2024 NBA Playoffs: West Semifinals: #1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs #5 Dallas Mavericks (DAL WINS 4-2)

[ThunderBolt]

I'm not going to say officiating isn't and can never be a problem or decide a game, but it's become a crutch for coaches, players and fans to avoid taking accountability for losing.

[Archx]

I wonder how SGA would look if Dort played for Mavs and would be allowed to defend him the way he's defending Mavs players. Mahomes said he's playing defense like a linebacker just throwing himself into players.

Though to be fair, in only 3 games he did commit a total of 16 fouls already. In 4 games against NOLA he had "only" 12 fouls.

[juanc]

Just another day in the office for MVPJ Washington

[Bob8]

Just another day in the office for MVPJ Washington

They will defend him differently, we need new saviour, if Luka continues to struggle with shooting. THJ will try for sure, hopefully he doesn't go 1/10. Exum will have 2 totally open shots, if he hits them, who knows...

[MoneyTalks41890]

Just another day in the office for MVPJ Washington

He is unlikely to continue to shoot 54 percent from 3.

[Mavrelous]

Malone killed Watson minutes because he couldn't afford defense only players, imteresting if Diagnault forces Kidd hands into similar sacrifice.

[ChipotleWest]

Just another day in the office for MVPJ Washington

He is unlikely to continue to shoot 54 percent from 3.

I agree, but that doesn't automatically mean chalk up a W for OKC. Will OKC players play exactly the same? They could play worse, other Mavs could play better, can't count on Luka and Kyrie only getting 22 points each. OKC hasn't been able to outclutch Dallas in a close game yet it seems they need a blow out to win, can they get a blow out in Dallas? So many things to consider not just simple "PJ won't shoot 54% from 3" which is also what many OKC fans said on twitter.

[ChipotleWest]

I wonder how SGA would look if Dort played for Mavs and would be allowed to defend him the way he's defending Mavs players. Mahomes said he's playing defense like a linebacker just throwing himself into players.

Though to be fair, in only 3 games he did commit a total of 16 fouls already. In 4 games against NOLA he had "only" 12 fouls.

Dort would foul out before halftime.

[shi-woo]

I'm not going to say officiating isn't and can never be a problem or decide a game, but it's become a crutch for coaches, players and fans to avoid taking accountability for losing.

Facts, but the sad part is that foul hunting and superstar calls have made the refs a part of the game similar to the coach and players, and sometimes have a bigger impact than both on any given night. They are now a part of the game whether we like it or not, except we can't fire the or trade them like we can players or coaches.

Thus the complaining and constant tin foil hats. Similar to the deep state n political narratives.

[Texas Chuck]

Just another day in the office for MVPJ Washington

He is unlikely to continue to shoot 54 percent from 3.

This is true. Not sure that is really relevant to his choice to use a cutesy little nickname for a guy quickly endearing himself to his new fanbase. Don't believe juanc thinks PJ is actually an MVP, right? Just having fun with his name.

But if we play this game, Jones is unlikely to shoot 1 for 10 again. Or continue to shoot at 25% Even with the respect I have for Chet's rim protection a guy in Lively who shot 75% during the season is unlikely to keep shooting under 25%.

So if we are reverting to the mean, that goes both directions.


Sorry just trying to be more Mavs positive. I've been told that's the only acceptable way to fan.

[Archx]

Sorry just trying to be more Mavs positive. I've been told that's the only acceptable way to fan.

Why would you feel the need to do that? If you're a Mavs fan, just be one, if you're not, then i don't understand why is this even a discussion.

Because you're right, it goes both ways. If some other Mavs players balance their shooting averages, OKC could be in trouble. So it's not so simple to say PJ won't shoot like this again.. What if he does?

[Bob8]

Just another day in the office for MVPJ Washington

He is unlikely to continue to shoot 54 percent from 3.

The right question here is, is it more worrying for Mavs that they need great scoring games from PJ to win or for OKC that they can't win with pretty pedestrian scoring from Luka and Kyrie?

