Iztok Franko@iztok_franko
Pels on offense they don't have a real point guard with CJ out. He was their organizer, to run a PNR with Jonas.
CJ led them with 5.7 assists. Ingram is 2nd at 4.7 but he Zion and Jonas are looking for their shots in 1-on-1 situations. Results in mid-range heavy game (2nd in NBA).
A thing that could give Mavs problems is bulk & size inside with Jonas and Zion.
Pels are 2nd in the NBA on putbacks, 3rd on 2nd chance points and Mavs are struggling on def boards.
Lively needs to be careful not to pick up early fouls vs Jonas in post-ups and in help vs Zion.
Zion is having a so-so season by his standards: 22 pts, 7 rebs, 4 ast.
He's still a force (a challenge for Grant) but not getting at the rim at the historic pace he was in prior seasons.
A lot of the rim shots this yr are now short mid shots and he is only 15/49 (31%) there.
Mavs have an opportunity to gain more ground early in the West. But like said they lost last yr to Pels without Zion,Ingram and H. Jones in their 3rd game of the season.
This team has proven that is better of taking care of business but they'll need to do it again tonight and on Tuesday.
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