2024 Playoffs Rd 1 Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers

[Melonhead]

Kawhi was at shootaround.

The line quickly moved from Mavs favored -1.5 to Mavs dogs at +1.5

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Not feeling great about this game either especially with how lower seeds are faring.

We'll make it a game, but the Clippers out coach and out talent us espeically if Kawhi plays.

[Dallas41]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

Jokic is great.

In other news... we have a game to win tonight and we need our MVP to step into his all-time great shoes and get it done.

That move jokic put on AD late in that game last night was sick to draw the and 1

[Melonhead]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Not feeling great about this game either especially with how lower seeds are faring.

We'll make it a game, but the Clippers out coach and out talent us espeically if Kawhi plays.

Agreed, I see a close loss. Its going to come down to how Luka starts and the ball not sticking.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

It's weird, every other year I'm fuming, but I just don't care as much this time around. Maybe I'm getting old...

But mostly I think it's because we don't have a lot of FA drama this summer and can build something with this team. We're not desperate for anything anymore other than maybe a third reliable scorer.

[Melonhead]

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

It's weird, every other year I'm fuming, but I just don't care as much this time around. Maybe I'm getting old...

But mostly I think it's because we don't have a lot of FA drama this summer and can build something with this team. We're not desperate for anything anymore other than maybe a third reliable scorer.

this is the most stressed ive been for mavs playoffs since 2011. because it feels real that they have a near complete team.

and i know we talk about injuries wrt Kyrie but this was the most games hes played in 5 seasons. even playing 58 games was a miracle for him and im not expecting him to beat that number next season.

[saclare]

Luka and Kyrie kick it up a notch.

I'm also not at all afraid of Kawhi and whenever he returns. I think the version of the Clippers we saw Sunday is much better than with a hobbled Kawhi. You cannot convince me he's 100% and won't get hunted for every switch. At the minimum, his conditioning can't be close after all this time off the knee. Wear him down and the rotation shock of him coming back negatively affects the Clippers.

[Kidd Karma]

Originally Posted by saclare

Luka and Kyrie kick it up a notch.

I'm also not at all afraid of Kawhi and whenever he returns. I think the version of the Clippers we saw Sunday is much better than with a hobbled Kawhi. You cannot convince me he's 100% and won't get hunted for every switch. At the minimum, his conditioning can't be close after all this time off the knee. Wear him down and the rotation shock of him coming back negatively affects the Clippers.

Agreed, Kawhi, won't be much of a difference, we scored 8 points in the 2nd quarter. We shot ourselves in the foot. Then when you do that, got to play catch up the rest of the way.

Harden 8-11 on 3's, a career 36% from distance, will clang a few of those the rest of the way. He was their key to the Game 1 win.

[purplefrog]

Originally Posted by Kidd Karma

Agreed, Kawhi, won't be much of a difference, we scored 8 points in the 2nd quarter. We shot ourselves in the foot. Then when you do that, got to play catch up the rest of the way.

Harden 8-11 on 3's, a career 36% from distance, will clang a few of those the rest of the way. He was their key to the Game 1 win.

Another concern is Zubac vs. Gafford/Lively.
Zubac gets 20pts and 15 rebounds. Gafford/Lively score 6 and grab 4 boards.

Mavs can't let Zubac push around their interior players. If Game 2 starts to look the same in this regard, Kidd should substitute Morris in at the 5 as an enforcer for 5-7 minutes just to get IZ rattled a bit. Gafford should be able to do that, but for whatever reason it didn't happen on Sunday. Same for whoever is guarding Westbrook. If you let those guys bully you, then the whole Clippers team gets energized. Mavs need to come out strong and land the first punch (so to speak).

[saclare]

Originally Posted by Kidd Karma

Agreed, Kawhi, won't be much of a difference, we scored 8 points in the 2nd quarter. We shot ourselves in the foot. Then when you do that, got to play catch up the rest of the way.

Harden 8-11 on 3's, a career 36% from distance, will clang a few of those the rest of the way. He was their key to the Game 1 win.

For sure, I'd also add PG to that since he banked in a couple, and let's not forget Westbrick will return to form. But I do think they played with more flow without Kawhi and that helps all 3 of those guys, IMO

Originally Posted by purplefrog

Another concern is Zubac vs. Gafford/Lively.
Zubac gets 20pts and 15 rebounds. Gafford/Lively score 6 and grab 4 boards.

Mavs can't let Zubac push around their interior players. If Game 2 starts to look the same in this regard, Kidd should substitute Morris in at the 5 as an enforcer for 5-7 minutes just to get IZ rattled a bit. Gafford should be able to do that, but for whatever reason it didn't happen on Sunday. Same for whoever is guarding Westbrook. If you let those guys bully you, then the whole Clippers team gets energized. Mavs need to come out strong and land the first punch (so to speak).

