Game 66: Golden State Warriors (34-30) vs. Dallas Mavericks (37-28)

[dirkfansince1998]

Last time I saw a worse passing performance was the Cowboys wild card game against the Packers.

[Chicagojk]

Mavs can’t get breathing room.

Hardaway isn’t the only one but he is the worst on the mavs not taking a last second heave at the end of quarters so it doesn’t go on his missed shot total. If you are not going to shoot it, don’t get the ball with 2.5 seconds left in quarter. Small gripe

[dirkfansince1998]

Good transition offense. Super important in a game where both teams cannot score in the half court.

[Chicagojk]

Kyrie had a nice pass to Lively in the lane. But wow, Exum with two beautiful passes inside that led to two baskets. One to app the other to Lively. Lively was blocked but got it back and scored.

[dirkfansince1998]

Kyrie takeover. That's what the Mavs need when Luka is on the bench.

[donzingis38]

klay is so bad. i mean you have thj defending you, lol

[Jason Terry]

Getting the ball to Lively/Gafford down low and shoving down the other teams throat should be a priority every game. The offense and defense play so much better when we do this. Everything looks easy and we don’t need a million 3’s to win

[Jason Terry]

I don’t think any small team like GSW or PHX or LAC or OKC can stop us in 7 if we play like this. Those type of teams we should be able to bully them all game like this. Maybe last 5 min of games Maxi is needed. But those type of teams like we used to be are at such a disadvantage against Lively/Gaff. The 3’s they give up are worth it

[dirkfansince1998]

Getting the ball to Lively/Gafford down low and shoving down the other teams throat should be  a priority every game. The offense and defense play so much better when we do this. Everything looks easy and we don’t need a million 3’s to win

That's certainly the prefered outcome. Dunks/layups are still the most efficient shots in basketball. But I think the important part is the how.  Mavs spamming pick and roll against teams that have slow bigs has been super efficient in the last few games. For years we have watched the Mavs defense with bigs caught in no man's land. Right now they are returning the favor. Will be interesting to see if they can also do it against better pick&roll defenses. Bulls and Pistons ranked 30th and 29th defending the roll man. Warriors are around league average when they are fully healthy. Really bad without Draymond.
OKC and Nuggets games will be big tests. If Gafford and Lively can do it against them the Mavs are in a good spot for a potential play-in/playoff matchups.

[GATA]

Luka hurt.

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Josh Green

[dirkfansince1998]

Ugly first half. Less mistakes in the second half. Never found their rhythm from three but they started to move the ball without turning it over. Resulting in some beautiful lob passes.

[Jason Terry]

PJ and Gafford with 14 combined STOCKS. Impressive

[surfpuckmd]

Getting the ball to Lively/Gafford down low and shoving down the other teams throat should be  a priority every game. The offense and defense play so much better when we do this. Everything looks easy and we don’t need a million 3’s to win

After being bullied for the past several years, it's nice to finally be the bullies.

[dirkfansince1998]

Almost feel bad for the Warriors. They had turned things around and made a push for the playoff spots but without Curry they are one of the worst teams in the league. CP3 and Klay look like they escaped from an retirement home. Klay plays like a less talented version of THJ. CP3 simply doesn't have the athleticism to play in the NBA at this point of his career.

[surfpuckmd]

Almost feel bad for the Warriors. They had turned things around and made a push for the playoff spots but without Curry they are one of the worst teams in the league. CP3 and Klay look like they escaped from an retirement home. Klay plays like a less talented version of THJ. CP3 simply doesn't have the athleticism to play in the NBA at this point of his career.

I don't feel bad for the Warriors.  They have plenty of championship rings to console themselves.  

They lost my respect when the team declined not to suspend Draymond Green for knocking his teammate unconscious.  Draymond probably should be in jail.  I don't like the Warriors except for Steph Curry.

Agree about Klay.  He doesn't provide much anymore other than spacing.  I think CP3 might still be capable of being a good role player on a contender.  The Warriors aren't a contender though.  I think he'd look good playing with Wemby next season.  He'd be a great backup PG on almost any contender-  T'Wolves and Nuggets especially.

[BolsDamols]

Warriors are probably not light years ahead of the field anymore. Shame.

[omahen]

I really liked this game (other than of course the Luka injury). Nights when shots are just not falling happen, nothing bad about that, its a long season. But Mavs really played good defense this time and grind out a win in a very important game.

[omahen]

+- really is a "weird" stat. I thought Luka had a bad game on both ends of the court. Especially on offense where he couldn't make a shot and had 6 turnovers. Seemed very static on defense. Yet Mavs were +14 with him and only +1 with Kyrie.