ESPN GDT Mavs vs Blazers (Dame Dollar comes to town)

[Dallas41]

Originally Posted by tgfan

Typical RC court side interview. We've got to move the ball, play defense, get it in the goal.

Yeah you can tell he really has no solutions for this team defensively

They are just not any good.

They just said Portland set a franchise record for most points in a qtr

Mavs allowed them to shoot 15/21 which is crazy

[Dallas41]

THJ and Brunson said screw you KP we getting our shots 1st

[Dallas41]

Explain to me why they keep putting little guys on Melo on the block?

Isn't that exactly the type of bigger wing that you acquired James Johnson to defend?

And what has happened to Kleber and Richardson's defense it's like they aren't even the guys they were from a year ago.

[tgfan]

Eh, if the Mavs play this soft against the Pistons, they are going to kill us. Don't be fooled by their record.

Delon Wright with an awesome line tonight, btw.

[Dallas41]

Jones Jr working our a$$ on the glass

no one bothered to box him out again

[Melonhead]

Originally Posted by tgfan

Eh, if the Mavs play this soft against the Pistons, they are going to kill us. Don't be fooled by their record.

Delon Wright with an awesome line tonight, btw.

Can’t wait to watch Delon and Wayne torch this defense

[tgfan]

Nice help by Brunson on Melo to make him get rid of the ball!

[Dallas41]

Come on KP we need you to go off down the stretch

[Dallas41]

Mavs just got to dig deep for 2 or 3 defensive possessions and they can steal this game

[Dallas41]

They played solid defense 3 straight stops and Rick bout to put THJ back in the game LOL

[tgfan]

Lol, Luka got away with a push off on Dame there!

[Dallas41]

We need to make a defensive switch on the tine out send Richardson back in the game

[Dallas41]

Yeah don't run a second defender at him because he's only D.Liiliard

Let's take our chances with him beating us instead of leaving Derrick Jones wide open

[Dallas41]

great job Brunson rotating over

[tgfan]

See, Anthony again using his elbow to get Luka out of the way, and he gets away with it, again.

[tgfan]

Ball game. Portland ball.

[Dallas41]

Too many offensive rebounds allowed Jones JR just always out worked his man.

Way too many points allowed in that 3rd qtr

Too many guys would drive have a open layup and instead pass out to the 3-PT line

Rick continues to allow Dame to play 1 on 1 vs us in the clutch every year even though he's killed us on big possessions

[tgfan]

Well, the difference in the game was in three point shooting, the Mavs' Achilles heel. Pretty close, other than that.

[Melonhead]

Defense and rebounds shows up again. So frustrating to watch.

Close game.

Also no CJ and no Nurkic. But they are doing fine without them.

[Dallas41]

Originally Posted by tgfan

Well, the difference in the game was in three point shooting, the Mavs' Achilles heel. Pretty close, other than that.

You can't give up 45 points in a qtr

That was the difference just bad defense as usual

[Dallas41]

Originally Posted by Melonhead

Defense and rebounds shows up again. So frustrating to watch.

Close game.

Also no CJ and no Nurkic. But they are doing fine without them.

It is because you know if this team just had one guy who could control the boards even if it's just for 12-16 minutes a night the Mavs would be better.

Think about all the second shots Portland got even with a small lineup on the floor.

I"m not even sure what to make of KP's performance it's like he stayed in foul trouble and never got a chance to get going.

They completely went away from what they did vs New Orleans getting him early shots often.

Tonight he would shoot 1-2 times per qtr

[tgfan]

Originally Posted by Dallas41

You can't give up 45 points in a qtr

That was the difference just bad defense as usual

It was still the threes that were the difference. Even with that 45 point quarter for Portland, if the Mavs could have just hit two more of their threes, they win. That would have put the Mavs shooting 16-41 on threes. Abysmal three point shooting is what's caused most every loss this season.

[SMC0007]

Live by the 3, die by the 3. And that's going to continue when you lack versatility on offense. These players are never going to make up a good defense. You can just forget about it.

[Dallas41]

Originally Posted by tgfan

It was still the threes that were the difference. Even with that 45 point quarter for Portland, if the Mavs could have just hit two more of their threes, they win. That would have put the Mavs shooting 16-41 on threes. Abysmal three point shooting is what's caused most every loss this season.

