2024 Playoffs Rd 1 Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers

[LukaMagic]

https://youtu.be/vJlUguk6G8Q?t=423

This is a foul on Lively. See the arm that is used to wrap him up. That is what refs are doing. Lively has no respect because he is a rookie.

NBA refs don't know how to referee situations. They referee by the "respect" that players have. Lively is a rookie so they abuse him. He gets no respect. And Clipper players know that and they use that.

The whole league is refereed like that. What is foul on Lebron or on Steph Curry is not a foul on somebody else. And this destroys systems that Dallas play. When doubled, Dallas play through the middle / high paint position. But Lively doesn't get calls. So the system collapses.

[LukaMagic]

Lively is actually playing great in many respects.

[LukaMagic]

https://youtu.be/vJlUguk6G8Q?t=532

The refs don't give a foul on Kyrie Irving who got a clear contact on his shooting hand.

And they give 3 FREE THROWS for this acting job.

Kyrie doesn't act. He plays normal ball. He shoots a jump shot normally. Doesn't collapse and pretend he was struck when shooting the ball. And he gets no respect when he is actually fouled.

[LukaMagic]

Kyrie Irving is a major star. But in Dallas he is not a major star. In Dallas he is treated like Dragic would be treated.

That's how NBA works.

[LukaMagic]

This is a very low scoring game because Mavericks are getting abused. And referees are letting that happen. That's the formula for beating Dallas Mavericks. Abuse Kyrie, abuse Luka, abuse Gafford, abuse Lively, just keep doing that. Referees let that happen. And then Clippers can win. Almost anyone can win like that.

And referees are not just letting the abuse go. They are not making even the obvious calls having to do with dribbling and simple touches on shooting arms. And not just on Lively and Gaffor, but even on Kyrie who is supposed to be a star.

[LukaMagic]

That's why I think that Luka Doncic will go down as the best ever player who hasn't won an NBA championship. I have said that a long time ago. I don't think the league will let Luka win a championship. And certainly not in Dallas.

[LukaMagic]

But hey,

Jokic has won it from Denver. Slavic Nowitzky from Dallas too (even though the league tried to prevent it very, very hard). So maybe I'm wrong. hihihi

[LukaMagic]

https://youtu.be/uPvBdnUqmzk?t=261

There is PJ doing a RODMAN-LIKE THING. Finally. That's fantastic stuff.

[LukaMagic]

https://youtu.be/uPvBdnUqmzk?t=508

And look at this. He chased him down and look at how he pushed him. THIS IS EJECTION FOUL. STRAIGHT AWAY EJECTION. THIS IS OUT OF CONTROL, VIOLENT ACT.

And it seems like it maybe wasn't even a foul.

Looks like referees didn't even blow the whistle on this. The refs blew the whistle on DJJ.

[LukaMagic]

[/url]

https://youtu.be/uPvBdnUqmzk?t=261

I was very impressed by this. And I was impressed by the fact he could knock down a couple of threes that he did in the clutch situations.

PJ has a huge wingspan. He should always fish and dig for rebounds like this. His arm spam is 7 FOOT 3. That makes him incredibly difficult to control on rebounds, including on offensive rebounds. But he doesn't at all have that habit to fish for rebounds.

Growing up, in my team there was one guy like that. He had a huge wingspan. Not very tall but his wingspan was huge. He had enormous arms. When you guard and block him on rebounds you think "I got this" and then he just FLICKS IT somehow because of his huge arms.

That is a matter of expectation. You expect to get the ball because of his height, but then IT IS HIS ARMS that trick you. That's also what makes PJ a great defender. As well as Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi has a huge armspan too. That's why they get so many steals. Because they can put a hand on many balls that people don't expect. People are not used to playing against such defenders with such enormous arms. So it tricks them.

[LukaMagic]

Look at PJ. 18 points and 6 rebounds. And he played A HUGE role defensively. He was used on both Kawhi and Paul George. And Harden, probably.

DJJ is very valuable too. Has length. Has a good feel for defense. That's very important and what Green and THJ lack.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

That was amazing defense ,and it's weird how the refs are reffing completely different from the regular season. I've honestly never seen a game where the Mavs were allowed to play defense like this.

