Game 4: Dallas Mavericks (2-1) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (2-1)

[Mavs2021]

I’m going to guess a PCL strain. Hopefully not a full tear or he’ll be out for a lot of the season.

On further review, just seems like a dead leg. McDaniels got him on the back of the upper leg.

[JamesConway912]

Klay is less active on offense tonight compared to the first few games. Would be really important if he could make Ant work on defense in the second half. Doesn’t even have to take a ton of shots just tire him out.

Absurdly good first half from PJ. My goodness, at times he reminds me of Matrix. Just long, active, plays hard, defends well, but also a nice scorer inside.

I think it’s understandable that they’re going a lot with Marshall but man, it’s been tough. I’d think hard about plugging in Omax here & there somewhen over the next games. Feels like we could use another edge athletically.

[myconsumerclub]

We need some tough players that can retalitiate for Luka being hurt by that dirty play. Powell can go in and hurt them with his face by drawing contact and at the sametime somehow trip them up and make them fall and get injured. He has that ability believe it or not.

[Mavs2021]

Bold prediction: We´ll trade Kleber + Exum + two 2nd round picks for Schroeder.

[MarkAguirreWrathofGod]

I hope you are both right! 
I thought it looked like the knee buckled slightly in.

[MarkAguirreWrathofGod]

We need some tough players that can retalitiate for Luka being hurt by that dirty play. Powell can go in and hurt them with his face by drawing contact and at the sametime somehow trip them up and make them fall and get injured. He has that ability believe it or not.

I didn’t see anything dirty. May be wrong though.

[Chicagojk]

I may jinx this but Luka has some of that soccer thing in him with injuries. I am sure he is hurt but how many times has it looked like he is really hurt and then is dribbling by defenders in the next few minutes.

I do love how he hasn't been complaining a lot so far this year.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Looked like a long term injury. The refs just suck. Dirty play. Not even a foul called.

Nothing was dirty about it. He just got bumped from behind. You act like it was intentional. He's back in anyway. Hyperbole much?

[MarkAguirreWrathofGod]

Nothing was dirty about it. He just got bumped from behind. Hyperbole much?

He rubbed some dirt on it!

[MarkAguirreWrathofGod]

Not sure Luka should be out there.

[MarkAguirreWrathofGod]

3(!) offensive rebounds off of missed fts for Minny.

[WillE]

I hate to be that guy, but it sure feels like Luka’s conditioning is going to cause more and more problems as he gets older. Out of shape causes injuries, injuries prevent good conditioning. It’s a slippery slope.

I know he’s a better, more complete player than Edwards, for example, but sometimes I wish the Mavs were built around an athletic specimen like that.

Really? Do you have any substance to call his physical status "out of shape"?

I mean shouldn't this board do better than that? This guy is top 50 in total minutes played ever since his sophomore season. The fact that his game does not rely much on his physical tools and despite limitations on this area him.still being very productive should ease your perspective.

[ThisIStheYear]

I’m glad he’s back but maybe he should take the night off. The officials have decided to crush the Mavs at the line this season. Another game with low free throws.

[MarkAguirreWrathofGod]

Bold prediction: We´ll trade Kleber + Exum + two 2nd round picks for Schroeder.

It’s a shame OKC got Caruso because he would be perfect. I would see what it would take to get GPII from GSW if their season goes south. Thybulle? I think he’s out injured right now. Not ready to give up on Grimes or Naji yet yet but man we need a guard/wing to step up off the bench in the worst way.

[MarkAguirreWrathofGod]

I’m glad he’s back but maybe he should take the night off. The officials have decided to crush the Mavs at the line this season.  Another game with low free throws.

They have NOT been kind to us.

[JamesConway912]

Worst 2,5 minutes of basketball just got answered by some big time shotmaking.
We have so much firepower on offense.

[KillerLeft]

Really? Do you have any substance to call his physical status "out of shape"?

I mean shouldn't this board do better than that? This guy is top 50 in total minutes played ever since his sophomore season. The fact that his game does not rely much on his physical tools and despite limitations on this area him.still being very productive should ease your perspective.

Yes, tons of substance. I’ve been watching basketball for over 20 years, and it’s extremely easy to tell who’s in shape and who isn’t.

do you not agree? It’s super, super obvious to me.

[KillerLeft]

He rubbed some dirt on it!

He sure did!

[KillerLeft]

GRIMES! I was afraid Marshall would miss him, but it worked out.

[KillerLeft]

3(!) offensive rebounds off of missed fts for Minny.

Yeah, that is not great. There’s a lot not to like about this game, but it is super encouraging that the Mavericks are on the second night of a back to back, playing pretty poorly in some areas, and have a lead.