2024 Playoffs Round 2: Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder - Page 8 - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

EricaLubarsky · 05-07-2024, 11:02 PM

But seriously, is Luka done?

Midseason he had a game like this and I was so disgusted, but I knew he'd bounce back and never have another game like that.

Then against the Clippers he shot 40.5% from the field and 24% from three FOR A SERIES

Then tonight he shot 32% and 13% from three.

BPo001 · 05-07-2024, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

But seriously, is Luka done?

Midseason he had a game like this and I was so disgusted, but I knew he'd bounce back and never have another game like that.

Then against the Clippers he shot 40.5% from the field and 24% from three FOR A SERIES

Then tonight he shot 32% and 13% from three.

He?s still capable of breaking down a defense and getting to his spots, or finding the right guy. He insists on the step back 3 though because it?s less energy.

SMC0007 · 05-08-2024, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPo001

He?s still capable of breaking down a defense and getting to his spots, or finding the right guy. He insists on the step back 3 though because it?s less energy.

Its takes less energy is fair assessment.

But Why? Yes hes hurt but he isnt play all that much differently. Hes just not making shots.

1) he isnt fit enough. Whatever mid level fitness he comes in with has always regressed back to even the fans talking about it. It became a trend to post pics of his offseason work outs and "slim Luka".

2) he plays too long of stretches while dominating the ball. The coach isnt doing him any favors in the management of his minutes. Take a guy who is wore out and basically oo shape, play him almost the entire 1st qtr. Rinse repeat for the rest of the game. If anything kyrie and Luka have to switch rotation patterns because Kai is fit, and typically starts off really slow while Luka depletes his tank and doesnt have time to refill during halftime.

3) He has had to do everything for so long now that it seems like an impossible habit to break. Luka ball. Coach will run this horse right into the ground too and 'next man up' isnt available because we dont have a fn offense. I'm concerned Luka is going to do damage playing these kind of minutes on a hurt knee. Last thing we need is lingering knee issues on our maxed out player who cant stay fit and typical gets run into the ground throught a season.

twistaeffect2004 · 05-07-2024, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

But seriously, is Luka done?

Midseason he had a game like this and I was so disgusted, but I knew he'd bounce back and never have another game like that.

Then against the Clippers he shot 40.5% from the field and 24% from three FOR A SERIES

Then tonight he shot 32% and 13% from three.

Fat Luka is done.

Mavs need to do their due diligence and shop Luka this offseason. These lower body injuries aren?t going to get better. He?s already shown he won?t get into optimal NBA condition? this will age poorly. The trade will likely be frowned upon but we?re not winning a title with Luka. It aint happening and you don?t want an overpaid fat boy with lower body concerns leading into his 30?s. It?ll sink this franchise for the next decade.

blessednegr0 · 05-07-2024, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twistaeffect2004

Fat Luka is done.

Mavs need to do their due diligence and shop Luka this offseason. These lower body injuries aren?t going to get better. He?s already shown he won?t get into optimal NBA condition? this will age poorly. The trade will likely be frowned upon but we?re not winning a title with Luka. It aint happening and you don?t want an overpaid fat boy with lower body concerns leading into his 30?s. It?ll sink this franchise for the next decade.

I wouldn't go that far. He needs to defer to Kyrie and let the healthier player take on the work load.

twistaeffect2004 · 05-07-2024, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blessednegr0

I wouldn't go that far. He needs to defer to Kyrie and let the healthier player take on the work load.

We win maybe one game if we let the ?others? steer this ship.

BPo001 · 05-07-2024, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twistaeffect2004

Fat Luka is done.

Mavs need to do their due diligence and shop Luka this offseason. These lower body injuries aren?t going to get better. He?s already shown he won?t get into optimal NBA condition? this will age poorly. The trade will likely be frowned upon but we?re not winning a title with Luka. It aint happening and you don?t want an overpaid fat boy with lower body concerns leading into his 30?s. It?ll sink this franchise for the next decade.