And THJ 6 minutes. You love to see it.

[Scoobay]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

That was amazing defense ,and it's weird how the refs are reffing completely different from the regular season. I've honestly never seen a game where the Mavs were allowed to play defense like this.

And THJ 6 minutes. You love to see it.

yes there was a stretch where the refs seemed to swallow their whistles and allowed the Mavs to compete on defense. They also managed to swallow their whistle when PJ got bowled over by Russ or when Luka got hacked to death with no call (whichever ref was #24 clearly watching and no call).

The refs also called BS fouls with Harden shooting 3's and kicking his legs out to the side and flopping like it was 2018. (Also ref #24 making that call from the side).
EDIT - looks like he tried that crap in the first quarter too (flop) and the refs didn't call it.

Thankfully some guys stepped up and hit some big shots.

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by Scoobay

yes there was a stretch where the refs seemed to swallow their whistles and allowed the Mavs to compete on defense. They also managed to swallow their whistle when PJ got bowled over by Russ or when Luka got hacked to death with no call (whichever ref was #24 clearly watching and no call).

The refs also called BS fouls with Harden shooting 3's and kicking his legs out to the side and flopping like it was 2018. (Also ref #24 making that call from the side).
EDIT - looks like he tried that crap in the first quarter too (flop) and the refs didn't call it.

Thankfully some guys stepped up and hit some big shots.

Yea. I am not one to blame refs for losses but that sht was atrocious many times last night. I think Its going to be a theme all series. It will be a huge accomplishment to get to 2nd round.

[bernardos70]

I do like that THJ isn't there to mess up the offensive flow, but he has been playing really good defense as of late. I wouldn't mind it if he were available next game but played a role more similar to Maxi and limit his shots and concentrate on defense.

[saclare]

Originally Posted by bernardos70

I do like that THJ isn't there to mess up the offensive flow, but he has been playing really good defense as of late. I wouldn't mind it if he were available next game but played a role more similar to Maxi and limit his shots and concentrate on defense.

See, I'm on the side where the Mavs actually missed Tim's offense and spacing in this game. Of course, that comes with the desire for THJ to understand his role and game situations, which has drawn its own ire over the years.

But you get THJ to splash a 3 or two when they struggled at times on offense? Different ballgame if the defense for Mavs stayed the same. As you said, he's been pretty good on that end and always plays tough. He just isn't our best defender and is what he is, but definitely plays hard.

[Kidd Karma]

Originally Posted by saclare

See, I'm on the side where the Mavs actually missed Tim's offense and spacing in this game. Of course, that comes with the desire for THJ to understand his role and game situations, which has drawn its own ire over the years.

But you get THJ to splash a 3 or two when they struggled at times on offense? Different ballgame if the defense for Mavs stayed the same. As you said, he's been pretty good on that end and always plays tough. He just isn't our best defender and is what he is, but definitely plays hard.

In these playoff series, a shooter will be on for a game and we will blow out the Clippers. A streak shooter like THJ is just that, we should see 1 blow out where THJ is lights out....just like Harden was in Game 1.

[Dallas41]

Originally Posted by Kidd Karma

In these playoff series, a shooter will be on for a game and we will blow out the Clippers. A streak shooter like THJ is just that, we should see 1 blow out where THJ is lights out....just like Harden was in Game 1.

I want no parts of THJ in this series

Dude is just a blackhole on offense and you just about guarantee when ever he puts the ball on the floor it's a turnover waiting to happen.

I'd much rather DJJ and Green continue to get those extra minutes he would have played.

Those two guys might not catch fire like him for a game or two but they both rebound and defend their ass off much more consistently than THJ"s offense.

Mavs have made it all the way to the WCF'S before without that dude killing possessions with bad forced shots

[Melonhead]

Originally Posted by Dallas41

I want no parts of THJ in this series

Dude is just a blackhole on offense and you just about guarantee when ever he puts the ball on the floor it's a turnover waiting to happen.

I'd much rather DJJ and Green continue to get those extra minutes he would have played.

