**Official Luka Doncic Thread** - Page 838

TSonn · 05-26-2021, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KhalDrogo

All against the Clippers, with their supposed all-world wing defenders.

I honestly think Kawhi and PG are still elite wing defenders, there's just nothing much you can do against Luka. Play him 1v1 and he'll get to his spots and score 40+. Double team him and he'll get an open shot for a teammate 9 out of 10 times and still score 20+.

The best way to stop Luka has been to put a pesky defender on him all the way up and down the court but it seems like he's grown his game now to not let the effect him too much.

adam711 · 05-26-2021, 09:51 AM

Great win by Mavericks, definitely the right time to be peaking as a team (with the exception being Porzingis, but hopefully he steps up and swings at least one game). Mavs got a little too complacent halfway through the 4th quarter, starting to try to play not to lose, but luckily had enough solid possessions & shots to stay ahead. They need to continue throttling the gas pedal & try to close the Clippers out quickly.

TSonn · 05-26-2021, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adam711

Great win by Mavericks, definitely the right time to be peaking as a team (with the exception being Porzingis, but hopefully he steps up and swings at least one game). Mavs got a little too complacent halfway through the 4th quarter, starting to try to play not to lose, but luckily had enough solid possessions & shots to stay ahead. They need to continue throttling the gas pedal & try to close the Clippers out quickly.

I liked that after the Mavs got complacent and the lead went from 10 to 5, Luka said "I got this" and got the switch he wanted and took Beverly to the cup for 2 "easy" layups in a row.

I feel like in the past Luka might've kept chucking 3s or step back 2s.

dkcardman · 05-26-2021, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adam711

Great win by Mavericks, definitely the right time to be peaking as a team (with the exception being Porzingis, but hopefully he steps up and swings at least one game). Mavs got a little too complacent halfway through the 4th quarter, starting to try to play not to lose, but luckily had enough solid possessions & shots to stay ahead. They need to continue throttling the gas pedal & try to close the Clippers out quickly.

I dont understand the KP hate last night. He did have some lazy defensive stretches but he also hit some HUGE shots. I dont think they win last night without KP.

KhalDrogo · 05-26-2021, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSonn

I honestly think Kawhi and PG are still elite wing defenders, there's just nothing much you can do against Luka. Play him 1v1 and he'll get to his spots and score 40+. Double team him and he'll get an open shot for a teammate 9 out of 10 times and still score 20+.

The best way to stop Luka has been to put a pesky defender on him all the way up and down the court but it seems like he's grown his game now to not let the effect him too much.

THJ play has been huge. Most important player of the series. When Luka has just one guy who can reliably make shots, it opens up everything for him. Great to see.

GeechQuest · 05-26-2021, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KhalDrogo

THJ play has been huge. Most important player of the series. When Luka has just one guy who can reliably make shots, it opens up everything for him. Great to see.

Absolutely.

Luka is top-tier, but he cannot beat the Clippers by himself.

Seeing THJ get hot and help relieve Luka and let him work has been great to see, and I’m on the Clippers.

Luka is going to do Luka. He’s as consistent as they come and will always give you work. THJ is streaky as hell and always has been. If he can maintain this level, all the other teams in the West need to watch out.

drobfan8 · 05-26-2021, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkcardman

I dont understand the KP hate last night. He did have some lazy defensive stretches but he also hit some HUGE shots. I dont think they win last night without KP.

They don't.

Even Carlisle had the highest praise for the Zinger's defense. Along with Luka's.

I think the Clips win one of the next 2. Make it kinda interesting. But sheesh, Mavs could keep them down here and sweep.

Would be glorious.

rustywest · 05-26-2021, 10:19 AM

Luka is a great player. He is always going to be a problem!

If I were to strategize a game-plan in an 'attempt' to knock him off his game, I would need to put my biggest and best defender on him (he is huge) and obviously be as physical as possible with him in today's soft environment. Irritate him with the full court pressure, to get the ball out of his hands, and double team him whenever possible and bait him into shooting 3's. You have to pick your poison. You must also try to wall off his driving lanes so you need a paint presence. When he drives, you must foul him and hard (easier said than done with today's flagrant interpretation) because he can miss free throws. He is a very durable player but you have to attempt to wear him down...

But the dangerous thing about the Mav's is that they have a bevvy of shooter's who can kill you on any given night, Hardaway Jr, Kleber, Finney-Smith, Porny Boy, even Brunson. Looks like a very nicely constructed team to compliment Luka...

I was saying to my mate who is a massive Mav fan during Luka's rookie season, congrats mate... your team is a perennial playoff team for the next decade.

rustywest · 05-26-2021, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KhalDrogo

THJ play has been huge. Most important player of the series. When Luka has just one guy who can reliably make shots, it opens up everything for him. Great to see.

