Mavs vs Spurs on B2B night Start time: 7:30 p.m. CT or 8:30 p.m. ET(Season game 8) - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

Dallas41 · 11-03-2021, 02:34 PM

The Mavericks are right back in action on Wednesday night as they travel to San Antonio to face the Spurs on the second night of a back-to-back. Dallas won the first meeting of the season between the two teams behind a 25-point night from Luka.

How to watch: Bally Sports Southwest- Dallas (Mavs local market), Bally Sports Southwest- San Antonio (Spurs local market)

Watch online: NBA League Pass

The Mavs will be without Maxi Kleber on Wednesday night as he is dealing with an oblique injury. Coach Jason Kidd offered a positive update on Kristaps Porzingis heading into Tuesday’s game, but Dallas did not release an official injury report.

Dallas41 · 11-03-2021, 02:38 PM

Brunson - backup ball handler or starting scorer?
Whether or not Porzingis is playing will of course have huge implications here, but it’s also worth noting the recent move Kidd has made to his starting lineup. With Porzingis out, he pivoted away from the two-big lineup Dallas was running with in the opening games. Instead, Powell was the lone big, opening up a spot for Brunson to start.

Many may have thought Reggie Bullock would’ve been the obvious addition to the starting five based on his starting role for the Knicks, but Brunson has been on an absolute tear early this season. His play coming off the bench was the spark that led to wins against the Rockets and Spurs, and he played probably his best game of the season as a starter last night against the Heat.

After failing to add a secondary ball handler in the offseason, there was some level of hope that Jalen Brunson would end up being that player. It’s certainly a role he’s been tasked with before. However, with the Mavs in need of some offensive punch, there’s evidence that the best way to bolster that end of the floor is to played Brunson with Luka as opposed to used Jalen to hold down the fort while Doncic sits.

SMC0007 · 11-03-2021, 03:51 PM

I'm wondering if Jalen starting was to put pressure on Lowry to defend and have someone to chase him around. After last night, I think he deserves another shot next to Luka. Jalen being in the S5 is easier to handle because of the emergence of Frankie. He has proven to be a trustworthy back up PG or SG.

At this point I was wrong about Bullock being a starter, it's still early but I didn't think it would take too long before he replaced DFS in the S5. But it's clear that DFS has a looooooooong leash. Neither of them can dribble but for me the guy who is shooting better from the perimeter would be who I started. With 2 distributors on the court, you can't waste opportunities having guys tossing up open bricks. Both missed some timely wide open 3's last night.

Hopefully KP can play tonight.

tap2390 · 11-03-2021, 04:48 PM

I will be first row behind the Mavs bench in a Slovenia jersey — let me know if you spot me.

Melonhead · 11-03-2021, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tap2390

I will be first row behind the Mavs bench in a Slovenia jersey — let me know if you spot me.

If it’s white I see ya

tap2390 · 11-03-2021, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melonhead

If it’s white I see ya

‘Twas I, tap2390. Don’t stalk me now.

tap2390 · 11-03-2021, 11:42 PM

Luka was outplayed by Brunson, but I really don’t think the +/- numbers tell the whole story. At one point Luka was out there with Brown, WCS, and Ntlikina. Like wtf can he do with that?

Brunson and Boban were the reason we won that game. Powell also started very strong. Luka is so much better with a legit roll man. For all the flak Powell gets, he sets great screens and catches lobs (usually).

Dallas41 · 11-03-2021, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMC0007

I'm wondering if Jalen starting was to put pressure on Lowry to defend and have someone to chase him around. After last night, I think he deserves another shot next to Luka. Jalen being in the S5 is easier to handle because of the emergence of Frankie. He has proven to be a trustworthy back up PG or SG.

At this point I was wrong about Bullock being a starter, it's still early but I didn't think it would take too long before he replaced DFS in the S5. But it's clear that DFS has a looooooooong leash. Neither of them can dribble but for me the guy who is shooting better from the perimeter would be who I started. With 2 distributors on the court, you can't waste opportunities having guys tossing up open bricks. Both missed some timely wide open 3's last night.

Hopefully KP can play tonight.

I mentioned in last night thread that moving forward they should start Luka, Brunson, DFS, Kleber and KP

THJ needs to go back to being the 6th man and Frank can be the backup PG now

FreshJive · 11-03-2021, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dallas41

I mentioned in last night thread that moving forward they should start Luka, Brunson, DFS, Kleber and KP

THJ needs to go back to being the 6th man and Frank can be the backup PG now

I like this, if Frank and thj can handle the back up ball handling and playmaking duties for a few minutes at a time. Luka and Brunson can be staggered with the substitution patterns. Brunson is definitely earning the same amount of minutes as thj.

turin · 11-03-2021, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreshJive

I like this, if Frank and thj can handle the back up ball handling and playmaking duties for a few minutes at a time. Luka and Brunson can be staggered with the substitution patterns. Brunson is definitely earning the same amount of minutes as thj.

Luka and Brunson starting together are not a successful playoff duo imo due to defensive issues. Frank is better with Luka imo, so I'd be looking to trade Brunson in a package for another non-guard starter.

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FreshJive · 11-03-2021, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turin

Luka and Brunson starting together are not a successful playoff duo imo due to defensive issues. Frank is better with Luka imo, so I'd be looking to trade Brunson in a package for another non-guard starter.

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Brunson is the only player on the team that can help Luka with shot creation and playmaking. They can’t get rid of him without getting another one like him.

turin · 11-03-2021, 05:55 PM

I honestly wouldn't mind Frankie starting with Luka and having both JB and THJ come in with 2nd team, but our bigs are a trainwreck.

