RS 23/24 - Mavs @ Celtics (Frid., 7:30PMEST)

[Archx]

It was cool to see Lively making some plays.

For the life of me i can't undestand how Lively doesn't play more than 30 mins when he dominates on both ends of the floor. I honestly can't comprehend how they don't let him play and learn if he f*cks up. Are there any restriction on his minutes?

It's bad enough seeing Powell almost playing more than Gaff and then you have Maxi, doing nothing, matching Lively's minutes when he has a great game.

#Mavsnation thinks the same.

What can we do...

The biggest positive of the game was seeing Lively make some good plays in space against guards. That's very hopeful for the future.

On the other hand, we are living in a very strange period... a front office trades for a C one week. Everyone's excited and over the moon. And then the coach basically doesn't even try, he just assumes that "it is a shooting drill if we play our bigs against them".... A front office wouldnt trade for a guy if the guy would very quickly be labelled as someone who can't play in certain matchups. Surely there must another way...

I am hopeful people like Exum, Djjr play to the level they were playing before the injuries. And hey... THJr, Green sometimes have stretches. In an ideal world this can be a good team, gotta hope for lightning to strike and almost everyone to be shooting and playing well at the same time.

Yep agreed. The only thing worrying me at this point is the fact that we're sprinting to the finish line now, so room for mistakes has gotten insanely small. And if coaches haven't figured out by now how to maximize their players or lineups, there is little hope.

But like you said, hopefully Mavs can find a good stretch of games and go on another 5 or so winning streak and at least avoid play ins.

[AJace]

Everyone here seems to like Iztok so here's his thoughts on Gafford:

Read on Twitter

?t=Uc3iJRKy8ACkoAGrWj_MtA&s=19

Basically he has to play drop since be can't be out in space. Neither of these things are good and again this isn't a Maxi is great thing.



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Well, Lively had a great game and went 7/7 against whatever Boston was doing against him. Maybe Gafford would've too but we wouldn't know coz he played 6 freaking minutes. Mavs lost in rebounding, blocks, and even points in the paint against a team that shot 9 more threes. Gafford could've helped in all those areas coz Maxi definitely didn't.

[ejs78]

Everyone here seems to like Iztok so here's his thoughts on Gafford:

Read on Twitter

?t=Uc3iJRKy8ACkoAGrWj_MtA&s=19

Basically he has to play drop since be can't be out in space. Neither of these things are good and again this isn't a Maxi is great thing.



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Well, Lively had a great game and went 7/7 against whatever Boston was doing against him. Maybe Gafford would've too but we wouldn't know coz he played 6 freaking minutes. Mavs lost in rebounding, blocks, and even points in the paint against a team that shot 9 more threes. Gafford could've helped in all those areas coz Maxi definitely didn't.

Do you honestly think the Mavs win a game in which they lost by 28pts and the opponent shoots 50% from 3 if Gafford plays more?

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[Archx]

Do you honestly think the Mavs win a game in which they lost by 28pts and the opponent shoots 50% if Gafford plays more?

You keep forgetting that Mavs were within 2 pts before Kidd brought in THJ and Maxi eventually. Everything went downhill from that point on. I'm not saying Mavs would have won, we don't know that, but maybe they would at least stay competitive because Celtics kept playing smart with big guys entire game and were exploiting Mavs on all fronts.

Then you have brilliant statements from our coach like this one and you wonder why the hell are they even leaving them open? Why are they collapsing on the block if you know you'll get burned from all direction at the perimeter?

Read on Twitter

[AJace]

Everyone here seems to like Iztok so here's his thoughts on Gafford:

Read on Twitter

?t=Uc3iJRKy8ACkoAGrWj_MtA&s=19

Basically he has to play drop since be can't be out in space. Neither of these things are good and again this isn't a Maxi is great thing.



Sent from my SM-G960U using RealGM Forums mobile app

Well, Lively had a great game and went 7/7 against whatever Boston was doing against him. Maybe Gafford would've too but we wouldn't know coz he played 6 freaking minutes. Mavs lost in rebounding, blocks, and even points in the paint against a team that shot 9 more threes. Gafford could've helped in all those areas coz Maxi definitely didn't.

Do you honestly think the Mavs win a game in which they lost by 28pts and the opponent shoots 50% from 3 if Gafford plays more?

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You're clearly missing the point because the issue here is more than just this one game. The issue is Kidd is so clearly obsessed with the so-called "intangibles" that Kleber brings that he's willing to sacrifice certain tangibles. I mean, look. Maxi "ideally" is the perfect center. Can shoot the three. Can defend the perimeter. Can block shots. Well heck, that makes him even more ideal than a Jokic or Embiid lol. But we're living in reality where Kleber gives you 20+ minutes of minimal points, rebounds, and blocks. Give me a center that's ACTUALLY productive.

