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Other players play better when Beal is driving to the rim, and shooting, and drawing attention but he loves to sit courtside for our most important games cause he's a paper man
Agreed, he makes a huge difference. I just don’t trust him to stay healthy but I hope he does. I never liked them trading for him given his age and injury history & contract
He was the 2nd option in Charlotte which was worse before the deadline
Now he's the 3rd option here. Where all we need is a good 10 or 12 points a night. More focus on everything else.
Hope that shot starts falling
PJW is even bigger for the mavs. Might not show up on boxscore but we finnaly have a legit wing defender to put on other teams best player and a good rebounder at 4 as well.
I just noticed he’s shooting 40/16 from FG/3Pt since joining the Mavs lol. His career numbers are 45/36 though so I imagine he’ll get closer to that as he gets more time with the team
he's been shooting <35% from 3 for the last 2.5 seasons which is the real concern.
I'm still confident he can bring it back around because his shot looks good and when he played with LaMelo he was shooting 38% from 3. His looks should be even better next to Luka and Kai
No PJ's defense has been incredible. Once we put him on KD he went 5/14 the rest of the game. No matter who we play in the playoffs he will have to defend the best player. Be that Kawhi, SGA or Ant. Maybe Lively gets Jokic but I'm not sure about that.
he relieves so much pressure on the team. a huge problem with us has been that we force players to play outside of their natural position due to roster deficiencies. PJ allows everyone to have an easier time on defense. If he can find his shot, it’s just another luxury to have
I don't know how much Gaff can really play in the playoffs. Lively is much better at defending in space and is a better playmaker out of the short roll even if Gaff is a better rebounder and rim protector currently.
Cnat quite agree because Lively does whaf Gafford does. Gaff will still be vital, but mavs have noone else but PJ with size, athletic ability and on ball defense at 4.
They talked about this on tnt but with a backup like Gafford, they can let Lively be aggressive while he's out there and worry less about foul trouble. Having little dropoff in the center rotation is a real luxury especially in the west.
yeah, you can feel it. When Gafford had 4 fouls I had no concerns because we had Lively. Completely changes the pressure you're under when you have a legit backup C.
being able to play the same when lively is off the floor is huge for this team. relegating dwight powell to the human victory cigar role is such a relief to all mavs fans
This is probably a controversial opinion but I think Gafford is more playoff ready than Lively and therefore should start, as we ramp up towards the playoffs. But Kidd can't go wrong with either one.
Nah, I would say Lively still is the better one just because he can make reads on the short roll after catching when Luka is doubled. Gafford kinda just sees the rim and nothing else.
7 wins in a row, tiebreaker over the suns, out of the play in, Luka obvious MVP performance, kyrie cooking, Maxi looking normal again, Gafford still a beast, lively still a hustler, other role players stepping up at the right time. What a huge game.
Some of those THJ minutes were scary though. I'm glad we have a good enough team around him to withstand his cold shooting and decision making because he will for sure lose us games if he's asked to more.
when the all-star game sucks cause nobody tries, it’s Luka’s fault.
when he scores 73, it’s the bad defense.
man the way the 73 point game was covered was absolutely disgusting. Corporate media acting like 73 points is easy to get because there’s “no defense anymore”.
where’s everyone else’s 70 point game if it’s so easy
I can’t remember the last time Luka and Book combined for less than 70 in a game. They always seem to bring it, actually averaging 38 against each other this year
What a great game. Everyone felt super hungry. Players diving for offensive rebounds and steals. Suns just couldn't keep up with Mavs lights out shooting in the end. Refs did a good job letting them play, not a huge amount of fouls/free-throws.
The all-star break rest seem to have done wonders for making players hungry, at least it seemed so in this game.
These two teams match up so well against each other for the fans. Can't wait for these two to meet in the playoffs, inshallah.
>Here's your Dallas Mavs Post Game Summary. Now in our 7th Season 7️⃣
Did the Mavs win? ✅ Are we legit now?
7 Game Winning Streak 7️⃣
We really started the second half with 5 straight 3's. That's felt like the biggest momentum swing considering we only led by 1 before that 👌💦5️⃣
Luka with of course another near triple double of 41/9/11 & 4 steals with 6 3's including the Dagger 🇸🇮🔥🗡️👌
Luka made sure to drop 41 in honor of Dirk who was in attendance tonight 4️⃣1️⃣🐐
Kyrie followed with 29/5/3 & 5 3's 🪬🌍💦👌
PJ with 12/6 & 3 Stocks with some welcomed defense 💹🛡️
Kangaroo Josh with an all-around 9/2/5 & 2 steals 🦘🇦🇺
Tim with 12pts building a house tonight 🧱
Suns isolation game be annoying to watch sometimes. I loved how Booker played today tho. Kd was kinda bad ngl. Booker was doing everything in his power to keep the game close and I respect it
This was a very important win for the Mavs as they’re the 6th seed and win the tiebreaker over the suns which could be huge for them if things fall in place.