Stop it. He?s top 2 in MVP voting this year. You don?t trade players if that caliber.

twistaeffect2004 · 05-07-2024, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPo001

Stop it. He?s top 2 in MVP voting this year. You don?t trade players if that caliber.

Short sighted thinking. I don?t underestimate the talent of Luka. I do question his longevity in this league however. He?s never taken his diet or offseason regiment seriously. He?s never gotten himself into top tier optimal NBA shape. If he hasn?t yet then the odds are he won?t. With lower leg injuries popping up are we really not even going to ask the question? We?re just going to put our blinders on an accept the fact that he?s out of shape?

Bring LeBron in just to show this guy what it takes to train, and eat well go maintain a level of excellence for 20 years.

washedklean77 · 05-08-2024, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twistaeffect2004

Short sighted thinking. I don?t underestimate the talent of Luka. I do question his longevity in this league however. He?s never taken his diet or offseason regiment seriously. He?s never gotten himself into top tier optimal NBA shape. If he hasn?t yet then the odds are he won?t. With lower leg injuries popping up are we really not even going to ask the question? We?re just going to put our blinders on an accept the fact that he?s out of shape?

Bring LeBron in just to show this guy what it takes to train, and eat well go maintain a level of excellence for 20 years.

I've been saying this for years. Luka is the only superstar in NBA history that gains significant weight during an NBA season. (while most lose weight). To be in your early to mid 20's while burning the calories that he does each day clearly suggests that he's eating and drinking like absolute crap. Just the inflammation that he's experiencing in his joints due to operating in a caloric surplus (because this is how you gain weight) must make him feel like he's injured 24X7. I just find this to be incredibly unfortunate because he's paid very handsomely to be in shape - but he's not.

EricaLubarsky · 05-07-2024, 11:03 PM

Good news is May 13th, Luka can start rehabbing that knee.

Melonhead · 05-07-2024, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

Good news is May 13th, Luka can start rehabbing that knee.

Gotta get Slovenia into the Olympics so I guess maybe in august he can rehab. He has the capability to lead a team, but not if he?s going to continue to be this big which means more injuries as he gets older.

blessednegr0 · 05-07-2024, 11:03 PM

Why is Josh Green getting garbage minutes and not THJ?

BPo001 · 05-07-2024, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blessednegr0

Why is Josh Green getting garbage minutes and not THJ?

Seriously. Leave THJ in and see if he remembers how to shoot. Nothing else let him get some extra cardio after missing time.

DevinHarriswillstart · 05-08-2024, 07:19 AM

Holy shit there are some bad opinions. It was a bad loss, but maybe take a deep fucking breath.

Yes, let's trade Luka. Brilliant stuff. Go on...

Melonhead · 05-08-2024, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

Holy shit there are some bad opinions. It was a bad loss, but maybe take a deep fucking breath.

Yes, let's trade Luka. Brilliant stuff. Go on...

Averaged 38 mpg, lead the league in scoring.

SURE LETS TRADE HIM WHILE HE quote STILL HAS VALUE quote ???

Did we really wait until a better team handled the mavs in game 1 to drop this knowledge?

No giannis, no mitchell robinson, no julius randle, no zion, haliburton has been dealing with hamstring injury since january, no jarrett allen, no butler, Embiid played hobbled and theyre gone.

one thing they have in common they must be ALL FAT

washedklean77 · 05-08-2024, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melonhead

No giannis, no mitchell robinson, no julius randle, no zion, haliburton has been dealing with hamstring injury since january, no jarrett allen, no butler, Embiid played hobbled and theyre gone.

one thing they have in common they must be ALL FAT

This was Luka back in February. He's easily 10-15lbs lighter in this pic than he is today. He was never injured during the regular season, but somehow gained weight while burning a tremendous amount of calories each day via practice and games. He's absolutely more susceptible to injury carrying around excess weight - especially injury to his knees and ankles.

