PLAYOFF GAME 5: DAL (2-3) @ LAC (3-2) | 111-154 loss

[Kammrath]

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/12...5165467648

[omahen]

Crucial game. Clippers will come out firing from all canons and I hope our boys will be able to counter.

[MrGoat]

Big game here. For the first time this series it feels like we have the advantage. A big reason for that is the play over the last 3 game of one particular Clippers player who has been getting some rather unflattering nicknames recently if you scan other teams' boards. Personally I think PG13% is the funniest.

If George doesn't suddenly get his act together it will be hard for the Clippers to get out of this playing 4 on 5 whenever George is out there.

[michaeltex]

A key factor I haven't heard discussed much is that the Mavs have proven in all four games that they can take what should be a knockout punch from the LACs and come back to keep it competitive. From -21 to +14 in the last game was the most dramatic, but there is evidence from the other three as well. If they can go up 3-2 after tonight, Luka and the boys will be topic #1 for sports talk radio and TV.

My point is that this resilience has to mean something to the team's self confidence. If they somehow survive this test, they should be a playoff monster for the rest of the post-season.

Personally, I'm having a evil snicker at some of the "experts" who thought Luka has a high floor but a low ceiling back before he was drafted. Thank you MBT for believing in your own data.

[Hypermav]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=587&v=ScN5UCwc_GQ&feature=emb_logo

interesting review of the role players and he makes me nervous regarding KP, towards the end of the video.

[omahen]

A key factor I haven't heard discussed much is that the Mavs have proven in all four games that they can take what should be a knockout punch from the LACs and come back to keep it competitive.

It looks like Clippers are a better team when they are fully engaded. But as Doc Rivers said, they are worse psychologically. They just stop playing and allow Mavs to get back in. Happened in game 1 after that great start (they were saved by refs), happened again in game 4. Game 2 they didn't look right from the first second. Even game 3, while relatively safely cruising to the win, they never pushed away Mavs completely. 

I expect Clippers will start very aggresive from the beginning. I also expect they will work very hard not to switch on Luka PnR. They might even bench Harrell and Jackson who are both being abused on defense. We might see more of their small ball lineup. If they really are a contender, this is a game to show it. Winner of this game is very certain to take the series imho.

KP will be needed and his game very important for the Mavs - Luka will need help, as I expect Clippers to really focus on him this time. Maxi and DFS scoring a couple of open threes might be crucial. And please don't let George get back into this series. Destroy his rhytm from first second on.

[Kammrath]

https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon/status...4178327552

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https://twitter.com/townbrad/status/1298275209657507843

[aguiar95]

If KP doesn't play, I'm sensing a double team on Luka and we being frustrated with the role players.

[ClutchDirk]

https://twitter.com/TheSteinLine/status/...5708346369

[SwisherPrice]

Good decision, don't take the risk. The Bubble schedule might have played a role in the wear and tear on his knee. All those final regular season games were packed in the schedule...a normal season would have had at least 2-3 days off between a few games. 

Also, going from a 4 month layoff to now high-intensity basketball probably wasn't ideal for the knee.

[StepBackJay]

If KP doesn't play, I'm sensing a double team on Luka and we being frustrated with the role players.

Ya but if that's the way it plays out then that's the way it plays out. I think at this point the Clips might stop guarding Maxi at all on the 3 point line. Mavs still have guys like Curry that generate a lot of space. Clippers can and should throw everything they have at Luka. Again I think its easier said than done. Luka is so good he tends to figure out how to handle different situations. Rick as well.

I worry ab how to stop Harrell on one end who was getting anything he wanted and then the Clips had success going small. Mavs still won the game but by the skin of their teeth. Also with such a small rotation the Mavs were exhausted from late in the 4th quarter through OT.

I would like to see more Boban in this game. I think he presents a real problem for the Clips at both ends.

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The good news is though it hurts the Mavs morale to an extent they are not going to use KP being out as an excuse. They are going to compete to win no matter what.

[Hypermav]

Well crap.  KP makes such a big difference on the defensive end.  Bobi can help with the scoring, but not spacing and rim protection.  

I am sad for KP.

What else you got up your sleeve Rick?

[Kammrath]

The good news is though it hurts the Mavs morale to an extent they are not going to use KP being out as an excuse. They are going to compete to win no matter what.

I think it will help them play more loose. They have nothing to lose with KP out, total underdogs. I like that from a mental standpoint.

[omahen]

I think it will help them play more loose. They have nothing to lose with KP out, total underdogs. I like that from a mental standpoint.

Yeah, unless Clippers play with same intensity whole game, not just first 15 minutes or so. Unfortunately, I don't see Mavs surprising them twice without KP. Too bad

[ClutchDirk]

https://media.giphy.com/media/M4iOAkEAPwAnK/giphy.gif

[omahen]

https://media.giphy.com/media/M4iOAkEAPwAnK/giphy.gif

 Look at it this way - if they can beat Clippers without KP through most of the series, they should seriously consider trading him, because they obviously don't really need him.

[ClutchDirk]

https://media.giphy.com/media/M4iOAkEAPwAnK/giphy.gif

 Look at it this way - if they can beat Clippers without KP through most of the series, they should seriously consider trading him, because they obviously don't really need him.

Or playoff Luka is a GOAT...

[omahen]

Or playoff Luka is a GOAT...

That is known without it. Still doesn't change what I said, that KP is not needed

[Davevoid]

Man, the playoffs are supposed to be hard, and all that, but the f'ing Clippers are getting all the breaks, Beverly being out nonwithstanding.

I just hope someone put PG 13%'s newest comments on their locker room wall:

https://twitter.com/ClevisMurray/status/...7770673152

Such an unlikeable moron.

[SwisherPrice]

With KP out, that means more shots for Kleber!