[41Dirk41]

Everyone here seems to like Iztok so here's his thoughts on Gafford:

Read on Twitter

?t=Uc3iJRKy8ACkoAGrWj_MtA&s=19

Basically he has to play drop since be can't be out in space. Neither of these things are good and again this isn't a Maxi is great thing.



Sent from my SM-G960U using RealGM Forums mobile app

Well, Lively had a great game and went 7/7 against whatever Boston was doing against him. Maybe Gafford would've too but we wouldn't know coz he played 6 freaking minutes. Mavs lost in rebounding, blocks, and even points in the paint against a team that shot 9 more threes. Gafford could've helped in all those areas coz Maxi definitely didn't.

Do you honestly think the Mavs win a game in which they lost by 28pts and the opponent shoots 50% from 3 if Gafford plays more?

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It's not about win or lose game, Boston is a better team for sure but that small lineup in the of the 3rd killed our chances... I remember the same discussions when Powell played big minutes.

It's bad and stupid not playing with the best players or lineup we have mostly now with a very depth roster.

We are not a Championship team yet but Kidd gets worse every game...I'm reassured by the fact that Nico certainly doesn't appreciate this use of Gafford either so Kidd is digging his own grave

[Archx]

I'm reassured by the fact that Nico certainly doesn't appreciate this use of Gafford either so Kidd is digging his own grave

Wait until Mavs get into the playoffs again and Nico gives Kidd a new 3 year deal as a reward

[ejs78]

Well, Lively had a great game and went 7/7 against whatever Boston was doing against him. Maybe Gafford would've too but we wouldn't know coz he played 6 freaking minutes. Mavs lost in rebounding, blocks, and even points in the paint against a team that shot 9 more threes. Gafford could've helped in all those areas coz Maxi definitely didn't.

Do you honestly think the Mavs win a game in which they lost by 28pts and the opponent shoots 50% from 3 if Gafford plays more?

Sent from my SM-G960U using RealGM Forums mobile app

You're clearly missing the point because the issue here is more than just this one game. The issue is Kidd is so clearly obsessed with the so-called "intangibles" that Kleber brings that he's willing to sacrifice certain tangibles. I mean, look. Maxi "ideally" is the perfect center. Can shoot the three. Can defend the perimeter. Can block shots. Well heck, that makes him even more ideal than a Jokic or Embiid lol. But we're living in reality where Kleber gives you 20+ minutes of minimal points, rebounds, and blocks. Give me a center that's ACTUALLY productive.

No thats the point.

Youre out here acting like Gafford is prime Wilt and this game would have ended differently. This isnt a Maxi is great thread, but they did get the lead vs the Cavs with him out there before some major hot shooting took place. Do they get that lead if they play Gafford? The team has more options now and this likely what were going to see the rest of the season.

[41Dirk41]

I'm reassured by the fact that Nico certainly doesn't appreciate this use of Gafford either so Kidd is digging his own grave

Wait until Mavs get into the playoffs again and Nico gives Kidd a new 3 year deal as a reward

Naaaa Nico is not so stupid and mostly the new owners are not blind like Cuban.

They need to win and retain Luka because new casino area. Kidd is almost done.

[AJace]

Do you honestly think the Mavs win a game in which they lost by 28pts and the opponent shoots 50% from 3 if Gafford plays more?

Sent from my SM-G960U using RealGM Forums mobile app

You're clearly missing the point because the issue here is more than just this one game. The issue is Kidd is so clearly obsessed with the so-called "intangibles" that Kleber brings that he's willing to sacrifice certain tangibles. I mean, look. Maxi "ideally" is the perfect center. Can shoot the three. Can defend the perimeter. Can block shots. Well heck, that makes him even more ideal than a Jokic or Embiid lol. But we're living in reality where Kleber gives you 20+ minutes of minimal points, rebounds, and blocks. Give me a center that's ACTUALLY productive.

No thats the point.

Youre out here acting like Gafford is prime Wilt and this game would have ended differently. This isnt a Maxi is great thread, but they did get the lead vs the Cavs with him out there before some major hot shooting took place. Do they get that lead if they play Gafford? The team has more options now and this likely what were going to see the rest of the season.

What options? It's pretty clear that when all 3 guys are healthy, it's always Lively - Maxi - Gaff in that order. Heck there was even a game or two where Maxi was #1 LOL. A good coach knows how to utilize the tools at his disposal, not opt to use his lesser tools because he's clueless on how to use the better ones. Unless my center can switch into guards like Draymond or shoot the 3 like KAT, which Maxi is neither, not even close, then I'd rather have my center do what a center does, and that's give me rebounds, blocks, and rim-runs.