Rick Carlisle will be fired by weeks end

dkcardman · 05-26-2021, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustywest

Luka is a great player. He is always going to be a problem!

If I were to strategize a game-plan in an 'attempt' to knock him off his game, I would need to put my biggest and best defender on him (he is huge) and obviously be as physical as possible with him in today's soft environment. Irritate him with the full court pressure, to get the ball out of his hands, and double team him whenever possible and bait him into shooting 3's. You have to pick your poison. You must also try to wall off his driving lanes so you need a paint presence. When he drives, you must foul him and hard (easier said than done with today's flagrant interpretation) because he can miss free throws. He is a very durable player but you have to attempt to wear him down...

But the dangerous thing about the Mav's is that they have a bevvy of shooter's who can kill you on any given night, Hardaway Jr, Kleber, Finney-Smith, Porny Boy, even Brunson. Looks like a very nicely constructed team to compliment Luka...

I was saying to my mate who is a massive Mav fan during Luka's rookie season, congrats mate... your team is a perennial playoff team for the next decade.

That is what the Clips d did, especially in the first half. They were absolutely brutal on Luka and the Mavs still shot over 60% because Luka knew how to make them pay for harassing him. Then they tried to man up in the 2nd half and he still made them pay. Luka is just that good. Clups have no answer for him. However, the rest of the mavs had to make shots which they did so you have to give them credit as well.

TSonn · 05-26-2021, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KhalDrogo

THJ play has been huge. Most important player of the series. When Luka has just one guy who can reliably make shots, it opens up everything for him. Great to see.

Great point! Last night I was thinking Carlisle's move to put THJ in the starting line-up has been a huge boost. JRich ain't it but when THJ is hot - the whole offense cooks because Luka will use it.

At this point even when THJ is off they'll still have to honor his shot because he could get hot at any point and torch them.

Onepocketj · 05-26-2021, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkcardman

I dont understand the KP hate last night. He did have some lazy defensive stretches but he also hit some HUGE shots. I dont think they win last night without KP.

Really? He might as well have been a bullfighter and yelled "ole!" as everyone ran by him all night. He couldn't stop anyone. Even the announcers were saying how useless he was on defense. And he had 4 total rebounds for the game. Pretty useless as a big man IMO.

rustywest · 05-26-2021, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkcardman

That is what the Clips d did, especially in the first half. They were absolutely brutal on Luka and the Mavs still shot over 60% because Luka knew how to make them pay for harassing him. Then they tried to man up in the 2nd half and he still made them pay. Luka is just that good. Clups have no answer for him. However, the rest of the mavs had to make shots which they did so you have to give them credit as well.

He is a special player for sure.

And he's almost too savvy already for these tactics to work, scary considering his age.

Almost like the refs fluster him more than opponents...

Mavs are a very, very dangerous team. Porzingis can be a huuuge matchup nightmare too

I'd be a fan of them shaking up the status quo (despite not enjoying Cuban whatsoever

) .

rustywest · 05-26-2021, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onepocketj

Really? He might as well have been a bullfighter and yelled "ole!" as everyone ran by him all night. He couldn't stop anyone. Even the announcers were saying how useless he was on defense. And he had 4 total rebounds for the game. Pretty useless as a big man IMO.

No, not useless. He is a natural 4 and not a defensive anchor. It depends on who he is paired with, that's basketball.

Onepocketj · 05-26-2021, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustywest

No, not useless. He is a natural 4 and not a defensive anchor. It depends on who he is paired with, that's basketball.

Useless

adam711 · 05-26-2021, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkcardman

I dont understand the KP hate last night. He did have some lazy defensive stretches but he also hit some HUGE shots. I dont think they win last night without KP.

You're right, I didn't realize he was that efficient scoring, it was a very quiet 20 points. Definitely a big improvement from game 1, but I still think it is important for the Mavs for him to at least have one monster game, like 38/15, which he does every once in a while when healthy. The other guys aren't going to shoot lights out the whole series.

beavers · 05-26-2021, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onepocketj

Useless

20/9 with a career best FG% while also shooting 37.6% from 3 in a season where he is coming off of an injury and where the whole team was donkey dik with zero chemistry for a good chunk of the season is actually really freaking good. He definitely has weaknesses, but useless is just wrong.

adam711 · 05-26-2021, 11:16 AM

On an interesting gambling note, Clippers are +550 to win the West still, with the Mavs now +800. That's interesting, I would think they would be more or less the same odds with Clippers in an 0-2 hole. I do see a path of Dallas making it to the Finals with Mitchell's injury uncertainty, Lakers/Suns, etc. and might have to lay $100 on that.

TSonn · 05-26-2021, 11:23 AM

I was both impressive and terrified by KP last night. Made some really great defensive plays here and there but there was a stretch where LA was getting a switch and abusing him.