Zubac was getting way too much position early on. Not too many centers can contain that size starting at the block. Gafford was one of the only guys to take public accountability so I trust he will be fine.

Both guys seemed to be selling out on defense and put themselves out of position for a rebound. Led to a number of putbacks so I'm hoping they also adjust that. I'd love some Morris and like that idea.

I think Mavs come out with a fire. You guys may even see me on here since my wife definitely won't stay up for this one! lol

[Kidd Karma]

Originally Posted by saclare

For sure, I'd also add PG to that since he banked in a couple, and let's not forget Westbrick will return to form. But I do think they played with more flow without Kawhi and that helps all 3 of those guys, IMO



Zubac was getting way too much position early on. Not too many centers can contain that size starting at the block. Gafford was one of the only guys to take public accountability so I trust he will be fine.

Both guys seemed to be selling out on defense and put themselves out of position for a rebound. Led to a number of putbacks so I'm hoping they also adjust that. I'd love some Morris and like that idea.

I think Mavs come out with a fire. You guys may even see me on here since my wife definitely won't stay up for this one! lol

True, the ball was moving around the floor so fast, a lot less dribbling, a lot less time for defenders to make up ground. Kawhi in there with his claw isolated on the elbow, watching the shot clock dwindle.

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Kahwi is a game time decision but probably playing.

[Melonhead]

Zubac 2 fouls let?s go

[Melonhead]

Clippers decided to turn it back to January level play. They look so good defensively after being one of the worst last few weeks of the season

[Melonhead]

Idk man Luka still doesn?t look right

[Melonhead]

PJ 2 fouls fuck

[SMC0007]

Originally Posted by purplefrog

Another concern is Zubac vs. Gafford/Lively.
Zubac gets 20pts and 15 rebounds. Gafford/Lively score 6 and grab 4 boards.

Mavs can't let Zubac push around their interior players. If Game 2 starts to look the same in this regard, Kidd should substitute Morris in at the 5 as an enforcer for 5-7 minutes just to get IZ rattled a bit. Gafford should be able to do that, but for whatever reason it didn't happen on Sunday. Same for whoever is guarding Westbrook. If you let those guys bully you, then the whole Clippers team gets energized. Mavs need to come out strong and land the first punch (so to speak).

I think you just have to let them guard zubac 1v1. If he goes off and they want to cater their offense around it, go ahead. Just dont get in foul trouble trying to defend him. They have too many other weapons to stick with that. Last game we played right into their hand by doubling and leavi g others open. Then we were sent scrambling.

[Melonhead]

Size is clearly bothering Kyrie he?s damn near invisible out there

[EricaLubarsky]

Kyrie is Mr. fourth quarter. His whole career, he's struggled in the first quarters.

Bad news is that Luka is Mr. second and third quarters. Defense is going to have to keep us alive and we need something from the supporting case while our starts are 0-5

[EricaLubarsky]

First Luka/Kyrie FG 7 minutes into the game and somehow have the lead

[Melonhead]

Doncic b2b jumpers heat up man

[Melonhead]

Gafford questionable to return. FUCK

[EricaLubarsky]

Kleber putting up excellent averages of 20% from the field and 0% from three

[Melonhead]

Maxi lol

[Melonhead]

Lfg Luka

[Melonhead]

Just a horrible lineup offensively there, Luka has no one to pass to that ll make a shot

[JTmoney2424]

Once again, supporting cast starts off terribly. Kleber literally given multiple shots on a platter and can?t make one. Brutal

[Melonhead]

Kinda hard to win with the new guys when hurt or foul trouble

[EricaLubarsky]

Luka 1-4 on are back threes but he hasn?t found one he won?t take

[EricaLubarsky]

4 blocks in a quarter? and none of them Gafford/Lively

[EricaLubarsky]

Could sure use more than 2TO and 1reb from Kai

[Melonhead]

Why does Luka look soooo unsure

So sloppy

[Melonhead]

I?m sorry man what the fuck is this offense. Luka dribble dribble no movement

[Melonhead]

Thank you Luka for driving and decisively floating it in.

[Dallas41]

A few guys are much better tonight particularly DJJ, Exum, PJ and Lively on the defensive end

[JTmoney2424]

PJ and Lively killing them on FTs

[Melonhead]

Kyrie let?s cook

[NeedlesKane]

Anyone have a good working stream?

[JTmoney2424]

Second time in a row Luka turns it over and just gives up on defense. Thankfully Mann missed that wide open 3. He needs to stay more engaged.

[SMC0007]

Really need to attack Zubac