About last night... Win vs Kings

FINALLY the Mavericks get a win in the bubble! It wasn't a pretty one, but at this point I'll take it. Luka was dominant offensively and clamped up on defense on multiple possessions including a key defensive stop on Fox as he tried to knock down the game winner. As for the other Mavericks... combined they shot 32 % for the game; not ideal. One thing that skewed that number was KP's dreadful night from the three point line, so the other role players weren't 32% bad, but they still stunk it up shooting wise as the Mavs grab the win in OT shooting under 40% from the field and 22% from three.

Curry was out this game with a sore leg, so instead JJ (??????) got the start in his place. He was not good. I don't know why Rick gave him minutes after his starting stint, Father Time has clearly caught up to him and guarding one of the fastest players in the league in Fox was not going to mask that. There was no chance, in that position, for JJ to succeed. 

The kings started out red hot, hitting 9 threes in the first half, the mavericks couldn't keep up. The third quarter woes continued as the mavs missed 10 shots in a row, until Luka came to life. The mavericks hung around all game and got their first lead since the first quarter  ( up 4-3) in the fourth. Unfortunately KP fouled out of the game with around 4 minutes left to go. It was all on Lukas shoulders. He got some help from DFS, who for the first time since entering the bubble, looked like himself. Maxi also had a flash of what we are used to. Clamping up Fox on one end and hitting a three on the other. Luka defended Fox well, to send the game to overtime, where the mavericks exerted their will, winning 114-110. Ofcourse, Kings coach Luke Walton had something to say after the game after the mavs lead free throws 50-12 for the game. "I've never seen a 50 free-throw game before" he said. Sorry coach, but you actually participated in one of MANY 50 ft games as a laker. Yah know, when Kobe had 27 attempts at the line.... 

Anyways let's get into Lukas great game. 

Luka 

Luka ended the night with 34 pts 20 Reb 12 assists 2 blocks and shot 50% from the floor. Making him the youngest player ever to post a 30-20-10 game (I know, sounds like ESPN made up stat) He was impressive, and carried this team the whole way through. Right now, the best way for Luka to get 3 points is driving to the paint and getting an and 1 bucket. His 3 isn't there right now, you can see the maturity though. Last year he would have kept chucking, this year he knows to just body people around the rim. They cant stop him. Still, I think that Luka needs to realize... these dudes aren't on your level. You cannot rely on them to make these shots. I know that sometimes it is the smart play, or they are open. But if it's not KP, be selfish sometimes! 

DFS

Finney smith finally looked like he belonged late in the 4th and in OT. He defended well, got a ton of rebounds, hustled for offensive rebounds, and got his corner 3 shot back. He needs to continue this upward trend. Probably the most valuable piece the Mavs have on defense, and very helpful when he poses some sort of offensive threat. He ended with 16 points and 16 rebounds. Not great shooting numbers but his confidence is key, and it everything seemed to click late. It was a good game for him.  After the game he said, "we just kept battling and finding a way to win... I feel like we took a step forward today." 

Delon Wright

It’s time to have a serious conversation about Wright. He has shown flashes during his time here, that is, until people started questioning his role on the team. He was even beating Brunson out for minutes at one point! Supposed to be an aggressive X factor, I find myself screaming at the broadcast “GO UP WITH IT!” As he blows by his man to the right side of the paint. He refuses to shoot a 3 (might be the right choice) and refuses to relentlessly drive inside and finish on a consistent basis. 17 minutes, 0 points, 2 shots. On a night where another scorer was much needed he took  TWO shots. What exactly are you bringing to the team at this point Delon? 

I agree with DFS, I too feel like this was a very important win for the mavericks, mentally they got over the hump. If they lost this one, it'd keep that monkey on their back. Fans were saying they might not win EVER again!!! Really thought was a gutsy gritty ugly win. They fought till the end of the game and worked together to pull this one out instead of folding. A deserved win, even though we would all have liked it to be prettier. Luka really is that dude, and he's been locked in defensively so far. The three point shooting is concerning, for players like maxi. I’m not too worried about Seth and Hardaway jr., I think they figure it out. 

Tonight, the Suns beat the clippers on a Devin Booker buzzer beater. So... I guess that makes me feel better about losing to them... The rockets have been destroying everyone they play even the Bucks. (lost last night to Blazers) Take those as you want, they aren't bad losses because of the teams. They are bad losses because of the way the games happened. I believe this is going to be a turning point for the Mavs going forward, even if it was just against the Kings. Bring on the Clippers on an important game (for those who want to see the Nuggets first round) on Thursday night. 

The west is now interesting again with Rockets losing and Clippers losing. The nuggets can slide into 2, and the mavericks still have a chance to move up. The suns and Blazers clearly look like the best bubble BUBBLE teams.