Willikn · 05-26-2021, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adam711

On an interesting gambling note, Clippers are +550 to win the West still, with the Mavs now +800. That's interesting, I would think they would be more or less the same odds with Clippers in an 0-2 hole. I do see a path of Dallas making it to the Finals with Mitchell's injury uncertainty, Lakers/Suns, etc. and might have to lay $100 on that.

I've got Mavs (+500)
Clippers (+800)

adam711 · 05-26-2021, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willikn

I've got Mavs (+500)
Clippers (+800)

DK Sportsbook is where I'm looking, makes me want to place the bet more now if others are showing your odds.

rustywest · 05-26-2021, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onepocketj

Useless

Goodbye

Onepocketj · 05-26-2021, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustywest

Goodbye

I'm not going anywhere but you have a good day.

mvp · 05-26-2021, 11:59 AM

I think we're going to learn more about how far this Dallas team will go in the playoffs when then find themselves 8 - 12 points behind on the scoreboard. They've shown up with all the energy so far and executed really well, and that's kept them ahead for all but 15 - 20 minutes of the whole series.

When a few shots that would normally go in don't, and they have to claw themselves out of a tough situation, that's when we'll see if the Mavs are really built for the playoffs.

I always liked the Clippers match up. If we're not heading back to LA at least one game away from the second round, I'll be pretty disappointed. I'd prefer not to head back at all, but - and this sounds crazy - Dallas at home makes me kind of nervous.

dkcardman · 05-26-2021, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onepocketj

Useless

KP shot 8-12, 3 of 4 from 3, 3 steals 2 blocks and zero turnovers. There is no planet where that is useless. If you want him to dominate the boards and the inside, your misusing him. Dude, if he was a lock down defender like you expect him to be, he'd go from useless to one of the best players in the league. He is not a superstar, #2, max salary player, but he is a nice complentary piece when healthy.

05-26-2021, 11:59 AM	#20949
mvp Member Join Date: Nov 2019 Posts: 783 diamond_d7	I think we're going to learn more about how far this Dallas team will go in the playoffs when then find themselves 8 - 12 points behind on the scoreboard. They've shown up with all the energy so far and executed really well, and that's kept them ahead for all but 15 - 20 minutes of the whole series. When a few shots that would normally go in don't, and they have to claw themselves out of a tough situation, that's when we'll see if the Mavs are really built for the playoffs. I always liked the Clippers match up. If we're not heading back to LA at least one game away from the second round, I'll be pretty disappointed. I'd prefer not to head back at all, but - and this sounds crazy - Dallas at home makes me kind of nervous. __________________ Looking for Josh Green rookies

05-26-2021, 09:51 AM	#20927
adam711 Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 731	Great win by Mavericks, definitely the right time to be peaking as a team (with the exception being Porzingis, but hopefully he steps up and swings at least one game). Mavs got a little too complacent halfway through the 4th quarter, starting to try to play not to lose, but luckily had enough solid possessions & shots to stay ahead. They need to continue throttling the gas pedal & try to close the Clippers out quickly.

05-26-2021, 10:19 AM	#20933
rustywest Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Posts: 2,694	Luka is a great player. He is always going to be a problem! If I were to strategize a game-plan in an 'attempt' to knock him off his game, I would need to put my biggest and best defender on him (he is huge) and obviously be as physical as possible with him in today's soft environment. Irritate him with the full court pressure, to get the ball out of his hands, and double team him whenever possible and bait him into shooting 3's. You have to pick your poison. You must also try to wall off his driving lanes so you need a paint presence. When he drives, you must foul him and hard (easier said than done with today's flagrant interpretation) because he can miss free throws. He is a very durable player but you have to attempt to wear him down... But the dangerous thing about the Mav's is that they have a bevvy of shooter's who can kill you on any given night, Hardaway Jr, Kleber, Finney-Smith, Porny Boy, even Brunson. Looks like a very nicely constructed team to compliment Luka... I was saying to my mate who is a massive Mav fan during Luka's rookie season, congrats mate... your team is a perennial playoff team for the next decade.

05-26-2021, 11:16 AM	#20943
adam711 Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Posts: 731	On an interesting gambling note, Clippers are +550 to win the West still, with the Mavs now +800. That's interesting, I would think they would be more or less the same odds with Clippers in an 0-2 hole. I do see a path of Dallas making it to the Finals with Mitchell's injury uncertainty, Lakers/Suns, etc. and might have to lay $100 on that.

05-26-2021, 11:23 AM	#20944
TSonn Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Michigan Posts: 5,995 TSonnMI	I was both impressive and terrified by KP last night. Made some really great defensive plays here and there but there was a stretch where LA was getting a switch and abusing him.