ROUND 1, GAME 1: Mavericks @ Clippers Saturday 1:30PM PDT

[esqtvd]

At times the emotionalism and hyperbole on this board gets to a point where some of us are discouraged from entering in at the risk of being attacked just because we do not see things the same way as someone else. Thank you for this last post and for the recent change of direction in this thread. Remember this is all fun right? We're supposed to be fans and hoping for the best right?

Yeah, but Paul George Sucks.

[NickP]

At times the emotionalism and hyperbole on this board gets to a point where some of us are discouraged from entering in at the risk of being attacked just because we do not see things the same way as someone else. Thank you for this last post and for the recent change of direction in this thread. Remember this is all fun right? We're supposed to be fans and hoping for the best right?

Yeah, but Paul George Sucks.

Noo. Really? I'm sure you didn't read he sucks on this board? I must have surely missed it.

[TrueLAfan]

Re: Paul George overall value discussion: Point Made.

Let's move on. We can discuss PG's actual play in Game 2 soon enough.

[wakelaunch1]

Beverly is ATM an overrated defensive player. We have to let Mann loose on Luka. Also we need to start Ibaka. If Beverly is not useful as a defender then he's plain useless. I want Rondo to see more minutes so he might as well start. We cannot have Luka give the ball and get it back posting a smaller guard. Kawhi needs to get more involved and play with more emotion. Let's what adjustments Lue has in store for game 2.

It has to be a combination of Kawhi and Mann on Luka. They are the only two athletic enough to stay with him. PG is just not good enough. He floats on defense. Aka nobody gets more big shots hit on them then PG. Zubac is useless in this series. His feet are too slow so he gives everyone an extra foot of space so they cant drive by him. And for Luka, thats like giving him supreme confidence.

[Quake Griffin]

At times the emotionalism and hyperbole on this board gets to a point where some of us are discouraged from entering in at the risk of being attacked just because we do not see things the same way as someone else. Thank you for this last post and for the recent change of direction in this thread. Remember this is all fun right? We're supposed to be fans and hoping for the best right?

There's nothing about this that has been fun as a fan.

No amount of "it's better than the Sterling years" is gonna rinse the stench off of choking and playoff failure. Getting texts and made fun of by your Laker fan friends IS NOT fun. I get it. Ha ha ha, it's just sports. It's not that serious. Yeah yeah yeah. Still not fun.

We need a poised and mentally strong team that can withstand playing with expectations and one that isn't going to cower just because Luka didn't kneel and kiss the lack of rings.

Nah. This aint fun at all and hasn't been in a while imo.

[Roscoe Sheed]

Kawhi and PG didn't play great, but they didn't play terrible either. Bottom line is the "others" need to step up.

I think that despite what they say to the media, the team feels enormous pressure after last season's choke job and the narrative that they intentionally lost their last 2 regular season games to avoid the Lakers.

Hopefully Lue isn't as stubborn as Doc regarding putting new faces in to see who can hit shots. If Jackson and Morris keep missing, he has to think of playing Mann and Kennard. At least Mann will produce something positive and Kennard is one of the best shooters in the NBA.

I don't watch Miami enough to compare- but they manage to play Duncan Robinson at least 30 minutes a game. Is Kennard that much worse of a defender that he can't even see the court?

[MartinToVaught]

Is Kennard that much worse of a defender that he can't even see the court?

Not only is Kennard Reggie-level bad on defense, he also plays timid and is afraid to shoot against any decent opponent, which nullifies his strengths as a player.

[Clemenza]

Kawhi and PG didn't play great, but they didn't play terrible either. Bottom line is the "others" need to step up.

I think that despite what they say to the media, the team feels enormous pressure after last season's choke job and the narrative that they intentionally lost their last 2 regular season games to avoid the Lakers.

Hopefully Lue isn't as stubborn as Doc regarding putting new faces in to see who can hit shots. If Jackson and Morris keep missing, he has to think of playing Mann and Kennard. At least Mann will produce something positive and Kennard is one of the best shooters in the NBA.

