GAME THREAD - Now it counts. Playoff #1 vs. Mavs 6 p.m. PST ESPN

[Kelphus]

Mavericks vs. Clippers Game 1 Odds
Mavericks odds +5.5 [BET NOW]
Clippers odds -5.5 [BET NOW]
Moneyline +194/-240 [BET NOW]
Over/Under 230.5 [BET NOW]
Time Monday, 9 p.m. ET

Finally, only four months late, the playoffs we waited for. Clips are now THE FAVORITE to win the Larry.... No it's not the virus talking, that was the updated news this weekend.

Clippers in 5

and, in a blast from a past defunct board, I bring you the Mav dancer on a good hair day

[esqtvd]

FULL TEAM!!

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Pressure Luka and feed The Zu.

KEY STATS:

In Detroit, Indiana and Dallas, Carlisle’s philosophies have proven malleable to his available talent, Rivers said. It has meant maximizing the wunderkind talent of 6-foot-7 Luka Doncic, the initiator of an offense that has scored 115.9 points per 100 possessions and set an NBA record for efficiency.


Even with Kristaps Porzingis relieving pressure on Doncic — the 7-3 center scored 30 points with five assists against the Clippers on Aug. 6 — the Mavericks’ offense has dipped to 106 points per 100 possessions when facing L.A.

...

Zubac has averaged more points (13.7) against Dallas than any other opponent this season, in addition to 10.3 rebounds. Among all centers who have played at least 30 minutes against the Mavericks this season, Zubac’s defensive rating of 98 ranks third, behind only All-Stars Anthony Davis of the Lakers and Joel Embiid of Philadelphia.

https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2020-08-16/dallas-mavericks-luka-doncic-clippers-nba-playoffs-first-round-preview


Now, it looks like the Mavs just can't keep doing what they're doing, so...

Generating a more consistent attack has led Carlisle to consider playing Doncic — who has used the third-highest percentage of possessions in the NBA this season — away from the ball.

“We just have to sometimes initiate with other people and keep the game flowing,” Carlisle said. “And sometimes you get a great player like Luka, even when they don’t have the ball they can have a great impact on the game with off-ball screening and cutting.”

Carlisle will probably have to give it a try, but that means we've already taken away Plan A.

[NippySudz]

Let's gooo. Good luck tonight

[MartinToVaught]

I'm oddly calm going into this game. It must be that Playoff Kawhi mentality.

[MartinToVaught]

Already off to a fantastic start on both ends - especially impressed with the defense so far. Hope they can keep this level of intensity up.

[mttwlsn16]

Sup homies!

[MartinToVaught]

Clamp City:

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[MartinToVaught]

Really hope Luka's injury is nothing serious.

[NippySudz]

agony. we let them back in the game.

[MartinToVaught]

So much for that good start. Terrible shot selection and our usual three-point "defense" has reared its ugly head.

[MartinToVaught]

I'm about done with Reggie, honestly. He needs to not be in the rotation.

[NippySudz]

I like our start. We just need to lock in.

[NippySudz]

I'm about done with Reggie, honestly. He needs to not be in the rotation.

its not just him. Our bench

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bench needs to match the energy of the starters

[playaloc916]

We need to stop leaving the 3pt line wide open.

[nickhx2]

you would think the whole point of this lineup is to be able to rotate quickly and get guys out on the line.

guess not

[NippySudz]

lol we need to play less of the bench. they aren't the perimeter defenders

[MartinToVaught]

Doc is going to single-handedly turn this series into his usual 7-game slog with his rotations alone.

[NippySudz]

patrick bev was an idiot taken that foul. just give it up

[NippySudz]

wow, clippers are totally out of sync

[MartinToVaught]

46-18 run by the Mavs. This is typical Doc Rivers playoff basketball.