Anybody other than DP or WCS can start as far as I'm concerned.

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Dallas41 · 11-03-2021, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turin

I honestly wouldn't mind Frankie starting with Luka and having both JB and THJ come in with 2nd team, but our bigs are a trainwreck.

Anybody other than DP or WCS can start as far as I'm concerned.

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Yeah Powell and WCS have both been weak links this year.

But I think WCS has the ability to to play better in limited minutes and he's shown in the past he can be at least a good defender.

Powell on the other hand simply needs to be used like an emergency energy player only.

Dude has no lift at all anymore which was the biggest part of his game as a rim runner.

turin · 11-03-2021, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dallas41

Yeah Powell and WCS have both been weak links this year.

But I think WCS has the ability to to play better in limited minutes and he's shown in the past he can be at least a good defender.

Powell on the other hand simply needs to be used like an emergency energy player only.

Dude has no lift at all anymore which was the biggest part of his game as a rim runner.

I'm done with WCS. He is not going to improve, and he's not a solid piece for a successful future team. We've got a roster full of inconsistent 1 trick ponies. Give his minutes to Brown, and let's see what he can develop into by the end of the year.

WCS needs to be gone along with with everybody else not named Luka. Yes, I'd even trade Brunson. He's a smaller guard, so use his current hot play to see if you can get some more suitable talent for him; otherwise, he'll leave and the Mavs won't get zip for him. No way he stays here and plays in this shit show when he can go elsewhere for more money and a better situation. Somebody might even offer him a shot as a starter, and he's not a good defensive fit starting with Luka, and he certainly won't be beating out Luka here.

BPo001 · 11-03-2021, 06:41 PM

KP out.

EricaLubarsky · 11-03-2021, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPo001

KP out.

God I hate this situation so much.

Scoobay · 11-03-2021, 08:36 PM

If none of our other 3 and d guys are going to hit their threes then we should play josh more. Dfs has sucked donkeys from 3 this year.

Dallas41 · 11-03-2021, 08:42 PM

Luka at some point has to be more conservative with his passes.

The highlight reel pass is great at times when your up comfortably

Melonhead · 11-03-2021, 08:43 PM

I think we’ll see in the next few weeks the defense rankings go down.

Dallas41 · 11-03-2021, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melonhead

I think we’ll see in the next few weeks the defense rankings go down.

Depends if we can get both KP and Kleber back healthy playing together the rim protection would be much better.

But that is a big if of course them staying healthy

Dallas41 · 11-03-2021, 09:14 PM

Starting to really think Sterling Brown is going to be another poor FA addition

SMC0007 · 11-03-2021, 09:33 PM

Its not a foregone conclusion that Brunson will be ineffective in the playoffs. I think the Clips had really good long wings that can sag and help and it caused problems for him, as well as everyone else not named Luka.

That said, I don't mind if he's traded. When you got a young guy who could start elsewhere but is fringe here, you have to consider it a good option. Especially when you're about to have to lock him up or lose him. There is the chance that we have yet another guy who is overpaid and is not a big difference maker.

Scoobay · 11-03-2021, 09:43 PM

damn s brown's shot looks so broke...

Dallas41 · 11-03-2021, 09:50 PM

Powell with the great hands LOL

Scoobay · 11-03-2021, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dallas41

Powell with the great hands LOL

stone...

Scoobay · 11-03-2021, 09:47 PM

Brunson taking over down the stretch...

DevinHarriswillstart · 11-03-2021, 09:50 PM

Brunson has been our second best player and it's not even close.

Dallas41 · 11-03-2021, 09:51 PM

Should go back to Boban

Scoobay · 11-03-2021, 09:51 PM

powell has played some decent defense - murray hasn't been able to do shit on him when he switches

Scoobay · 11-03-2021, 09:54 PM

that was as shitty an inbounds "play" as i've ever seen with 5 seconds on the clock. seriously that's the best we could do is a luka half court shot?

Scoobay · 11-03-2021, 09:56 PM

will credit powell with the hustle play to get the offensive rebound and a clutch shot by JB.

Scoobay · 11-03-2021, 10:05 PM

that was a lousy intentional miss

EricaLubarsky · 11-03-2021, 10:07 PM

Whew win

Yet another game where Luka is team worst in +/-

Dallas41 · 11-03-2021, 10:08 PM

I'm just glad we got out of there with a Win

That missed Ft was scary

Budapest Maverick · 11-03-2021, 10:12 PM

We are very mediocre until we start hitting our threes at a 36-37% rate.

Dallas41 · 11-03-2021, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Budapest Maverick

We are very mediocre until we start hitting our threes at a 36-37% rate.

yeah and to think this team at one time used to house the likes of S.Curry and D.McDermott

Melonhead · 11-03-2021, 11:32 PM

Love watching nba tv highlights before calling it a night...

so many electrifying players in the league in almost every city but dallas

DevinHarriswillstart · 11-03-2021, 10:26 PM

Tim had a better game, but he has been subpar all season. Derozan would have changed everything.

Still, a win is a win. Brunson better get paid or at least trade him for a big upgrade.

tap2390 · 11-03-2021, 11:46 PM

By the way… after everything (new coaches, new system, KP/ Maxi hurt, Luka out of shape, etc.) we are #3 in the West. I don’t think we’re legit contenders, but I think we can make a run if the stars align.

saclare · 11-04-2021, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tap2390

By the way… after everything (new coaches, new system, KP/ Maxi hurt, Luka out of shape, etc.) we are #3 in the West. I don’t think we’re legit contenders, but I think we can make a run if the stars align.

Or if a move is made...but that could be a whole other thread come closer to the deadline.