[Simon2]

Originally Posted by Dallas41

This one is from Mavsmoneyball

Of all teams playing in the post-season, only Boston has worse defense by a tiny margin. Mavericks played terrible defense in all four games against the Clippers. However, their unbelievable shooting in the first two games overshadowed the holes on defense. Once Hardaway Jr. and other role players shooting came down to earth, it was impossible for the Mavericks to stay competitive without getting any stops.

Having two players in Dončić and Porzingis that opponents can go at on defense in the lineup is a probem and one that the Mavericks will have to look hard at in the off-season.

Things get worse for the Mavericks when we add their third-best player, Tim Hardaway Jr. to the equation. Starting the trio of Dončić, Porzingis, and Hardaway Jr. was a clear indication that believed an all-offense line up was the best chance Dallas might have. The lineups with this trio were downright terrible on defense all season. Mavericks had a 127.2 defensive rating with all three on the floor, which ranked them at the bottom of the league (2nd percentile). Four games against the Clippers proved that it’s not possible to build a competent defense around these three. There are just too many holes to fill. The Clippers went at all three at different times in the series and scored easily. Another problem with Porzingis and Hardaway Jr. is that they have overlapping strengths in shooting and spacing. When their shots are not falling, there aren’t other aspects of the game where Porzingis and Hardaway Jr. are making an impact.


The other two players in the starting lineup, Maxi Kleber and Finney-Smith are ok defensive players with outsized responsibility for Dallas. Neither is a game-changer on defense that the Mavericks need them to be. Both struggled mightily with their defensive assignments in this series, defending Leonard and George. A defense built around three below-average defenders, and two okay ones is not a recipe for a contending team. The Mavericks just don’t have an outstanding defensive player on their roster, an all-defense kind of a guy, that they could put on one of the Clippers stars and contain at least one of them. The Mavericks have seen how that looks first-hand in this series when Kawhi Leonard first put the clamps (or paws) on Krsitaps Porzingis in Games 1 and 2, then Tim Hardaway Jr. in Games 3 and 4.

I don't really see an answer for defense vs PG or KL. One on one, if you are hoping someone can stop them. Good luck. Richardson on Leonard would be like Luke shouting 'You are f*cking too small'. The problem is also that the Mavs jack up threes and long rebounds lead to incorrect assignments. The reason why the first two games worked is because the Mavs were scoring on threes and pick and rolls so the defense could get set up. Philosophically, the try to out small ball the Clippers is really putting the war into their strengths. I don't care what Coop or Moneyball says, they just have an opinion like everyone else.