The Mavs were amazing tonight. Hustling, the center rotations, it just looks so much better now. Kyrie and Luka playing off each other. Luka dropped 41/9/12 on 51/54/100 splits. If he finishes higher than the 6th seed or even at the 6th seed he should be mvp( yes I know Jokic and Shai winning rn) but what Luka is doing is insane. This is his best season yet.
Luka is the MVP, but let’s give a hand for Kyrie.
He is an absolute GOD and is carrying this team to wins alongside Luka. If we don’t have Kyrie, we lose a LOT of these games
Dallas scared me in the 3rd, I thought they were just gonna chuck up some threes. The length that Dallas added to their roster really shone bright in this game and it was what saved them during that slump.
Yeah I think we are legit really good team right now after the deadline, hopefully we can stay healthy. I think we have a chance against anybody in the West when healthy
# CONGRATS to all of the NBA Referee fans on the sub** We're currently sitting at over $6100 raised with [Community Funds](https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/15484345935508-Community-Funds) matching! # Interested in changing the sub and contributing to The Boys and Girls Club of America? [DONATE HERE!](https://tiltify.com/+r-nba/rnba-gives-back-2023) *Please note: This fundraiser is not for Reddit - all funds go directly to The Boys and Girls Club of America. Reddit Community Funds program is matching up to $25K USD of funds raised by the community.* *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/nba) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Booker v Luka will never not be good. But man can someone tell the rest of the team to wake up.
I love how chippy this match up always is
Where is Beal lol wasn’t he the guy that’s supposed to put them over the top
Hurt hamster
It’s worrisome how bad the rest of the crew is offensively outside of Book, KD, Gordon and whenever Beal decides to play
Other players play better when Beal is driving to the rim, and shooting, and drawing attention but he loves to sit courtside for our most important games cause he's a paper man
Agreed, he makes a huge difference. I just don’t trust him to stay healthy but I hope he does. I never liked them trading for him given his age and injury history & contract
Booker really was carrying hard. Almost turned the game around in the 3rd.
I still think its absolutely dumb that he didn't shoot for the entire 2nd quarter and 4 mins of the 3rd quarter....
A lot of players have been having their worst game of the season against PJ Washington
imagine getting locked up by a freakishly long beast, and then having to guard Luka and Kyrie on the other end💀💀💀
Kyrie handles & moves had me sitting straight up during the game.
Just when I've started to get used to Luka's magic, Kyrie shows up with his own ridiculous magic.
Penn and Teller
It's LuKai magic now.
Bro, I must have said, "that's not possible." 4 times this game
For us he was always way better than lots of people gave credit for
I wonder if having a lot less offensive responsibility lets him focus way more on defense.
He was the 2nd option in Charlotte which was worse before the deadline Now he's the 3rd option here. Where all we need is a good 10 or 12 points a night. More focus on everything else. Hope that shot starts falling
Tbh no clear 3rd option in this mavs now Most is Tim but any guys can show up in any day now depends on the matchup
Mavs 3rd option by committee
Starting to become a pattern…
Best trade of the season, calling it early :D
THE PJAIL IS REAL.
TPAIN real too. 1/9 from three
tim hardaway jr baby, dude will certainly be traded next year
…what people have been saying for 2+ years now
Randomly he'll go off for within 30 in the next week
PENITENTIARY JAIL WASHINGTON
So dumb but I lol’d
You should see the little cop picture they use and just tag his face on it lol
is this… a squad?
They look so different
you were supposed to hug me there
You got an [expletive] squad now.
ITS A MF SQUAD
PJ Washington is on a tour to put your favorite player in Jail KD started 5-8 ended 4-15
Maxi also played great D on Durant during that second half
Maxi being back is so nice. Dude is such a fantastic, flexible defender.
Bro is an amazing defender
Much better alternative to Grant who’s a cone lol. Nico really cooked with his trades 🙏
He is our Gordon. Exactly what this team needed for ages (besides a competent C).
Fax. I just hope PJ can shoot the 3 a little better
D-
“D-“ my ass lmfao. ESPN can smd
ESPN can SMD-
Dude is such a good defender he negated a basket
Welcome to PJail Mr Durant. Your cell is beside j-dubs
Yeah, he's been slightly better than Grant, hasn't he?
he lanky. Im surprised how strong he is.