I would say that nobody believed before series started that Mavs will win 2 games in which Luka and Kyrie together averaged only around 40 points in each game. Imho that makes Mavs more dangerous. I would imagine that OKC's D will need to focus a little more on PJ too and that will bring several consequences, it's a little harder to guard 3 offensive weapons. The big question mark is of course Luka's condition. Normal Luka and I wouldn't have had any doubts who wins this series. Now? Who knows. Mavs are in better position before game 4, let's see what happens.

[Patches Perry]

I wonder how SGA would look if Dort played for Mavs and would be allowed to defend him the way he's defending Mavs players. Mahomes said he's playing defense like a linebacker just throwing himself into players.

Though to be fair, in only 3 games he did commit a total of 16 fouls already. In 4 games against NOLA he had "only" 12 fouls.

SGA drives a lot, so I'd guess Dort would defend well in the possessions he didn't foul but foul at a higher rate. Probably not too different than what he looks like against Luka, except as stated, SGA is obsessive about getting into the paint.

[MoneyTalks41890]

Just another day in the office for MVPJ Washington

He is unlikely to continue to shoot 54 percent from 3.

This is true. Not sure that is really relevant to his choice to use a cutesy little nickname for a guy quickly endearing himself to his new fanbase. Don't believe juanc thinks PJ is actually an MVP, right? Just having fun with his name.

But if we play this game, Jones is unlikely to shoot 1 for 10 again. Or continue to shoot at 25% Even with the respect I have for Chet's rim protection a guy in Lively who shot 75% during the season is unlikely to keep shooting under 25%.

So if we are reverting to the mean, that goes both directions.


Sorry just trying to be more Mavs positive. I've been told that's the only acceptable way to fan.

Pretty sure I actually coined that term in the game thread two games ago tbh.

But no I actually expect all stats to revert to the mean only where it advantages my team.

[Texas Chuck]

But no I actually expect all stats to revert to the mean only where it advantages my team.

This is why you are way better at this thread than me. But my boys are teaching me the homer ways so I'm an up and comer. Got to get me this thread, next one I'm MIP.

[leo7]

Chet's offense fell off a cliff. What happened his shot? Tired legs I'm guessing.

[ChipotleWest]

Chet's offense fell off a cliff. What happened his shot? Tired legs I'm guessing.

Maybe a skinny 7'1 guy shouldn't be the primary rim protector and take that beating if his offense is also very important to the team, but hey I'm on the Mavs side what do I know.

[MrGoat]

Just another day in the office for MVPJ Washington

They will defend him differently, we need new saviour, if Luka continues to struggle with shooting. THJ will try for sure, hopefully he doesn't go 1/10. Exum will have 2 totally open shots, if he hits them, who knows...

I am still a Kidd basher but Exum getting going a bit would be huge. Kidd actually tried to get him going a little bit in last game and I agree with that decision but he just has had no mojo these playoffs so far, he looks terrified to shoot anything and he's rushing passes too. A good game out of him would be huge for easing the burden on Luka

If Lively would stop missing shots he normally makes that would be nice too, but at least his defensive play has largely been on point

[Texas Chuck]

If OKC loses the Giddey minutes again I wonder if the COY will finally bench him or if he is just going to ride him out? Just seems like they have better options and I don't totally understand the stubbornness here. Especially since all logic tells us Giddey is likely not part of their future plans so you aren't worried about hurting his long-term confidence.

I mean if he is only going to play 10-12 minutes at least make them be while SGA is resting so he can be on ball.

[MoneyTalks41890]

If OKC loses the Giddey minutes again I wonder if the COY will finally bench him or if he is just going to ride him out? Just seems like they have better options and I don't totally understand the stubbornness here. Especially since all logic tells us Giddey is likely not part of their future plans so you aren't worried about hurting his long-term confidence.

I mean if he is only going to play 10-12 minutes at least make them be while SGA is resting so he can be on ball.

No matter how much he should do it he’s not going to do it. Should start him but pull him pretty immediately imo (or just not start him) and stagger from there.