Post#155 » by Darren » Thu Jun 13, 2024 2:14 pm
I think the Mavs makes the case for a win this game. But unfortunately, it doesn't work out. Some calls are questionable. So is some substitution. I don't really expect Hardaway to play big minutes in Finals unless it is against Miami. Quite conversely, I expect a break out series for Hardy. And Exum will get playing time. Actually, Hardy plays right despite stepping out of bound and get a in-your-face 3. For one, this is a layup had it not been for being ruled stepping out of bound. And for the three pointer, Hardy stay in front and make sure that it is a contested shots. I think it is the right play. But maybe, for players with shorter arm, you have to get closer to contest a shot.
Exum and Green actually play well with some fixable mistakes. I don't think Luka should be blamed for the sixth foul. Taking a charge is not that easy. Make sure that you get it right next time. It's okay. Maybe you ask JJ Barea and Devin Harris for help. However, some turnovers and fouls are avoidable.
I think you can put the made 3 and missed 3 on microscope. 90% of the made 3 from both team is in rhythm. That means under certain situation, the three ball doesn't go down at good dime. You have to make sure that the opponents' threes are out of rhythm and yours is in rhythm. Some of them is caused by good defense. Some is caused by poor fundamentals - not prepared well for a shot.
I think Lively plays very well and provide the team a big boost, except the missed dunks and losing rebounding battles against their guards. Rebounding is mostly about positioning and blocking out. Boston guards do very well, especially Holiday. I hope Lively can get in the right position early and grab more boards. Some of those missed rebound turns into fast breaks opportunities for Boston. However, in terms of guarding the perimeter, Lively is getting significantly better compared with last couple of series. Gafford is matching up well against Boston. Without KP, Boston has no answer to Gafford. The Mavs should take more advantages of that.
Is PJ hurt? In a situation like that, the Mavs need PJ to contribute more to the plus-minus. And in the offseason, go find a taller frontcourt piece to help things out. When the big is out, the paint is still somewhat miserable. Learning to take a charge is also work. Back in the day with Rick Carlisie, the Mavs play amazing defense with Blair, Harris and Barea together in a super small lineup. The difference is made up by taking charge.
One thing I think it is right - if you can dunk, don't attempt a layup. If defenders come, make sure that they get a foul. Overall, it's a competitive game. Should there be a made 3 by PJ or missed 3 by Write, the result is way different. I think Kyrie should look for 3 foul shots against Horford instead of taking a tough 3. Horford likely won't get another opportunity to win all. So Horford should be desperate. Kyrie should be able to take advantage of that in Bargnani or Reggie Miller manner.
It's just nature of the sports. He could be playing with only 1 leg and people would still talk **** because he failed. 