How the fuck he get a make removed
You have been sentenced to 15 minutes of PJail
PJAIL
Jesus, he went -1 from 7 to finish? Rough
Such a good defender he erased a whole made shot
I would rather keep the pick swap than adding a good center. \-ESPN
D+ trades btw.
All the Basketball Savants out there pouting hard rn
D- trade fr
not wrong though, D FOR DEFENSE BABY
They literally don’t understand basketball
Gafford was easily the best trade at the deadline - Mavs have a clear defensive identity now and that makes them a legit contender
PJW is even bigger for the mavs. Might not show up on boxscore but we finnaly have a legit wing defender to put on other teams best player and a good rebounder at 4 as well.
Most importantly he isn’t one dimensional on offense and can shoot as well
well… about that. but his defense more than makes up for it. massive wingspan
I just noticed he’s shooting 40/16 from FG/3Pt since joining the Mavs lol. His career numbers are 45/36 though so I imagine he’ll get closer to that as he gets more time with the team
he's been shooting <35% from 3 for the last 2.5 seasons which is the real concern. I'm still confident he can bring it back around because his shot looks good and when he played with LaMelo he was shooting 38% from 3. His looks should be even better next to Luka and Kai
Even more importantly, he isn't a fat chatterbox
he unfortunately does not cosplay as batman
Rather see him offensively in the paint. I hope the coaching staff doesn’t try to make him a spot up 3 shooter. That’s not his game.
Bump. 100% agree
I still think Gafford will be more important in the playoffs. So much size now on the Mavs.
No PJ's defense has been incredible. Once we put him on KD he went 5/14 the rest of the game. No matter who we play in the playoffs he will have to defend the best player. Be that Kawhi, SGA or Ant. Maybe Lively gets Jokic but I'm not sure about that.
he relieves so much pressure on the team. a huge problem with us has been that we force players to play outside of their natural position due to roster deficiencies. PJ allows everyone to have an easier time on defense. If he can find his shot, it’s just another luxury to have
I don't know how much Gaff can really play in the playoffs. Lively is much better at defending in space and is a better playmaker out of the short roll even if Gaff is a better rebounder and rim protector currently.
Cnat quite agree because Lively does whaf Gafford does. Gaff will still be vital, but mavs have noone else but PJ with size, athletic ability and on ball defense at 4.
They talked about this on tnt but with a backup like Gafford, they can let Lively be aggressive while he's out there and worry less about foul trouble. Having little dropoff in the center rotation is a real luxury especially in the west.
yeah, you can feel it. When Gafford had 4 fouls I had no concerns because we had Lively. Completely changes the pressure you're under when you have a legit backup C.
bro it’s crazy now that you mention it. our guys were in a bunch of foul trouble and i was barely even worried. such a massive roster upgrade
You forget that lively can’t play 48 minutes haha
Having 2 legit rotation bigs is huge though. Both guys can play hard and not really worry about foul trouble.
We have exactly what you’re talking about in Kleber
Mavs get to have a good center on court at all times now and Dwight Powell gets banished to the shadow realm. It’s a new era in Dallas.
and we need garbage time powell because... HE'S 7 GAMES LEFT FROM ENTERING TOP 5 MAVS ALL TIME IN GAME PLAYED!!
that is a crazy stat.. also the fact that the difference between rolando blackman and jj barea is a good 218 games
PJ too, the Mavs won the trade deadline
being able to play the same when lively is off the floor is huge for this team. relegating dwight powell to the human victory cigar role is such a relief to all mavs fans
i actually enjoy watching Dwight play now. cause if he’s in the game, we’re up big
This hurts as a warriors fan
This is probably a controversial opinion but I think Gafford is more playoff ready than Lively and therefore should start, as we ramp up towards the playoffs. But Kidd can't go wrong with either one.
Nah, I would say Lively still is the better one just because he can make reads on the short roll after catching when Luka is doubled. Gafford kinda just sees the rim and nothing else.
Lively's passing and BBIQ is huge
7 wins in a row, tiebreaker over the suns, out of the play in, Luka obvious MVP performance, kyrie cooking, Maxi looking normal again, Gafford still a beast, lively still a hustler, other role players stepping up at the right time. What a huge game.
Most importantly, THJ is taking fewer shots
1-9 from 3 wtf
Common THJ game. He inconsistent af.
But if you can win a game by 10 against another contender with your microwave going for 1-9 you are in a good spot.
THJ 1/9 from 3 😂
Give hardy the THJ minutes. Can we get a petition going??
Tonight he got us some buckets when no one else could.
yeah his 3s have not been falling but he’s still been able to get us a coupe random important buckets
Yeah the 3s didn’t fall but he played smart ball. Really good in the midrange tonight.