Regardless of how these playoffs pan out for the Mavs, one of Luka's success criterias for next season must be to enter the season in shape and remain in shape. He makes an S load of money to be an athlete and that includes the proper self care to support the job. Heck, I'm 47 years old and I'm in way better shape than Luka. (I'm an Ultra Endurance Athlete as I do 100+ mile Ultra Trail Marathons) I don't get paid to do it, but Luka does so he should have some pride in it.

Dallas41 · 05-09-2024, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by washedklean77

This was Luka back in February. He's easily 10-15lbs lighter in this pic than he is today. He was never injured during the regular season, but somehow gained weight while burning a tremendous amount of calories each day via practice and games. He's absolutely more susceptible to injury carrying around excess weight - especially injury to his knees and ankles.

Regardless of how these playoffs pan out for the Mavs, one of Luka's success criterias for next season must be to enter the season in shape and remain in shape. He makes an S load of money to be an athlete and that includes the proper self care to support the job. Heck, I'm 47 years old and I'm in way better shape than Luka. (I'm an Ultra Endurance Athlete as I do 100+ mile Ultra Trail Marathons) I don't get paid to do it, but Luka does so he should have some pride in it.

Speaking of in shape

That dude Josh hart is a machine

Dude has played 45+ minutes in every playoff game

That is absolutely incredible how he maintains that stamina

washedklean77 · 05-09-2024, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dallas41

Speaking of in shape

That dude Josh hart is a machine

Dude has played 45+ minutes in every playoff game

That is absolutely incredible how he maintains that stamina

Absolutely! He earns this through his lifestyle and commitment to self care - not via practice or the games. I just hope that Luka can be convicted by this sooner than later so he can maximize the remainder of his career.

You just never know about these Mavs. They could come out and drop the hammer on OKC tonight and shock us all!

DevinHarriswillstart · 05-08-2024, 07:26 AM

Here is where the "fat Luka" connected to the injury logic end...

Giannis is always in peak shape. Where was he? Lillard got an achilles injury and played one game. Out of shape? Anthony Davis has 20 injuries on a Tuesday. He is fat right?

I know this is hard to understand, but it doesn't matter what shape you're in when you have a sprained knee. Most of us wouldn't even be walking on it or barely doing much.

SMC0007 · 05-08-2024, 07:58 AM

https://twitter.com/GrantAfseth/stat...S0ws2tB7Q&s=19

saclare · 05-08-2024, 09:21 AM

Meh....deep breaths people...

I can't fucking stand SGA's game and it's going to be one long and annoying series if he continues to get the regular season foul call treatment. To go so drastically from a physical series with the Clippers, to all the basketball world fawning over the Timberwolves style of defense and physicality to...that? Horrendous product. Makes you want to give credit to conspiracy theories and scripts. I get that some of the fouls were just out of position or perhaps just bad defense, but man, some of that bullshit last night was unwatchable. The "foul" on Gafford? The 3 quickies for PJ, at least 1 of which was horseshit. But I digress, the Mavs simply didn't do enough for it to really matter in the end. Gotta hope the refs fall back to let these guys play. Hell, if fucking Lu Dort can play football out there, at least let us match it...

Still, this was on the Mavs and not being ready yet again for a game 1. I don't know what it is with this group of coaches and players, but it's going to bite them in the ass to have these slow starts and long stretches of just...meh...

Player of the game: Gafford by a mile.

Opposite of that: Lively looking like a rookie playing his first game. Truly awful performance from him in a game we needed it the most and a series we will need him to step up, especially without Maxi. He will even tell you he played like ass

Rebounding and turnovers. You simply can't lose the rebounding battle against OKC. The only real reason you would is lack of effort. I think there was some ownership of that in the postgame, but again, where the fuck is that for 100% of a series? Hell, gimme 100% of one game!

Still plenty of series left, but I'd surmise that the Mavs have to win game 2. It would be too much of a hole and OKC is good enough to snag one in Dallas. Have to come out swinging and aggressive, counter their bullshit full court "style" where there's plenty enough contact that if it were reversed, SGA would have 30 free throws...

