Pistons No Problema por los Mavs en la Ciudad de México
Olé! What a cool game in a great city!
Game Story
Delon Wright remained out with an adductor strain. Reggie Jackson was inactive for Detroit.
Luka got the action started, addressing the crowd in Spanish before the game, to a tremendous ovation. He drew "MVP" chants from the Mexican fans all through the match.
The Mavs got out to a bit of a slow start, with Luka missing 4 of his first 6 free throws, and the Pistons coming out of the gate strong. Ultimately, the Mavs got on track and ended the quarter at 34-29. In the second period, the men from Texas went a bit flat, allowed the Michigan boys to go on a 14-0 run, and were down by 7 with three minutes to go. Then, they went on a 14-0 run of their own, and went into the locker room with 65-58 advantage. Seth Curry was en fuego.
Dallas took charge in the third and built a lead of 24 points, resulting in Boban getting caught yawning on the bench. The Pistons made it interesting with a Derrick Rose-led charge at the end of the frame, and Dallas going into the fourth with a 95-85 lead. Detroit looked like it was running out of steam, and the Mavs were able to put their stamp on the game. Rick said it was a game of runs, and the Mavs got a couple of bigger runs than the Pistons. A fun time was had by all!
Analytics
The game was played pretty close in most categories, but the Mavs won with superior rebounding (52-34), and better 2PT shooting. I wouldn't call this a super-tactical contest. There was a festive atmosphere, and our boys looked to be playing with joy.
Players
Luka was stellar. I have no words. He set a new record for most points in an NBA game in Mexico City, with a 41-12-11 line, and only 3 turnovers. Rick called his performance spectacular. He admired the brilliant individual game, but even more his understanding of how to play to make the whole team better. He called attention to Luka's "breathtaking" lobs to KP, finding shooters, and playing solid defense.
Some of Luka's highlights were: rebounding his own missed free throw and earning two more free throws on the play; several sensational no-look behind-the-back passes; repeatedly darting through the lane like a knife through butter; drawing a foul on a three point shot; one pass after another to the basket for a score at the rim; and, six gasp-drawing threes. What an amazing player!
Seth was blistering, matching his jersey number with a season-high 30 points on scorching 11-15 shooting, including 6 of 9 from beyond the arc. He and Luka led the team in minutes (34), and Curry added 7 boards, 4 dimes, and 2 steals to his total. Rick called him a microwave, mucho calor. He added that his shooting guard was a "huge contributor," shooting, driving, passing, and making plays on the break. Carlisle also complimented his team for recognizing what a great night Seth was having, and making it a point to find him. Even when the Pistons were playing zone, the Mavericks were driving and kicking to get Seth looks.
Toward the end of the second quarter, Seth missed a three, KP leapt for the offensive rebound, fell down, but dumped the ball to Seth, and Seth completed the play with a three from the same spot where he had missed before. At halftime, Cedric advised the Mavs to stay in the game by continuing to "feed Curry." The little guard has a way of wriggling around big men for rebounds, and he crashed the offensive glass for three tonight, along with 4 on the defensive end. He played a complete game, not just shooting, and contributed greatly to the sense of excitement in the arena.
KP was excellent in 30 minutes of play. He played through going 0-5 on threes to score 20 points, grab 8 rebounds, and make three incredible blocks. Carlisle was happy with the Mavericks' late focus on defense, and said KP had a lot to do with that. Harp noted that the team has urged Porzee not to worry too much about his own scoring, but to concentrate on rebounding, defending, and positively impacting the team. It was hard for KP to make the transition, since the Knicks wanted him to score, score, score, but he is really getting into the desired mentality now. In New York, he stuffed the box score, but his team performed terribly. Here, he has taken more of a back seat to Luka stats-wise, but his team-oriented play is resulting in being a member of a winning program, and he likes it!
Random Observations
One bit of sad news was delivered during the broadcast. Former commissioner David Stern had a brain hemorrhage today, and had emergency surgery. Thoughts and prayers.
On a few lighter notes,
-- Shawn Marion chatted with the broadcasters during the second quarter. The audio was a little hard to understand, but he very clearly dropped an S-bomb, apologizing immediately. Oops!
-- Memo Ochoa, famed Mexican goalkeeper, was in attendance beside the Mavs bench.
-- Carlisle raved about what a great experience the team had had in Mexico City, and how well everyone had treated them. Luka-Love was in full appearance. Rick observed that the crowd was "tremendous," cheering enthusiastically for both sides, lol.
-- Harp noted that this team is very loose and confident with each other off the court, and complimented Rick for cultivating the relaxed, yet intense, culture. As an example, Luka and Boban were seen rocking to some samba music on the sideline, lol.
Remarks
This game felt a bit like an exhibition match. The players all appeared to be enjoying the game, and defense was a little on the relaxed side until the latter part of the game. The crowd was in party mode, rewarding every exciting play from either side with loud cheers. A very Mexican ambience (in a good way, of course).
The game may have exposed a few areas in which the Mavs might be a little lacking, in spite of the W. Andre Drummond was flat tearing them up, recording 23 points and 13 boards, on 10-14 shooting. When Dana asked Cedric at halftime what the Mavs needed to do to stop the big man, he threw his hands up and said the Mavs have no one who can do it, and they should probably let him get his, and keep scoring. Some teams used to take this approach to Dirk, guarding him with one guy, and focusing more on stopping Jason Terry. Matrix thought the team could use a bruiser inside, and maybe also a "mean guy" who can shoot threes.
But, we don't need to dwell on the negative after such a good win and pleasant experience. The Mavs are 17-7, facing a brutal five-game stretch of Eastern Conference powerhouses. Should be very interesting.
Next. Miami, at the AAC on Saturday.
