Mavs Check In, Too Much Luka?
After winning seven straight games the Mavs have lost their last two. Tuning in for the second time since the all star break, I wanted to see how the Mavs matched up against my #2 team in the East, the Cavs. Although it was a great game, Strus’ buzzer-beating dagger ended the night for the Mavs as they fell 121-119. Today, my take on the Mav's offense, some observations of the Cavs, and why Luka-centric ball is almost too much for me.
With Luka its the best of times and its the worst of times. Similar to Harden back in the day, I don’t like watching iso ball. Luka is so great but at times he has the ball and the rest of the court, his team included, sort of rocks to sleep. While generally he makes a great play, circus shot, or incredible step back three - I don't necessarily enjoy watching it.
Jokic-centric ball on the other hand is different. He has the ball in his hands most possessions if not every possession, but’s its the movement around him that I love. He looks like a big elephant, balancing the ball on his trunk, while the rest of the circus moves serendipitously around him! It's truly beautiful basketball. He’s in the middle of it all, but you’re always wondering what is going to happen next.
I’d like to see the Mavs incorporate more movement around Luka. Don’t just run two guards to the corner and then have Kyrie waiting in shooting position at the elbow. Do something crazy! Nuggets won a championship doing it.
Now, don’t get me wrong. As I was watching, thinking this, Luka had 28 pts. in the first half, ended with 45 pts., and was the reason his team was in the game altogether. Although Kyrie had 30, a lot of the other guys weren’t producing. Tim Hardaway Jr. didn’t score his first basket until midway through the 4th quarter, and he usually averages 17 pts./game.
The main thing I noticed about the Cavs was something Bill Simmons pointed out. Part of their struggle in the playoffs last year was having two bigs that weren’t intimidating as scorers. I could see this more with Allen and Mobley. Great defenders, pick and roll players, and have the ability to produce on offense, but neither are a ’threat’ on offense.
More of my suspicions with Garland were confirmed. I’m afraid he may be too nice and I’m not sure if he has that dog in him they will need for the playoffs. Incredible basketball player but stop being nice! I need him to be in peak form if Cleveland is going to be the #2 team in the East as I’ve predicted.
Spida had a great game, but it was ultimately the shooting of Strus in the 4th quarter that won Cleveland the game. Take away his 5 three pointers, 4 in a row at one point, and the Mavs walk away with a 10 pt. victory.
For the Mavs, there’s always next time, or the next day as they play again tonight against the Raptors. Luka-centric ball. You have to hate it and love it. Will it when a few playoff series? Probably. Will it will a championship? (Jordan Shrug).
Until next time.