Those two guys might not catch fire like him for a game or two but they both rebound and defend their ass off much more consistently than THJ"s offense.

Mavs have made it all the way to the WCF'S before without that dude killing possessions with bad forced shots

Yeah it?s like people forgot how abysmal he was the second half of the season. The less he?s out there is a net positive.

[saclare]

Originally Posted by Dallas41

I want no parts of THJ in this series

Dude is just a blackhole on offense and you just about guarantee when ever he puts the ball on the floor it's a turnover waiting to happen.

I'd much rather DJJ and Green continue to get those extra minutes he would have played.

Those two guys might not catch fire like him for a game or two but they both rebound and defend their ass off much more consistently than THJ"s offense.

Mavs have made it all the way to the WCF'S before without that dude killing possessions with bad forced shots

The whole offense was a blackhole for stretches of both games so far this series. To be very clear, this is only with the caveat (hope?) that both Kidd and THJ understand that if it ain't there, the leash is short. His rotations have definitely shortened in these first two games. I don't think the approach to THJ would be different. But yea, I'd have like to see a 3 or two from him in game 2. Just an unfortunate injury that should have come with 3 FTs...

Originally Posted by Melonhead

Yeah it?s like people forgot how abysmal he was the second half of the season. The less he?s out there is a net positive.

I am certainly not discounting this, as it's a fact he was much worse post-AS break. Sub 32% on the one thing he's supposed to be good at...

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Yes, THJ's lack of handling really hurts the team. But it's his unawareness of things he can't do that makes it so bad. If he just played within his limits, then he could be a contributor.

We really need his shooting off the bench though. Or Exum. Or Green. Someone needs to provide scoring off the bench.

Lack of handling and awareness are perfect to bring to the conversation as it's what drives fans mad. If Kidd and THJ could wring in his minutes to productive spurts rather than trying to be his dad on offense, that would be a plus in certain situations not only in this series, but the playoffs.

But they have yet to show they can keep THJ in his role so I get the hesistation and unwillingness to try it in the playoffs and hope things change.

[SMC0007]

Proud of the team for digging deep in the 4th quarter and gutting out a win in LA. It atarted to look grim for a while.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Luka Jordan?s defensive numbers? https://x.com/clutchpoints/status/17...7xD_IlCxcSyM0g

[Scoobay]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Luka Jordan?s defensive numbers? https://x.com/clutchpoints/status/17...7xD_IlCxcSyM0g

that's a pretty amazing stat...
I think he got his block directly on Plumlee and maybe not shown in that stat is the play where he guarded Kawhi and poked the ball away from him.

we know he's not explosive as an athlete in the traditional sense, but he has good anticipation and he's a big dude... many times we've seen him move his feet well and cut someone off their drive and he holds his ground without fouling. With that anticipation he sometimes gambles a bit and can be successful especially in reaching around from behind to poke the ball loose or outright strip it.

It was interesting to see Luka dropping back to the middle to cover the post on several plays, especially with Maxi or Lively out guarding the perimeter.

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by Scoobay

that's a pretty amazing stat...
I think he got his block directly on Plumlee and maybe not shown in that stat is the play where he guarded Kawhi and poked the ball away from him.

we know he's not explosive as an athlete in the traditional sense, but he has good anticipation and he's a big dude... many times we've seen him move his feet well and cut someone off their drive and he holds his ground without fouling. With that anticipation he sometimes gambles a bit and can be successful especially in reaching around from behind to poke the ball loose or outright strip it.

It was interesting to see Luka dropping back to the middle to cover the post on several plays, especially with Maxi or Lively out guarding the perimeter.

I thought Luka blocked Mann shot early on.

[Scoobay]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

I thought Luka blocked Mann shot early on.

If it was at the start of the game, PJ blocked Mann there.
Later on Luka did have good defense on Mann and contested his shot but didn't block it - that was an airball.

