About last night... Win vs Bucks

 THE Dallas Mavericks defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, holders of the best record in the NBA, last night 136-132 in OT. They did it despite shooting a measly 32% from three, having to rely on drives against the best defense in the NBA. They did it in the clutch, even after trailing by as much as 11 points in the game. I'll say it, the Mavs have found their groove in the Bubble. 

Luka wowed in primetime, scoring 36 points and a career high 19 assists as he notched his league leading 17th triple double. What impressed me most was that he scored the final 7 points to force overtime against the Bucks, two of those 7 came at the free-throw line, where Doncic has been inconsistent all year. He swished em both. Tie ballgame, lets go to OT. Luka is carrying himself differently, earning respect from stars around the league. He's chirping back when he bodies someone in the paint, and he's playing hard defense on the other end. As rick said, "he's getting better by the hour" and we are all witness. You can tell the team rallies behind him, not only because he is their most talented player but because he has become their leader. 21 year old, wonder boy. In the bubble, Luka is Averaging 33.4 ppg (3rd in bubble) 11.6 assists (1st) 11.6 rebounds (5th) 

It wasn't all luka though, KP contributed with 26 points on an off night from deep. He was able to fill in that bridge to the fourth quarter with Luka on the bench. One thing I have been liking is that he is spinning to drive from the post more over spinning to fade away. He looks like he's in great shape. 

DFS

DOE DOE! Like I said last game, he's back. Dorian Finney-Smith is 100% back. His shot was sweet, he rebounds on the offensive end like he's the matrix of old. DFS put up a career high 27 points, played great defense off ball and on ball, AND shot an incredible 50% from 3. WOOO baby, without him, we don't win this game. Luka will be the first to tell you that. DFS is confident on his drives and decision making, he's making all the right plays. There is nothing negative you can say about his game last night.

MAXI 

Kleber hit some clutch shots, especially from 3. This is really all we need from the guy. Play some tough defense on switches and nock down 8+ points. He scored 15 points on a 5-8 night. I would have liked to see his rebounding up, but overall a solid game from the German. 

Tim Hardaway JR. 

Good lord... we need our third scorer back. He has been consistent, only scoring 8 points again. Missing more shots than he's making and blowing open 3 pointers. The break has not done him well, after having a career season interrupted. I still have faith that he will pull it together, but he can't hit the three right now. Neither can Seth, who only scored two points. With these two not pulling their weight, it will be hard to beat anybody come playoff time. 

The Mavericks gave up a lot of runs in this game, luckily they were able to hang on for the win. They kept most of the role players in check, as our blueprint defensively calls for. Middleton had an efficient night scoring 21 points and 11 assists, Giannis was Giannis, what worries me is how a big bodied skilled center diced us up again. Brook Lopez is having an incredible bubble, but there is no reason he should be putting up 34 points, and knocking down 6 threes against us. It looked like the Mavericks were giving him those shots, not even bothering to contend with him, just like Zubac from the clippers game. Giannis is obviously the focus defensively, but you cannot forget about the big guy down low. 

Also, look at this fucking pass. Off hand, clutch time in a one possession game, with the MVP draped on you. NOBODY makes this play.