I don't watch Miami enough to compare- but they manage to play Duncan Robinson at least 30 minutes a game. Is Kennard that much worse of a defender that he can't even see the court?

I'm sure most of us would be happy if Kennard could come in and make some shots. They might blow past him a few times on offense but its the same thing that happened to Reggie and Pat Bev in game 1. We need shots made period in game 2. We'll figure out how to get some defensive stops but we need points scored plus were going to need some type of x-factor if we're going to make a deep run. We had one in the regular season with Mann but will he get a shot in this series? Either Rondo, or Mann, or Kennard, or Cousins, hell Jay Scrubb(not happening, I know) but there has to be a surprising x-factor that steps in and helps us this year. The bubble was all about Kawhi & PG and now. despite all the new help we got, game 1 was the same story. Which role players are going to step up is the question

-for starters lets cut the bullsh*t and play Mann for crying out loud

[TrueLAfan]

At times the emotionalism and hyperbole on this board gets to a point where some of us are discouraged from entering in at the risk of being attacked just because we do not see things the same way as someone else. Thank you for this last post and for the recent change of direction in this thread. Remember this is all fun right? We're supposed to be fans and hoping for the best right?

There's nothing about this that has been fun as a fan.

No amount of "it's better than the Sterling years" is gonna rinse the stench off of choking and playoff failure. Getting texts and made fun of by your Laker fan friends IS NOT fun. I get it. Ha ha ha, it's just sports. It's not that serious. Yeah yeah yeah. Still not fun.

We need a poised and mentally strong team that can withstand playing with expectations and one that isn't going to cower just because Luka didn't kneel and kiss the lack of rings.

Nah. This aint fun at all and hasn't been in a while imo.

Okay--I'm gonna disagree. For me, it's fun. It was fun during the Sterling years too. I mean, it was fun for Red Sox and Cubs fans for a century when they weren't getting to the World Series.

Am I sorry when we lose? Yeah. Am I more upset about losing as the team improves and stakes get higher? Yes and yes. But I also am able to live enough in the moment to appreciate what we have. That's the best gift for a sports fan. Joy in the moment. Hope springs eternal.

A bad series hurts. It affects me. For a few weeks. Maybe a month or two. But I move on because the team moves on because time moves on. Carrying all the anger from the past sends you down the rabbit hole. I like to think about it the way Dave DeBusschere did, as Bill Bradley described it. Bradley missed a game winning shot in a critical game during a playoff run.

After the game I was dejected. Back at the hotel. Dave, who had joined the team from Detroit two months earlier, saw how I felt and put me straight. ``You can't go through a season like this,'' he said. There are too many games, Sure, you blew it tonight, but when it's over, it's over. Let it go. Otherwise you won't be ready to play tomorrow night.'' It was NBA lesson #1; Don't make today's loss the enemy of tomorrow's victory.

Don't make today's loss the enemy of tomorrow's victory. Great quote. If there are mistakes, acknowledge them and try to fix them. Be honest, but don't wallow in pity or anger; those are the real enemies of progress.

Clipper fan for over three decades. Still fun for me.

[TrueLAfan]

And, re: Kennard and (especially) Mann--I think Ty Lue, like most coaches, likes to have a pretty short, pretty set rotation in the playoffs. That being said, it wouldn't shock me to see Mann get some run. I think health will predicate it more than anything else though.

[Clemenza]

Also lets start Rondo. Pat Bev starts and it sets a bad tone as the offense looks like sh*t, no assist, and bad fouls all within the first 5-7 minutes of the game. When's the last time we even started off a game the right way?

[Clemenza]

And, re: Kennard and (especially) Mann--I think Ty Lue, like most coaches, likes to have a pretty short, pretty set rotation in the playoffs. That being said, it wouldn't shock me to see Mann get some run. I think health will predicate it more than anything else though.