I agree and I'll go step further and say if you watch rewatch this game your going to see a few Mavs player clearly get in the paint and in-excusable pass back out to the 3-PT line

That happened several times tonight where the guy had a layup attempt or open man in the paint but they elected to kick all the way back outside the paint.

Portland on the other hand would get to the paint and hit the cutter or wide open guy the layup that helped them score over 40 paint points and they aren't even a big paint scoring team.

I'm guessing Terry Stotts knew exactly how he wanted to attack us

[FromSloveniaWithLove]

I Just know one Thing.. Luka will break his back carrying the team this year..

This is totally mediocre or even below mediocre team.. And no time wont change this..

[Simon2]

I actually enjoyed the game. Mavs didn’t play defense and didn’t rebound. So what’s new? Anyway, at least KP is playing closer to the basket sometimes. Not enough effort on the boards. Luka can drive the ball all day. Even though Mavs lost, the effort was there. Except in the third. Lilliard is clutch.

[Dallas41]

Originally Posted by FromSloveniaWithLove

I Just know one Thing.. Luka will break his back carrying the team this year..

This is totally mediocre or even below mediocre team.. And no time wont change this..

Luka was very efficient shooting the ball tonight

Too bad they couldn't the win despite him putting up 42 points

[Dallas41]

Why do the Mavs continue to coach this defensive coverage


https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2021/2...-score-121-118
The defense is terrible across the board
It’s hard to know where to begin. Dallas is atrocious at defense. This team is LAST in the league in defensive rating since January 20th.

But before discussion execution, I want to understand the intent of what the Mavericks are doing. They played drop pick and roll coverage, again, against the Blazers and in the first three quarters Portland shot 53% from three. While they finished at at 45%, meaning they finally missed a few in the fourth, I want to understand just why the coaching staff thinks it’s important to allow the shots they do. It would be one thing if the paint defense was good, but it sucks too (and we’ll get to the main reason why in a moment).

Bringing in Josh Richardson for defense only to have Dorian Finney-Smith match up with Lillard is a coaching choice I do not understand. Finney-Smith is a good help defender. He’s a great team defender. He is an average man to man defender and Lillard is a world beater. It’s something I do not understand because Richardson has more active feet than Finney-Smith and the Blazers put him in a blender.

Then we should get to his help in pick and roll situations in Kristaps Porzingis. If you follow me at all on social media or listen to me on podcasts, you know I’ve been out on him for sometime. This game was another example of what is either an inability or unwillingness to make a positive impact. He got torched on drives off pick and rolls, often letting Lillard go around him in an attempt to hunt a block, which simply did not work because he’s not fast or athletic enough (which is not a slight, Dame is excellent). In post defense, Kanter embarrassed him. In help defense off drives he has concrete in his shoes. Look at this non help where he won’t leave 27% three point shooter Derrick Jones Jr.

Either that, or he’s too slow to react and both stink. Of players who get significant minutes, Porzingis might be the worst defensive player in the league at the moment.

It’s not just Porzingis, basketball is a team game. Maxi Kleber and Tim Hardaway Jr. getting wrecked by Carmelo Anthony ended up being huge in this game, for example.

But the Mavericks signed him to be the anchor of a defense and he simply doesn’t do much for them these days. This is a problem the Mavericks have to figure out. Their offense isn’t as good as it was last year, so having a defense that is somehow much worse at the moment will not cut it. The Mavericks made significant progress these last four wins on the offensive end. Now they need to find something on defense because what they’re doing does not work.

[Heezzi]

Originally Posted by Dallas41

THJ and Brunson said screw you KP we getting our shots 1st

Just like last year with Curry.

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by Dallas41

Why do the Mavs continue to coach this defensive coverage


https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2021/2...-score-121-118
The defense is terrible across the board
It’s hard to know where to begin. Dallas is atrocious at defense. This team is LAST in the league in defensive rating since January 20th.

But before discussion execution, I want to understand the intent of what the Mavericks are doing. They played drop pick and roll coverage, again, against the Blazers and in the first three quarters Portland shot 53% from three. While they finished at at 45%, meaning they finally missed a few in the fourth, I want to understand just why the coaching staff thinks it’s important to allow the shots they do. It would be one thing if the paint defense was good, but it sucks too (and we’ll get to the main reason why in a moment).

Bringing in Josh Richardson for defense only to have Dorian Finney-Smith match up with Lillard is a coaching choice I do not understand. Finney-Smith is a good help defender. He’s a great team defender. He is an average man to man defender and Lillard is a world beater. It’s something I do not understand because Richardson has more active feet than Finney-Smith and the Blazers put him in a blender.