Hasta la vista!
Olé! What a cool game in a great city!
Game Story
Delon Wright remained out with an adductor strain. Reggie Jackson was inactive for Detroit.
Luka got the action started, addressing the crowd in Spanish before the game, to a tremendous ovation. He drew "MVP" chants from the Mexican fans all through the match.
The Mavs got out to a bit of a slow start, with Luka missing 4 of his first 6 free throws, and the Pistons coming out of the gate strong. Ultimately, the Mavs got on track and ended the quarter at 34-29. In the second period, the men from Texas went a bit flat, allowed the Michigan boys to go on a 14-0 run, and were down by 7 with three minutes to go. Then, they went on a 14-0 run of their own, and went into the locker room with 65-58 advantage. Seth Curry was en fuego.
Dallas took charge in the third and built a lead of 24 points, resulting in Boban getting caught yawning on the bench. The Pistons made it interesting with a Derrick Rose-led charge at the end of the frame, and Dallas going into the fourth with a 95-85 lead. Detroit looked like it was running out of steam, and the Mavs were able to put their stamp on the game. Rick said it was a game of runs, and the Mavs got a couple of bigger runs than the Pistons. A fun time was had by all!
Analytics
The game was played pretty close in most categories, but the Mavs won with superior rebounding (52-34), and better 2PT shooting. I wouldn't call this a super-tactical contest. There was a festive atmosphere, and our boys looked to be playing with joy.
Players
Luka was stellar. I have no words. He set a new record for most points in an NBA game in Mexico City, with a 41-12-11 line, and only 3 turnovers. Rick called his performance spectacular. He admired the brilliant individual game, but even more his understanding of how to play to make the whole team better. He called attention to Luka's "breathtaking" lobs to KP, finding shooters, and playing solid defense.
Some of Luka's highlights were: rebounding his own missed free throw and earning two more free throws on the play; several sensational no-look behind-the-back passes; repeatedly darting through the lane like a knife through butter; drawing a foul on a three point shot; one pass after another to the basket for a score at the rim; and, six gasp-drawing threes. What an amazing player!
Seth was blistering, matching his jersey number with a season-high 30 points on scorching 11-15 shooting, including 6 of 9 from beyond the arc. He and Luka led the team in minutes (34), and Curry added 7 boards, 4 dimes, and 2 steals to his total. Rick called him a microwave, mucho calor. He added that his shooting guard was a "huge contributor," shooting, driving, passing, and making plays on the break. Carlisle also complimented his team for recognizing what a great night Seth was having, and making it a point to find him. Even when the Pistons were playing zone, the Mavericks were driving and kicking to get Seth looks.
Toward the end of the second quarter, Seth missed a three, KP leapt for the offensive rebound, fell down, but dumped the ball to Seth, and Seth completed the play with a three from the same spot where he had missed before. At halftime, Cedric advised the Mavs to stay in the game by continuing to "feed Curry." The little guard has a way of wriggling around big men for rebounds, and he crashed the offensive glass for three tonight, along with 4 on the defensive end. He played a complete game, not just shooting, and contributed greatly to the sense of excitement in the arena.
KP was excellent in 30 minutes of play. He played through going 0-5 on threes to score 20 points, grab 8 rebounds, and make three incredible blocks. Carlisle was happy with the Mavericks' late focus on defense, and said KP had a lot to do with that. Harp noted that the team has urged Porzee not to worry too much about his own scoring, but to concentrate on rebounding, defending, and positively impacting the team. It was hard for KP to make the transition, since the Knicks wanted him to score, score, score, but he is really getting into the desired mentality now. In New York, he stuffed the box score, but his team performed terribly. Here, he has taken more of a back seat to Luka stats-wise, but his team-oriented play is resulting in being a member of a winning program, and he likes it!
Random Observations
One bit of sad news was delivered during the broadcast. Former commissioner David Stern had a brain hemorrhage today, and had emergency surgery. Thoughts and prayers.
On a few lighter notes,
-- Shawn Marion chatted with the broadcasters during the second quarter. The audio was a little hard to understand, but he very clearly dropped an S-bomb, apologizing immediately. Oops!
-- Memo Ochoa, famed Mexican goalkeeper, was in attendance beside the Mavs bench.
-- Carlisle raved about what a great experience the team had had in Mexico City, and how well everyone had treated them. Luka-Love was in full appearance. Rick observed that the crowd was "tremendous," cheering enthusiastically for both sides, lol.
-- Harp noted that this team is very loose and confident with each other off the court, and complimented Rick for cultivating the relaxed, yet intense, culture. As an example, Luka and Boban were seen rocking to some samba music on the sideline, lol.
Remarks
This game felt a bit like an exhibition match. The players all appeared to be enjoying the game, and defense was a little on the relaxed side until the latter part of the game. The crowd was in party mode, rewarding every exciting play from either side with loud cheers. A very Mexican ambience (in a good way, of course).
The game may have exposed a few areas in which the Mavs might be a little lacking, in spite of the W. Andre Drummond was flat tearing them up, recording 23 points and 13 boards, on 10-14 shooting. When Dana asked Cedric at halftime what the Mavs needed to do to stop the big man, he threw his hands up and said the Mavs have no one who can do it, and they should probably let him get his, and keep scoring. Some teams used to take this approach to Dirk, guarding him with one guy, and focusing more on stopping Jason Terry. Matrix thought the team could use a bruiser inside, and maybe also a "mean guy" who can shoot threes.
But, we don't need to dwell on the negative after such a good win and pleasant experience. The Mavs are 17-7, facing a brutal five-game stretch of Eastern Conference powerhouses. Should be very interesting.
Next. Miami, at the AAC on Saturday.
Hasta la vista!
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