That's definitely the NBA standard is short rotations for the playoffs because there's no back to backs in the post season and the stars generally get more rest. But we're trying to break generational curses and history here. Lue is going to have to play Mann in game 2 no matter what. Kennard & Cousins too if the offense gets stagnate and we can't make shots

[nickhx2]

i'm same way when we lose big games or get ousted. it bothers me for a long time. but to carry it forever does no one any good.

i'm kinda hoping that rondo does start. reggie needs less minutes, too.

[mpoo_sin]

And, re: Kennard and (especially) Mann--I think Ty Lue, like most coaches, likes to have a pretty short, pretty set rotation in the playoffs. That being said, it wouldn't shock me to see Mann get some run. I think health will predicate it more than anything else though.

That's definitely the NBA standard is short rotations for the playoffs because there's no back to backs in the post season and the stars generally get more rest. But we're trying to break generational curses and history here. Lue is going to have to play Mann in game 2 no matter what. Kennard & Cousins too if the offense gets stagnate and we can't make shots

It is strange to me that ppl are leaning on freaking Rondo and think he might be the key to beat the Mavs. He is not the solution. I believe the Clippers are not a good enough team. They might have the deeper squad if you are looking just at the names but as a unit they do not seem to be that stable. Also i believe there are to many egoistic players on the roster.
It also doesn t help that the best player in the series is playing for the other team.

Let s see if the Clippers can play with more urgency than the Mavericks in game 2. I picked thr Mavs to win in 6 but if Clippers lose game 2 it might even be a gentlemans sweep.

[NickP]

And, re: Kennard and (especially) Mann--I think Ty Lue, like most coaches, likes to have a pretty short, pretty set rotation in the playoffs. That being said, it wouldn't shock me to see Mann get some run. I think health will predicate it more than anything else though.

That's definitely the NBA standard is short rotations for the playoffs because there's no back to backs in the post season and the stars generally get more rest. But we're trying to break generational curses and history here. Lue is going to have to play Mann in game 2 no matter what. Kennard & Cousins too if the offense gets stagnate and we can't make shots

It is strange to me that ppl are leaning on freaking Rondo and think he might be the key to beat the Mavs. He is not the solution. I believe the Clippers are not a good enough team. They might have the deeper squad if you are looking just at the names but as a unit they do not seem to be that stable. Also i believe there are to many egoistic players on the roster.
It also doesn t help that the best player in the series is playing for the other team.

Let s see if the Clippers can play with more urgency than the Mavericks in game 2. I picked thr Mavs to win in 6 but if Clippers lose game 2 it might even be a gentlemans sweep.

Yes you are right. Luka is clearly the best player in this series. Kawhi will have to take the mantle of scoring at least 40 if we are to have a chance. I disagree about Rondo though. Rondo is a clever playmaker and I believe as the series progresses he'll be more valuable. Let's see.

[Scoundreldays]

Seeing some of the other high seeds struggle makes me feel alittle better. Crazy start to the playoffs in general. I predicted a 6 game series in our favor. Let's bounce back strong. I'm hoping this is a blessing in disguise that this happened in game 1 instead say game 4 or 5 and the team wakes up. Either way the Mavs are a tough and motivated team, got to respect that.

[Clemenza]

And, re: Kennard and (especially) Mann--I think Ty Lue, like most coaches, likes to have a pretty short, pretty set rotation in the playoffs. That being said, it wouldn't shock me to see Mann get some run. I think health will predicate it more than anything else though.

That's definitely the NBA standard is short rotations for the playoffs because there's no back to backs in the post season and the stars generally get more rest. But we're trying to break generational curses and history here. Lue is going to have to play Mann in game 2 no matter what. Kennard & Cousins too if the offense gets stagnate and we can't make shots

It is strange to me that ppl are leaning on freaking Rondo and think he might be the key to beat the Mavs. He is not the solution. I believe the Clippers are not a good enough team. They might have the deeper squad if you are looking just at the names but as a unit they do not seem to be that stable. Also i believe there are to many egoistic players on the roster.
It also doesn t help that the best player in the series is playing for the other better.