EricaLubarsky · 05-08-2024, 03:17 PM

I think my emotional reaction last night was less about losing and more about how.

A healthy Luka would change everything. I don't mind losing. Out of twelve game-1s, only one lower seed won away from home and that one team is Minny, who may well be favorites to win it all (and a 2-3 matchup). Add to that refs known for home cooking, and we shouldn't have won.

The L isn't the issue. The issue is that we have a system completely based on Luka and Luka is already a shell of his former self at only 25. Playing well and losing is fine in my book. We salute the greater team and move on. It just really stings to lose playing poorly because of health.

DevinHarriswillstart · 05-08-2024, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

I think my emotional reaction last night was less about losing and more about how.

A healthy Luka would change everything. I don't mind losing. Out of twelve game-1s, only one lower seed won away from home and that one team is Minny, who may well be favorites to win it all (and a 2-3 matchup). Add to that refs known for home cooking, and we shouldn't have won.

The L isn't the issue. The issue is that we have a system completely based on Luka and Luka is already a shell of his former self at only 25. Playing well and losing is fine in my book. We salute the greater team and move on. It just really stings to lose playing poorly because of health.

And that's on the FO and coaches...not Luka. We've been screaming for help for years to lessen his minutes.

It was scary apparent when everyone sat at the end of the season how truly bad we are if Luka and Kyrie don't play.

Hey, if they're healthy, we're good. If not...welp.

SMC0007 · 05-08-2024, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

And that's on the FO and coaches...not Luka. We've been screaming for help for years to lessen his minutes.

It was scary apparent when everyone sat at the end of the season how truly bad we are if Luka and Kyrie don't play.

Hey, if they're healthy, we're good. If not...welp.

When we get help, we really dont change the gameplan or implement any significant change in offensive philosophy. Its just a lack of depth in coaching.

At this point, given the adjustments we lack during games and adjustments between games, I am almost forced to believe that the assistant coaches are doing most of the heavy lifting behind the scenes. A good head coach will listen to the other coaches, but why aren't we seeing these in-game adjustments?

DevinHarriswillstart · 05-08-2024, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMC0007

When we get help, we really dont change the gameplan or implement any significant change in offensive philosophy. Its just a lack of depth in coaching.

At this point, given the adjustments we lack during games and adjustments between games, I am almost forced to believe that the assistant coaches are doing most of the heavy lifting behind the scenes. A good head coach will listen to the other coaches, but why aren't we seeing these in-game adjustments?

It's weird because Kidd does a decent job on minute distribution but when it comes to altering effective lineups it's like wtf.

But hey, Kidd is extended and nobody died so...

SMC0007 · 05-08-2024, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

It's weird because Kidd does a decent job on minute distribution but when it comes to altering effective lineups it's like wtf.

But hey, Kidd is extended and nobody died so...

Well he is THJ ride or die and we all know you have to make it a supreme no brainer to pry a few of these guy out of the line up or trade them, otherwise he is using them when he shouldn't.

More than the effective lineups, I'm more concerned with how we cant adjust gameplans during games. We still dont execute pNr defense and drop coverage with any consistency. We still get burned in iso defense. We still have a few guys sagging way off giving up 3s too often. JB and THJ had been the worst in thr world at that and now we still have thj doing it...for years now. Oh...we kinda fn foul too much and its not just a lack of execution from the players.

LukaMagic · 05-09-2024, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricaLubarsky

I think my emotional reaction last night was less about losing and more about how.

A healthy Luka would change everything. I don't mind losing. Out of twelve game-1s, only one lower seed won away from home and that one team is Minny, who may well be favorites to win it all (and a 2-3 matchup). Add to that refs known for home cooking, and we shouldn't have won.

The L isn't the issue. The issue is that we have a system completely based on Luka and Luka is already a shell of his former self at only 25. Playing well and losing is fine in my book. We salute the greater team and move on. It just really stings to lose playing poorly because of health.

https://youtu.be/p-NnjxkZEXA

Good video here.

