GDT: Mavs@Celtics

[sefant77]

Another easy win incoming after we totally ripped the Celtics in the famous Dwight Powell trade.

Keys to the game:
Dare Rondo to take jumper
After the first flop, take Pierce down so he finally really need a wheelchair
Fake tough douche Garnett is gloing to sh*t his pants against Zaza
Dirk should easily outplay Larry Bird
If you have to listen to the Celtics feed: Mute immediately

[Underdog]

@bobbykaralla: Mavs/Celtics tonight is a battle of top-8 defenses. That's a sentence you might not have expected to see this season, huh?

[sefant77]

Celtics leading the league in steals (Crowder almost averaging 3)
Tough perimeter defense, not so strong at the rim

[rimrocker]

Originally Posted by sefant77

Tough perimeter defense, not so strong at the rim

Celts or Mavs???

[minkbarn]

Here's a quick rundown on the Celtics:

They're a very unusual team in that they have no stars and no duds. They go 14 deep with legitimate NBA players, but none (probably) will play in this year's all star game.

Because of the depth, they're pretty well immune to injuries, foul trouble, and a compressed schedule. If a guy can't play, the next guy is on the same level. Their second unit is often better than their starters.

They have a somewhat imbalanced roaster, overloaded at power forward, and at guard.

Their big men are limited defensively with no substantial inside presence, except occasionally Amir Johnson, and rookie Jordan Mickey who won't be in uniform. But, their aggressive perimeter D is probably the best in the league with Smart, Bradley, and Crowder leading the way. Overall their defense can be very potent, though their defensive attack is untraditional, being led by the guard position.

The have only one great scorer, Isaiah Thomas, but everyone else can score in their own ways.

In the frontcourt, Sullinger is playing really well now, and Olynyk is doing some good things, though inconsistently. Zeller has been benched for now. David Lee is aging. Amir Johnson's been very solid. Jerebko routinely gives them a lift as a high-energy short-minute small-ball 4.

On the wing, Turner is playing some very solid ball recently.

All three of their rookies show promise in limited and inconsistent floor time. RJ Hunter has gotten the most time, has length, a good stroke, and a feel for the game. Terry Rozier has super speed, but hasn't played much. Mickey has hardly played at all, but has done great every time he's been on the court- regular season, preseason, and D league.


They play at a very fast pace.

Most importantly, Brad Stevens has shown himself to be a great coach in every aspect of that role.

Their future looks bright with unprotected first round picks coming from the Nets over the next three years (one's a pick swap).
Also they have a protected first rounder from Dallas this year, and a possible first rounder from Minnesota this year.
Plus there's a later pick coming down the road sometime from Memphis .

[mac222b]

Thanks minkbarn great stuff!

[CGM]

...the Keltics are 6-4... the Keltics have beaten a couple of "top" teams... the Keltics are playing at their historic court... but they still are the Keltics... the Mavs are 7-4... the Mavs have won games they should have lost, considering that the team does not have a top player at the center position and also considering that most of the games have been played without having the full team available... the Mavs have El Dirko.... Then, I like the Mavs' odds:

Mavs - 109
Kelts - 105

[EricaLubarsky]

Beating them would thank them for Rondo

Also, I want 20-10 from Powell

[DevinHarriswillstart]

Want to see Matthews step up. He needs to get a rhythm going.

Go Mavs!

[yahyes]

Boston beat the thunder last game. So the Mavs must not fall asleep. Let's extend the win streak eh.

[sefant77]

Originally Posted by yahyes

Boston beat the thunder last game. So the Mavs must not fall asleep. Let's extend the win streak eh.

Durant-less

[turin]

Toughest game in last 5 IMO. Go Mavs!

[turin]

Sheesh, not a promising start.

[BPo001]

Isiah Thomas is guarding Parsons. Why have we not posted him up yet?

[turin]

Smart vet play by Matthews. Hope those 3 made free throws get him going.

[sefant77]

we play like ass

[Bryan_Wilson]

I don't remember ever seeing Parsons(mav or rocket) shoot Mid range shots as frequently as he is these last two games. He looks rly comfortable tho.

[BPo001]

Getting run out of the building early.

[turin]

Ugly. What happened to ball movement and passing?

[yahyes]

Play them small ball

[turin]

Originally Posted by yahyes

Play them small ball

I'm thinking same with 3 guard line up

[Underdog]

Well, that certainly wasn't our best quarter of basketball...

[Melonhead]

I think we all seen this coming.

[Bryan_Wilson]

We are the kings of careless inbound passes.

[Skywalker]

Was cool to see that moment between Dirk and Olynyk at the end of the quarter

[turin]

is it just me or has Barea been underwhelming this year?

[yahyes]

Just gotta chip down the deficit a little here and there. Keep it single digits.

[sefant77]

so many wide open threes we are missing this season

[turin]

Parsons is afraid to pull the trigger tonight.

[yahyes]

Mavs need to make them take difficult shots

[NeedlesKane]

Man... I better not lose both bets! Come on Mavs. I believe in you!

[EricaLubarsky]

Can't play like we did against the Sixers and expect to win

[Skywalker]

So many missed fts

[Bryan_Wilson]

For a team full of shooters we sure have not shot the ball well at all to start this year. It's early in the season and guys who missed time are getting their legs but the misses are about as open as you will see in the NBA.

[Skywalker]

Wes hasn't showed up so far tonight

[Melonhead]

Nice little comeback if we can keep it under 10. Refs are definitely helping.

[turin]

Ball movement much better these last few possessions. Of Course, it doesn't hurt when they make a basket.

[yahyes]

Well they cut it into single digits first half

[Melonhead]

Cant have a let down 3rd quarter just because they have it at 9. Clean up their mistakes and they have a chance. Otherwise, its a loss.

[turin]

Start of third is going to be very important. I hope the Mavs start with good energy.