Then we should get to his help in pick and roll situations in Kristaps Porzingis. If you follow me at all on social media or listen to me on podcasts, you know I’ve been out on him for sometime. This game was another example of what is either an inability or unwillingness to make a positive impact. He got torched on drives off pick and rolls, often letting Lillard go around him in an attempt to hunt a block, which simply did not work because he’s not fast or athletic enough (which is not a slight, Dame is excellent). In post defense, Kanter embarrassed him. In help defense off drives he has concrete in his shoes. Look at this non help where he won’t leave 27% three point shooter Derrick Jones Jr.

Either that, or he’s too slow to react and both stink. Of players who get significant minutes, Porzingis might be the worst defensive player in the league at the moment.

It’s not just Porzingis, basketball is a team game. Maxi Kleber and Tim Hardaway Jr. getting wrecked by Carmelo Anthony ended up being huge in this game, for example.

But the Mavericks signed him to be the anchor of a defense and he simply doesn’t do much for them these days. This is a problem the Mavericks have to figure out. Their offense isn’t as good as it was last year, so having a defense that is somehow much worse at the moment will not cut it. The Mavericks made significant progress these last four wins on the offensive end. Now they need to find something on defense because what they’re doing does not work.

I've been harping on this for the majority of the games dfs and Jrich have been available. Why thr fvck we put dfs on quick guards when thsts exactly what Jrich was brought here to do is more proof that the coaches aren't good defensively.

[Dallas41]

And for those Mavs fans who don't think it's about coaching look at how S.Silas has the Rockets defending vs the same play's the Mavs constantly struggle with under RC.

We got a top 5 coach in the NBA who can't seem to figure this out, yet a 1st year coach Silas with all sorts of new players on his team has them communicating and rotating on defense.

https://twitter.com/KellyIkoNBA/stat...76762244120585
The #Rockets have a 103.6 defensive rating since January 13, per CTG — best in the NBA.

Whether it’s operating in their base shell, switching, or another approach, all five players are constantly communicating and defending on a string.

[mac222b]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

I've been harping on this for the majority of the games dfs and Jrich have been available. Why thr fvck we put dfs on quick guards when thsts exactly what Jrich was brought here to do is more proof that the coaches aren't good defensively.

I too am continually baffled by this approach. To compound matters, Richardson gets caught ball watching or starting to “help” weak side a lot leaving his man open for 3’s. At least that’s what I’ve observed.

[mac222b]

Sticking with ineffective defensive schemes, not getting KP involved after he went off and not not leaving him in for a longer stretch in 1Q as he’s stated is his preference, getting the ball to an absolutely cooking Luka and then sitting him for a really long time, taking WCS out twice literally after nice defensive hustle sequences on his end, RC burning an unnecessary TO followed by a weird turnover and then not using his coaching challenges on questionable calls (including a 3 point foul call where no one appeared to touch Dame) because he needed to save his timeouts for the end of game, janky rotations which featured Brunson and Burke together again, not attacking a team with no size or shot blockers until late in the 4th. Not RC’s finest work. I sometimes miss control freak Rick.

[Dallas41]

Originally Posted by mac222b

Sticking with ineffective defensive schemes, not getting KP involved after he went off and not not leaving him in for a longer stretch in 1Q as he’s stated is his preference, getting the ball to an absolutely cooking Luka and then sitting him for a really long time, taking WCS out twice literally after nice defensive hustle sequences on his end, RC burning an unnecessary TO followed by a weird turnover and then not using his coaching challenges on questionable calls (including a 3 point foul call where no one appeared to touch Dame) because he needed to save his timeouts for the end of game, janky rotations which featured Brunson and Burke together again, not attacking a team with no size or shot blockers until late in the 4th. Not RC’s finest work. I sometimes miss control freak Rick.

I realize RC has won a ring and he's often labeled as a top 5 in the NBA.

But also think if your just going off his the last 2-4 years there's no way in hell he can be considered elite right now.

I don't expect any coaching change but I'm beyond fed up year after year with the Mavs defense and it seems like lip service year after year and nothing ever gets done at the end of the day.

But the coaching staff will always get a pass for this bad defense year after and fans will say "Well the Mavs don't have any good defenders for RC to work with"

That might be very well be true but who keeps building these rosters devoid of defenders?

