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Dallas41 · 11-10-2021, 12:05 PM

Facing the top tier
It is too early to declare the Chicago Bulls an elite opponent. Like a good team does, they wracked up wins against low-level opponents early in their schedule. But as it is mentioned above, the Bulls have also secured wins against legitimate contending talent — something the Mavericks have yet to do (unless you consider the Celtics a contender).

In fact the Mavericks’ three losses have come at the hands of teams considered contenders this season. Since the Atlanta Hawks dominated the Mavericks on opening night they have had a rough go of things. But the other two losses are against teams currently in the top eight in net rating: the Denver Nuggets (eighth) and Miami Heat (third).

Luka’s rhythm
Luka’s production this season has been up and down. He has scored 23 or more points in five straight games, and the Mavericks have gone 4-1 in that stretch. But he has also had 15 turnovers to 17 assists in his last three games.

30.7: Percentage the Mavericks five starters are shooting from three
This number is almost entirely carried by Tim Hardaway Jr’s 37.3 percent. Luka Doncic is second in the starting lineup in three point shooting at 29.5 percent. It is almost impossible to overstate how poorly the starting lineup has shot the ball so far. They have actually shot even worse when playing together as their three point percentage when playing together is a staggeringly bad 26.1 percent.

-20.6: Net rating of the Mavericks starting lineup
There really isn’t much more to say other than that this lineup isn’t working. The shooting should improve, as Kristaps Porzingis, Luka Doncic and Dorian Finney-Smith are all shooting well below their true talent level. That being said, this lineup still has major issues. No one other than Luka is a capable ball handler and this lineup is not exactly a defensive stopper. Fortunately the Mavericks have better options.

11-10-2021, 12:05 PM	#1
Dallas41 Diamond Member Join Date: Nov 2019 Posts: 5,181	Mavs (7-3) vs Bulls (7-3) Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. CT Facing the top tier It is too early to declare the Chicago Bulls an elite opponent. Like a good team does, they wracked up wins against low-level opponents early in their schedule. But as it is mentioned above, the Bulls have also secured wins against legitimate contending talent — something the Mavericks have yet to do (unless you consider the Celtics a contender). In fact the Mavericks’ three losses have come at the hands of teams considered contenders this season. Since the Atlanta Hawks dominated the Mavericks on opening night they have had a rough go of things. But the other two losses are against teams currently in the top eight in net rating: the Denver Nuggets (eighth) and Miami Heat (third). Luka’s rhythm Luka’s production this season has been up and down. He has scored 23 or more points in five straight games, and the Mavericks have gone 4-1 in that stretch. But he has also had 15 turnovers to 17 assists in his last three games. 30.7: Percentage the Mavericks five starters are shooting from three This number is almost entirely carried by Tim Hardaway Jr’s 37.3 percent. Luka Doncic is second in the starting lineup in three point shooting at 29.5 percent. It is almost impossible to overstate how poorly the starting lineup has shot the ball so far. They have actually shot even worse when playing together as their three point percentage when playing together is a staggeringly bad 26.1 percent. -20.6: Net rating of the Mavericks starting lineup There really isn’t much more to say other than that this lineup isn’t working. The shooting should improve, as Kristaps Porzingis, Luka Doncic and Dorian Finney-Smith are all shooting well below their true talent level. That being said, this lineup still has major issues. No one other than Luka is a capable ball handler and this lineup is not exactly a defensive stopper. Fortunately the Mavericks have better options.