[ejs78]

You're clearly missing the point because the issue here is more than just this one game. The issue is Kidd is so clearly obsessed with the so-called "intangibles" that Kleber brings that he's willing to sacrifice certain tangibles. I mean, look. Maxi "ideally" is the perfect center. Can shoot the three. Can defend the perimeter. Can block shots. Well heck, that makes him even more ideal than a Jokic or Embiid lol. But we're living in reality where Kleber gives you 20+ minutes of minimal points, rebounds, and blocks. Give me a center that's ACTUALLY productive.

No thats the point.

Youre out here acting like Gafford is prime Wilt and this game would have ended differently. This isnt a Maxi is great thread, but they did get the lead vs the Cavs with him out there before some major hot shooting took place. Do they get that lead if they play Gafford? The team has more options now and this likely what were going to see the rest of the season.

What options? It's pretty clear that when all 3 guys are healthy, it's always Lively - Maxi - Gaff in that order. Heck there was even a game or two where Maxi was #1 LOL. A good coach knows how to utilize the tools at his disposal, not opt to use his lesser tools because he's clueless on how to use the better ones. Unless my center can switch into guards like Draymond or shoot the 3 like KAT, which Maxi is neither, not even close, then I'd rather have my center do what a center does, and that's give me rebounds, blocks, and rim-runs.

This is pretty easy to see

Boston best team in the league with a stretch 5
Cleveland a very good team with a more traditional center but a top ten 3pt shooting team
Toronto with a traditional center, but a bad 3 pt shooting team. If Maxi was available this game and played over Gafford this is the one to get mad at.

When your down 30 rim runs dont matter and when a team is shooting 50% from deep rebounding isnt going to be a big deal either.

[BliscoSantos]

No thats the point.

Youre out here acting like Gafford is prime Wilt and this game would have ended differently. This isnt a Maxi is great thread, but they did get the lead vs the Cavs with him out there before some major hot shooting took place. Do they get that lead if they play Gafford? The team has more options now and this likely what were going to see the rest of the season.

What options? It's pretty clear that when all 3 guys are healthy, it's always Lively - Maxi - Gaff in that order. Heck there was even a game or two where Maxi was #1 LOL. A good coach knows how to utilize the tools at his disposal, not opt to use his lesser tools because he's clueless on how to use the better ones. Unless my center can switch into guards like Draymond or shoot the 3 like KAT, which Maxi is neither, not even close, then I'd rather have my center do what a center does, and that's give me rebounds, blocks, and rim-runs.

This is pretty easy to see

Boston best team in the league with a stretch 5
Cleveland a very good team with a more traditional center but a top ten 3pt shooting team
Toronto with a traditional center, but a bad 3 pt shooting team. If Maxi was available this game and played over Gafford this is the one to get mad at.

When your down 30 rim runs dont matter and when a team is shooting 50% from deep rebounding isnt going to be a big deal either.

But you're concentrating only on defense...what about the offense...Maxi is simply a non factor when the three isn't falling...at least Gafford and Lively can finish under the basket

Btw, we can all be bothered by Luka's D, yet THJ is even worse... he's terrible and everytime he plays with Luka and Kai the opposing team goes on a run...stop playing THJ in the closimg lineups

[ejs78]

What options? It's pretty clear that when all 3 guys are healthy, it's always Lively - Maxi - Gaff in that order. Heck there was even a game or two where Maxi was #1 LOL. A good coach knows how to utilize the tools at his disposal, not opt to use his lesser tools because he's clueless on how to use the better ones. Unless my center can switch into guards like Draymond or shoot the 3 like KAT, which Maxi is neither, not even close, then I'd rather have my center do what a center does, and that's give me rebounds, blocks, and rim-runs.

This is pretty easy to see

Boston best team in the league with a stretch 5
Cleveland a very good team with a more traditional center but a top ten 3pt shooting team
Toronto with a traditional center, but a bad 3 pt shooting team. If Maxi was available this game and played over Gafford this is the one to get mad at.

When your down 30 rim runs dont matter and when a team is shooting 50% from deep rebounding isnt going to be a big deal either.

But you're concentrating only on defense...what about the offense...Maxi is simply a non factor when the three isn't falling...at least Gafford and Lively can finish under the basket

Btw, we can all be bothered by Luka's D, yet THJ is even worse... he's terrible and everytime he plays with Luka and Kai the opposing team goes on a run...stop playing THJ in the closimg lineups

When you're down 30 finishing under the basket isn't going to help. They also got the lead with Maxi out there vs the Cavs which prolly wasn't going to happen with Gafford out there

This is basically everyone needs to see the Mavs get blown out with a Gafford putting up a big line so they can ignore the score but go see see I told you Gafford is the answer

Again I'm happy they got Gafford, but also not going to get mad when a backup whos limitations are different than the other backups limitations doesn't play.