Let s see if the Clippers can play with more urgency than the Mavericks in game 2. I picked thr Mavs to win in 6 but if Clippers lose game 2 it might even be a gentlemans sweep.

Not leaning on Rondo, I just want to see us start games better that's all. Start the actual pg instead of the football player. That's my only point

[mpoo_sin]

That's definitely the NBA standard is short rotations for the playoffs because there's no back to backs in the post season and the stars generally get more rest. But we're trying to break generational curses and history here. Lue is going to have to play Mann in game 2 no matter what. Kennard & Cousins too if the offense gets stagnate and we can't make shots

It is strange to me that ppl are leaning on freaking Rondo and think he might be the key to beat the Mavs. He is not the solution. I believe the Clippers are not a good enough team. They might have the deeper squad if you are looking just at the names but as a unit they do not seem to be that stable. Also i believe there are to many egoistic players on the roster.
It also doesn t help that the best player in the series is playing for the other better.

Let s see if the Clippers can play with more urgency than the Mavericks in game 2. I picked thr Mavs to win in 6 but if Clippers lose game 2 it might even be a gentlemans sweep.

Not leaning on Rondo, I just want to see us start games better that's all. Start the actual pg instead of the football player. That's my only point

Fair point. But is there not a better alternative than Rondo on the Clippers roster? What about inserting Mann and having Leonard and/or George handling PG-duties?

[NickP]

That's definitely the NBA standard is short rotations for the playoffs because there's no back to backs in the post season and the stars generally get more rest. But we're trying to break generational curses and history here. Lue is going to have to play Mann in game 2 no matter what. Kennard & Cousins too if the offense gets stagnate and we can't make shots

It is strange to me that ppl are leaning on freaking Rondo and think he might be the key to beat the Mavs. He is not the solution. I believe the Clippers are not a good enough team. They might have the deeper squad if you are looking just at the names but as a unit they do not seem to be that stable. Also i believe there are to many egoistic players on the roster.
It also doesn t help that the best player in the series is playing for the other better.

Let s see if the Clippers can play with more urgency than the Mavericks in game 2. I picked thr Mavs to win in 6 but if Clippers lose game 2 it might even be a gentlemans sweep.

Not leaning on Rondo, I just want to see us start games better that's all. Start the actual pg instead of the football player. That's my only point

Thank you. This is exactly what we need. A real PG starting with the unit and giving them easy opportunities. Well at least relatively easy. Beverly has been mostly useless unless he starts knocking down those open treys

[og15]

It is strange to me that ppl are leaning on freaking Rondo and think he might be the key to beat the Mavs. He is not the solution. I believe the Clippers are not a good enough team. They might have the deeper squad if you are looking just at the names but as a unit they do not seem to be that stable. Also i believe there are to many egoistic players on the roster.
It also doesn t help that the best player in the series is playing for the other better.

Let s see if the Clippers can play with more urgency than the Mavericks in game 2. I picked thr Mavs to win in 6 but if Clippers lose game 2 it might even be a gentlemans sweep.

Not leaning on Rondo, I just want to see us start games better that's all. Start the actual pg instead of the football player. That's my only point

Fair point. But is there not a better alternative than Rondo on the Clippers roster? What about inserting Mann and having Leonard and/or George handling PG-duties?

The team has been trying to find a solution to George doing too much PG work all season. George is not a PG. He has been inserted into a pseudo-PG role simply because the team didn't have a real playmaker high IQ PG on the roster.

Rondo played 24 minutes last game, him starting means the rotations change, but doesn't mean his minutes go up. We're looking at 6 minutes a quarter. Start the first 6 minutes, come back in for 6 minutes with the starters. Start the 3rd quarter, possibly close with the starters depending on how things are going.

All it would be doing is aligning more of his minutes directly with PG + Kawhi.

Kawhi is a good passer, but he's not a PG. George has also been playing the PG role to allow Kawhi to attack from his spots and not overburden him.