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by Dallas41

I realize RC has won a ring and he's often labeled as a top 5 in the NBA.

But also think if your just going off his the last 2-4 years there's no way in hell he can be considered elite right now.

I don't expect any coaching change but I'm beyond fed up year after year with the Mavs defense and it seems like lip service year after year and nothing ever gets done at the end of the day.

But the coaching staff will always get a pass for this bad defense year after and fans will say "Well the Mavs don't have any good defenders for RC to work with"

That might be very well be true but who keeps building these rosters devoid of defenders?

Donnie has to be the lead on building rosters and the nut doesn't fall to far from the tree because his dad was never a defensive mastermind lol. Even if defensive builds isn't his thing, there was clearly an effort made by bringing in JRich. But then RR decides its best to keep an ineffective guy we've had all along (DFS) on the quick guards. Continually gets beat by CP3, Dame, Walker...the list goes one I'm sure. So those 2 can share the blame.

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by mac222b

I too am continually baffled by this approach. To compound matters, Richardson gets caught ball watching or starting to “help” weak side a lot leaving his man open for 3’s. At least that’s what I’ve observed.

Originally Posted by mac222b

Sticking with ineffective defensive schemes, not getting KP involved after he went off and not not leaving him in for a longer stretch in 1Q as he’s stated is his preference, getting the ball to an absolutely cooking Luka and then sitting him for a really long time, taking WCS out twice literally after nice defensive hustle sequences on his end, RC burning an unnecessary TO followed by a weird turnover and then not using his coaching challenges on questionable calls (including a 3 point foul call where no one appeared to touch Dame) because he needed to save his timeouts for the end of game, janky rotations which featured Brunson and Burke together again, not attacking a team with no size or shot blockers until late in the 4th. Not RC’s finest work. I sometimes miss control freak Rick.

Agreed on all of it!!

I really like Rick, I used to love him... and the last few seasons its been a slow process that started with his decisions being puzzling then over time morphed into frustration. Like when is the mastermind we've grown used to, going to show up and get the most of these guys?

His refusal to use challenges is another small detail that adds more wtf, like he's saving them for something then it never happens and we just lose them. OK, so if you don't want to lose a timeout so you don't risk the challenge, how dumb does it look when we call a timeout and then have 2 back to back turnovers right after? I'll answer, it looks really fvkn dumb.

[Dallas41]

So it turns it out the Mavs coaching staff had told the players in the huddle right after a timeout that they were going to double Lilliard before that dagger 3 he hit and once again the Mavs players on defense for some reason zoned out and didn't execute.

Just guys not paying attention late in games to the coach's orders and read that last comment about Luka (seems like he's getting tired of guys not focusing on defense)


https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2021/2...rd-clutch-shot

“I mean, I probably should have made him drive,” Finney-Smith said, “I pay attention to the clock a little more—I knew it was 33 [seconds]. I probably should have made him drive. He made a tough shot.”

It’s hard to fault Finney-Smith’s defensive decision-making on the play. He was on an island guarding one of the league’s premier closers. That Finney-Smith was alone is a problem, however. He wasn’t supposed to be.

“On that particular play, we were calling for a double team and our guys didn’t hear it,” Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle said. “Our intention was to run and get the ball out of his hands. We’d gone through that in our prep. Part of it’s the mask and part of it’s the noise in the arena or whatever. The communication didn’t get there and he hit a difficult shot but it’s a shot he makes regularly. It’s a tough shot.”

The plan was to double team Lillard and force him to give up the ball. Yet, it never came. Jalen Brunson does come off his man, Robert Covington, briefly and hedges toward Lillard to feign a double team, but by the time he does it’s too late.

During the play you can see Mavericks assistant coach Jamahl Mosley kneeling on the sideline, barking out orders. Mosley heads up Dallas’ defensive play calling. As Carlisle notes, it appears that none of the players took notice. Not great.

What’s more damning is that the coaching staff discussed the situation and strategy they wanted to implement in their last timeout less than a minute before Lillard drained his shot. The players knew what to do and simply didn’t execute the plan.

After the play, Doncic looks to the bench and shrugs. His shrug encapsulates the team’s defensive effort and far too often their mentality.

It’s clear that the Mavericks have issues on the defensive end. Yet, if the players are forgetting or ignoring strategy then the team’s problems run deeper than simply not being able to get stops consistently.