Philly doesn't have backup 5s that can stretch the floor and the aren't a good 3pt shooting team. Gafford should get more min here and if not I would question it.

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[daoneandonly]

There's no excusing it. Maxi should be the primary backup at the 4, and Gafford at the 5. Kidd is just too stupid to do so. We would have beaten Cleveland had he done so.

Also DJJ should be starting at SF, nit the bum of 2020

[BliscoSantos]

This is pretty easy to see

Boston best team in the league with a stretch 5
Cleveland a very good team with a more traditional center but a top ten 3pt shooting team
Toronto with a traditional center, but a bad 3 pt shooting team. If Maxi was available this game and played over Gafford this is the one to get mad at.

When your down 30 rim runs dont matter and when a team is shooting 50% from deep rebounding isnt going to be a big deal either.

But you're concentrating only on defense...what about the offense...Maxi is simply a non factor when the three isn't falling...at least Gafford and Lively can finish under the basket

Btw, we can all be bothered by Luka's D, yet THJ is even worse... he's terrible and everytime he plays with Luka and Kai the opposing team goes on a run...stop playing THJ in the closimg lineups

When you're down 30 finishing under the basket isn't going to help. They also got the lead with Maxi out there vs the Cavs which prolly wasn't going to happen with Gafford out there

This is basically everyone needs to see the Mavs get blown out with a Gafford putting up a big line so they can ignore the score but go see see I told you Gafford is the answer

Again I'm happy they got Gafford, but also not going to get mad when a backup whos limitations are different than the other backups limitations doesn't play.

Philly doesn't have backup 5s that can stretch the floor and the aren't a good 3pt shooting team. Gafford should get more min here and if not I would question it.

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You're talking about being down 30, but who played when the game was close ,before BOS made a run...who was the center when they made the difference,got away...they weren't able to defend or do anything on O, that's when BOS made a run...so what good did playing Maxi and THJ actually do if you couldn't defend or score??

[ChipotleWest]

It's going to be fun the next two and a half seasons watching Maxi play over Gafford. They both have the same contract length.

[tleikheen]

I watched Denver go into Boston where the Celtics hadnt loss a game all year and played big against them . The Nuggets say they play their game and dont worry what the other team wants to do.Nuggets led almost from start to finish.
Now I see Kidd say that boston has some troubles against smallball and say they have far and away the best BB record this year ....they dont have problems withHARDLy any teams.

Playing Maxi and THJ is playing small and trying to defend Mavs smallball is a losing battle to almost everyone here in this forum except to the one or two of Maxi's diehard defenders here.

I want to see MORE of the MAVS big lineups ,not LESS. See the Center position being ONLY Lively and Gafford and as soon as Exum is ready insert him over Green ,we need his length at the POA.

[ejs78]

I watched Denver go into Boston where the Celtics hadnt loss a game all year and played big against them . The Nuggets say they play their game and dont worry what the other team wants to do.Nuggets led almost from start to finish.
Now I see Kidd say that boston has some troubles against smallball and say they have far and away the best BB record this year ....they dont have problems withHARDLy any teams.

Playing Maxi and THJ is playing small and trying to defend Mavs smallball is a losing battle to almost everyone here in this forum except to the one or two of Maxi's diehard defenders here.

I want to see MORE of the MAVS big lineups ,not LESS. See the Center position being ONLY Lively and Gafford and as soon as Exum is ready insert him over Green ,we need his length at the POA.

This group is hilarious.

Not one time have I come out and said Maxi is this awesome player...not once. All I have said in certain matchups Gafford isnt going to play over Maxi and thats going to continue to happen regardless what what we all think. The 3pt avalanche was from the Cs was going to happen no matter who was out there as we also saw in the first half. Maybe in another game Kidd changes what he does and plays Gafford over Maxi. Like I said in a prior comment this group really wants to see the Mavs get blown out with a Gafford 15/15/2 blks so they can go see see what he can do and completely ignore the fact they lost. Also I never defended saying Timmy should be out there.

[ChipotleWest]

How is that working out Maxi guarding the 3? Asking for a friend.

I think I'd rather have 11 points and 8 rebounds a game.

And no I'm not saying we would have won this game, however I do believe we would have beat Cleveland if they switched minutes.

[ejs78]

How is that working out Maxi guarding the 3? Asking for a friend.

I think I'd rather have 11 points and 8 rebounds a game.

And no I'm not saying we would have this game, however I do believe we would have beat Cleveland if they switched minutes.

Why is this so hard to understand that Im not saying Maxi is an absolute solve. All I am doing is using the logic that alot of coaches around the league use. It doesnt help that Timmy is out there with Maxi which is prolly the bigger issue that needs to be addressed.