Melonhead · 05-08-2024, 04:50 PM

Outside of Luka's injury, this was the reason the mavs lost. Great breakdown video of their defense vs the thunder.

Tip: turn the volume down lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UIPytqqex0

blessednegr0 · 05-08-2024, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melonhead

Outside of Luka's injury, this was the reason the mavs lost. Great breakdown video of their defense vs the thunder.

Tip: turn the volume down lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UIPytqqex0

This was pretty spot on lol. THJ is the worst at getting out to shooters. I have no idea what he is doing half the time.

DevinHarriswillstart · 05-08-2024, 05:32 PM

LMAO yeah that super clear and obvious pic tells us everything about Luka being in shape.

Here is a pic of him vs the Clippers where he looks lean. See how silly such an argument is?

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FYgz...2150642344.jpg

Again, Luka is injured and injuries happen to the fittest of players. This is common sense.

If he was healthy, no matter his weight, he would be feasting.

SMC0007 · 05-08-2024, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

LMAO yeah that super clear and obvious pic tells us everything about Luka being in shape.

Here is a pic of him vs the Clippers where he looks lean. See how silly such an argument is?

https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FYgz...2150642344.jpg

Again, Luka is injured and injuries happen to the fittest of players. This is common sense.

If he was healthy, no matter his weight, he would be feasting.

Luka has apprantly been "feasting" all season, especially late night snacks. Lol.

Idk what washed77s picture is supposed to represent aside from what looks to be a slimer face, surely there were better examples to pull from. However, I think there are a lot of people that notice the fitness level and consitioning drop over the season.

Regardless, it's clear that Luka would be playing WAY better if he were healthy. What we dont know is how much better he would be playing if he also had elite fitness and maintained it year round because he hasnt done that yet.

DevinHarriswillstart · 05-08-2024, 06:04 PM

We're probably not winning this series. Did you see that pic of Lukas knee bleeding through the damn tape?

Even if we beat OKC, he won't be healthy enough against Wolves/Nuggets and then Boston. Not happening.

This really isn't pessimism. I'm oddly ok with it because what can you do? He isn't even 50% from my eyes.

ShaggyDirk · 05-08-2024, 07:28 PM

Reminds me of the series with San Antonio back in the day when Dirk went down with an ankle injury. Just had to play the games out and we had no chance.

DevinHarriswillstart · 05-08-2024, 07:32 PM

4 first place votes for Luka...

BPo001 · 05-08-2024, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

4 first place votes for Luka...

Wow. Didn?t expect Luka to be 3rd on the list. I think they really have too many people voting that have no reason to have a ballot. Like why does JJ Redick have a say in who wins MVP?

Melonhead · 05-08-2024, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPo001

Wow. Didn?t expect Luka to be 3rd on the list. I think they really have too many people voting that have no reason to have a ballot. Like why does JJ Redick have a say in who wins MVP?

Stephen A said he doesn?t have Luka in his top 5 lol

EricaLubarsky · 05-08-2024, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melonhead

Stephen A said he doesn?t have Luka in his top 5 lol

The A stands for Asshole

Melonhead · 05-08-2024, 09:50 PM

I do not miss Carlisle. Defense fell apart per usual. Couldn?t stop a cold.

Kidd still sucks defensively

SMC0007 · 05-09-2024, 08:00 AM

Must. Win. Tonight. We have to create that doubt in that young confident team. It will be a huge momentum swing to pull it off with a 60% Luka. Post Luka up at least 10 fn times.

Dallas41 · 05-09-2024, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMC0007

Must. Win. Tonight. We have to create that doubt in that young confident team. It will be a huge momentum swing to pull it off with a 60% Luka. Post Luka up at least 10 fn times.

This isn't going to be a popular opinion on here

But man I wish Luka mixed up his shot selection more like Jalen Brunson

Brunson very rarely takes a bad or forced shot. That's why his efficiency is so damn good especially late in games.

Dude has turned into such a fucking beast and he's constantly in attack mode playing aggressive.