RD 1 GAME #5: MAVS [2-2] @ LAC [2-2] WED 5/1 7 PM, TNT

[esqtvd]

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[Kelphus]

Doggone it Tom, it's about time we turned to science. I think we're barking up the right tree. Doncic is arful.

[madmaxmedia]

I can't find the post now but someone suggested bringing Kawhi off the bench when he is ready, to maximize what he can give us but not disrupt the starters. I think this is a great idea even if just for one game, especially if he is on a minutes restriction to start.

The starters need to each go hard, especially Zu if we can set up some low post opportunities. A rusty Kawhi is still among the best players on the team, but we need to do it the right way. He doesn't have to be a decoy on the second unit, in Game 2 he was pretty effective outside of the 3-ball. But we need James and PG to absolutely be the #1 and #1A players when they are on the floor.

[LamarWho]

I can't find the post now but someone suggested bringing Kawhi off the bench when he is ready, to maximize what he can give us but not disrupt the starters. I think this is a great idea even if just for one game, especially if he is on a minutes restriction to start.

The starters need to each go hard, especially Zu if we can set up some low post opportunities. A rusty Kawhi is still among the best players on the team, but we need to do it the right way. He doesn't have to be a decoy on the second unit, in Game 2 he was pretty effective outside of the 3-ball. But we need James and PG to absolutely be the #1 and #1A players when they are on the floor.

Kawhi is not playing this round. Just saw a tweet Ty Lue said he's not even practicing. At this point that less we focus on this guy the better for the team.

As for Dallas, they lacked a consistent 3rd scorer without Tim Hardaway Jr. He might be back for G5. Luka is clearly playing on a bad knee but he can still put up big numbers, we just need to keep his efficiency down.

[esqtvd]

As for Dallas, they lacked a consistent 3rd scorer without Tim Hardaway Jr. He might be back for G5. Luka is clearly playing on a bad knee but he can still put up big numbers, we just need to keep his efficiency down.

This is interesting because the Clips ARE doing a great job throttling his efficiency [38.6%/26.5%, 3.8 TOs per game] but he still leads the Mavs by far with 29/9.8/8.5 and a +/- of plus+8.

Props where they're due. We can't expect to do much better on him. The dude is unstoppable. Just keep on doing what we're doing and try not to blow it in crunch time.

https://www.nba.com/stats/players/traditional?PerMode=PerGame&SeasonType=Playoffs&TeamID=1610612742&dir=A&sort=PLUS_MINUS

[KL2]

Leonard off the bench was a disaster in the RS. I can’t imagine it would be much better in the playoffs but who knows. Maybe they could game plan for it better.

At least they’re not jerking anyone around and announce he’s out. None of this questionable stuff.

I wouldn’t read too much into him not practicing yet. Maybe it’s my wishful thinking and it’s not because of the knee necessarily. If he’s not going to be playing yet let the guys who are focus on the task at hand. Leonard would just be a distraction there as well.

He looks depressed in the couple videos I saw but at least he is with the team and taking part in film sessions. He could provide insight and such there.

[Wammy Giveaway]

At least they’re not jerking anyone around and announce he’s out. None of this questionable stuff.

I don't know, Clippers have a habit of trolling, be it to the media, the opponents, or officials. And they're doing this at the expense of the fans.

There might come a time where Steve Ballmer (joined by Jerry West) will have to address the franchise's secretive/erratic behavior in a conference setting. They have to come out and tell the truth, admit what they're afraid of (losing their fans, irrelevancy, and being compared to the Sterling-era regime), and commit to a culture change by way of an Ultimatum, something where forfeiture would be involved in addition to a lengthy NBA investigation.

Clippers need to stop being paranoid. They can win the championship, defeat their opponents, and save the franchise from a forced rebuild if they just believe in themselves and not make things too hard on themselves. Clippers need to stop playing for the sake of being loved, and play for the good of basketball.

[Sofia]

But nervous about Kawhi’s injury if he has been declared out so far in advance.

[madmaxmedia]

But nervous about Kawhi’s injury if he has been declared out so far in advance.

I see your point, but in a reverse psychology way (or whatever) does it really make a difference? If his knee had literally fallen off, I could see them listing him as doubtful.

[KL2]

But nervous about Kawhi’s injury if he has been declared out so far in advance.

As soon as Lawrence Frank addressed the media you knew something was up. It seems to be good news/bad news. The good being his knee is structurally sound. The bad being what’s causing the inflammation isn’t going away or enough to play on.

While Frank wouldn’t rule him out of this series the tone suggested he wouldn’t be playing any time soon. Sounds like it’s a fingers crossed he could be available for the next round should we get there.

Best to believe he’s not returning because I don’t expect updates or truths as to where he’s at in the process.

[madmaxmedia]

I think part of it is recognizing that the team will be better off knowing and committing to finishing the series without Kawhi. Of course they could have told them this behind closed doors, but that would subject them to all the questions about it. Now they can just focus on the task at hand.

[HardenGoat]

I sense this is a must win game. Harden and PG are going to be locked in, same with the role players. My concern is going to be how well Harden navigates the inevitable double teams coming in this one. If they don't do that he will hunt Luka all game. The good thing is we still have ball carriers in Westbrook and Powell. PG will probably get more touches as well.

[og15]

Should be a fun game, series has been wild.

Have to expect Luka to have an efficient game at some point even with the level of defense being played on him.

Clippers have also been + in George's minutes in 3/4 games.

Dallas hasn't had any answer for Harden defensively, let's see if they adjust their defense to take him out of more action of just play the hope he's off tonight game.

Clippers similarly haven't had much answer for Kyrie

[og15]

I sense this is a must win game. Harden and PG are going to be locked in, same with the role players. My concern is going to be how well Harden navigates the inevitable double teams coming in this one. If they don't do that he will hunt Luka all game. The good thing is we still have ball carriers in Westbrook and Powell. PG will probably get more touches as well.

Westbrook has had positive minutes with energy and defense, and annoying behavior even, but man, guy needs to make some shots. He's like the 4th option when he's on the court and shooting 28/31.

[Bobbymcgee]

The Clippers should win this game. Coming off two days of rest and playing at home with Doncic playing on an injured knee, there are no excuses for the Clippers' loss here.

[KingCrimzzon]

Wow I wonder what has changed. LAC only has 30% chance of winning and is a 3.5 pt underdog at home?! The disrespect...I hope we win this and make them eat it!
https://www.espn.com/nba/game/_/gameId/401655097/mavericks-clippers

[Clemenza]

This is the big one part 2.. Lets Go!!

[KL2]

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Day to day sure.

[NickP]

Clippers in the playoffs are not good for ulcers. But I’ll handle it as long as we keep winning.

[esqtvd]

Jamal Crossover gets a promotion to the (#1?) Kevin Harlan-Reggie Miller crew!!

Love this man.