I'm thinking he got the credit for his block on Plumlee shown here.
https://youtu.be/Dp4iFjFGwCo?t=55

Luka locking up Kawhi one on one with the nice poke from behind - not sure if he gets credit for a steal there.
https://youtu.be/Dp4iFjFGwCo?t=417

one on one against Kawhi again forcing the tough contested jumper
https://youtu.be/Dp4iFjFGwCo?t=469

one on one against PG - again a tough contested 3 ball
https://youtu.be/Dp4iFjFGwCo?t=499

I mean if playoff Luka steps up in this way that's huge. We know he won't be perfect and he's not a lockdown defender by any means, but competing and not giving the other team easy looks - that's all you can ask for from him.

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by Scoobay

If it was at the start of the game, PJ blocked Mann there.
Later on Luka did have good defense on Mann and contested his shot but didn't block it - that was an airball.

I'm thinking he got the credit for his block on Plumlee shown here.
https://youtu.be/Dp4iFjFGwCo?t=55

Luka locking up Kawhi one on one with the nice poke from behind - not sure if he gets credit for a steal there.
https://youtu.be/Dp4iFjFGwCo?t=417

one on one against Kawhi again forcing the tough contested jumper
https://youtu.be/Dp4iFjFGwCo?t=469

one on one against PG - again a tough contested 3 ball
https://youtu.be/Dp4iFjFGwCo?t=499

I mean if playoff Luka steps up in this way that's huge. We know he won't be perfect and he's not a lockdown defender by any means, but competing and not giving the other team easy looks - that's all you can ask for from him.

For reals. He had some big moments defensively last night. It really cant be any other way going forward.

[saclare]

Beautiful, hard-nosed game. So fun to watch.

If I'm being nitpicky, I want a little more efficiency from Luka and Kai, but overall that's hard to do against this Clippers team.

Big shouts to PJ and Maxi. Green and Lively big impacts, as well. Have to have our role players continue to step up.

My biggest gripe still lies with Kidd. Simply outclassed out of timeout and sets/actions by Lue. Led to a few easy buckets/looks they didn't make. Have to cut down on those or adjust as those can absolutely determine a game.

That being said, a BIG credit to Kidd for the defensive schemes and getting the team to buy into it all. It's obvious that the guys are all-in with Kidd on this run and I'm hoping the run lasts all the way.

LGM

[DevinHarriswillstart]

I'm glad Kawhi played because no excuses, and it helps the team grow. Look at how tough the west is. You need to be prepared to move forward. No easy outs.

Guys like PJ and Gafford need to step up in every game here out.

I think I'm starting Lively though mainly because of Zubac's size. He just gives Gafford too much heat.

[Melonhead]

I expect Gafford to start game 3. Especially for moral purposes, I?m not going away from what got us 16-2. Lively was being asked to do too much alone and hit a rough spot right around when Gaff came in.

Plus I don?t want lively to start and get two quick fouls or something because I do think he?s more versatile and we will need him in second halves. I?d rather Gafford be in that spot.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Yes, THJ's lack of handling really hurts the team. But it's his unawareness of things he can't do that makes it so bad. If he just played within his limits, then he could be a contributor.

We really need his shooting off the bench though. Or Exum. Or Green. Someone needs to provide scoring off the bench.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Gafford questionable for tomorrow. Didn't practice. Doesn't look good for him to play.

THJ is OUT with ankle sprain.

[Melonhead]

Fuck I guess Lively is starting in that case.

[Melonhead]

Lord I do not want to see Powell. Give me Morris before him

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Omax is out as well. Ugh.

[EricaLubarsky]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCBbxjwSboQ

[blessednegr0]

We ready for this game? I already got the beer flowing! This is make or break time.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

"We" are ready. Is the team? No excuses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't bitch to the refs. Don't fall for tricks. Don't come out flat.

Play that same lock down defense you played in game 2.

Gafford is a game time decision.

[blessednegr0]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

"We" are ready. Is the team? No excuses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't bitch to the refs. Don't fall for tricks. Don't come out flat.

Play that same lock down defense you played in game 2.

Gafford is a game time decision.

Let's go baby!!! I am feeling good about this one.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Kahwi is a go. Good, no excuses. F'em.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

And Gafford is available per Afseth. Lol, sorry about the multiple posts but this stuff is coming in hot and fast.