

[KillerLeft]

This is the Dinwiddie I liked last season - the one who lives in the paint and draws tons of fouls.

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Am I the only one here?

[KillerLeft]

Dumb rookie foul there, but some good moments for Hardy. Glad he’s getting some time.

[KillerLeft]

HARDAWAY!

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Should be a W.  N.O. has all their best players out. I want to see this matchup when both teams are whole.

[SkenfromLMF]

That pass was filthy, or was Nasty

[SkenfromLMF]

And we go to sleep...

[KillerLeft]

I’m sure there are people watching who wish the Mavericks had Valanciunas, but from my seat he is the handicap causing New Orleans to fall victim tonight. That Luka/Wood pick and pop is shredding him, and I am absolutely here for it.

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HARDY!

[Jym]

Some beautiful Luka passes to Wood
A true center can't handle guard that

[KillerLeft]

It’s so nice to see that Wood and Luka are looking to work TOGETHER out there.

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Hardy might actually be ready to help RIGHT NOW.

[The Jom]

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Am I the only one here?

Sorry, dude.

[KillerLeft]

Look, I get that Hardaway’s first couple of months, coming off of that injury, we’re u-g-l-y. But I am telling anyone who will listen, Lavert is not capable of positively affecting a game like THJ has tonight.

[BoredAssistant]

Hope Hardy isn't on some dumb Brunson/ufa contract.  Can't we take a chance and overpay him early?  Who cares if he's terrible later.  Also, glad Wood is upping his trade value.  Dammit.

If they were going to trade THJ, I don't see how his value could get much higher than now.

[Jym]

Hardy getting fouled on these layups too 
Those are all going to be and-one's in a couple years