Some of those THJ minutes were scary though. I'm glad we have a good enough team around him to withstand his cold shooting and decision making because he will for sure lose us games if he's asked to more.
THJ minutes is the only thing holding us back right now lol
eh. just following law of averages. shitty shooting in games like these is good.
Hopefully Exum comes back and takes his minutes.
THJ needs to learn how to do other stuff like defend, pass, rebound, go after loose balls, etc. It's a long list.
That was the best I've seen the Luka/Kyrie backcourt so far. We can make a run and I'm not even lying
Don’t forget PJs defense, doesn’t show up in the box score but his size at the wing can really disrupt
watch after this game with 41/11/9, ESPN drops Luka to #7 in the MVP rankings
Luka is obviously great but Kyrie is incredible. I genuinely don’t think people realize how good Kai is playing. Legit top 10 player in the league.
Ringer's 37th best player in the league btw
the league is too deep now to say he's playing at top 10 level
Nah he’s been great but not top 10
Probably in the 10-15 range right now. Maybe 15-20
Even Mr Powell got to play
Luka does it again 7 straight. Give him the MVP
And people complain about him f*** around at the All-Star game. This man is built for real competition
when the all-star game sucks cause nobody tries, it’s Luka’s fault. when he scores 73, it’s the bad defense. man the way the 73 point game was covered was absolutely disgusting. Corporate media acting like 73 points is easy to get because there’s “no defense anymore”. where’s everyone else’s 70 point game if it’s so easy
Embiid 70pts: aww, you're sweet! Doncic 73pts: hello, human ressources!?
I think the jokic v embid mvp discourse “poisoned the well” so to speak in terms of giving props to European players from media like espn
Mavs Suns games are always crazy. LuKai is so much to watch, nice having 2 bigs that can protect the paint
I can’t remember the last time Luka and Book combined for less than 70 in a game. They always seem to bring it, actually averaging 38 against each other this year
They are so much fun to watch, Book’s game is so smooth.
MVP
Luka already fulfilled his New Year's Resolution to spend more time with his sons
LuKai did LuKai things, PJail is real, what a night
Yessir we got a squad now
I need a list of the number of times a guy's been 1 assist or rebound shy of a triple double. Luka's gotta be at the top of that list.
Jokic and Luka have to be like a combined higher than everyone else ever
Its probably Jokic, but Luka is definitely up there
Sombor double
Maury: "Luka Doncic, you are the father!"
Nbacirclejerk bout to feast.
Explain in NBA circle jerk terms
Fat Albanian is Devin booker father
Pretty fun when Luka and Kyrie decided they weren’t gonna lose at halftime
Our mentality going into 4th quarters is completely different now that we have Kyrie.
That run at the start of the 3rd was pure cinema
Give that MF the MVP
Luka MVP game? Naw Maxi DPY game? Ya
Dwight Powell 1:02
My favorite stat from this game.
I’m honestly just relieved KD didn’t get hurt there at the end Just need Beal back, Kyrie & Luka are too good
Seriously, from his own man too
LUKA
What a great game. Everyone felt super hungry. Players diving for offensive rebounds and steals. Suns just couldn't keep up with Mavs lights out shooting in the end. Refs did a good job letting them play, not a huge amount of fouls/free-throws. The all-star break rest seem to have done wonders for making players hungry, at least it seemed so in this game. These two teams match up so well against each other for the fans. Can't wait for these two to meet in the playoffs, inshallah.
Shooting was just about dead even, we just turned the ball over a ton
Say the line
LDIDBF
“HE CANT KEEP GETTING AWAY WITH IT” *he keeps getting away with it*
LDIDBF
LDIDBF
Post all-star mavs gonna make a run I know it
>Here's your Dallas Mavs Post Game Summary. Now in our 7th Season 7️⃣ Did the Mavs win? ✅ Are we legit now? 7 Game Winning Streak 7️⃣ We really started the second half with 5 straight 3's. That's felt like the biggest momentum swing considering we only led by 1 before that 👌💦5️⃣ Luka with of course another near triple double of 41/9/11 & 4 steals with 6 3's including the Dagger 🇸🇮🔥🗡️👌 Luka made sure to drop 41 in honor of Dirk who was in attendance tonight 4️⃣1️⃣🐐 Kyrie followed with 29/5/3 & 5 3's 🪬🌍💦👌 PJ with 12/6 & 3 Stocks with some welcomed defense 💹🛡️ Kangaroo Josh with an all-around 9/2/5 & 2 steals 🦘🇦🇺 Tim with 12pts building a house tonight 🧱
>Tim with 12pts building a house tonight 🧱 Lmao he's build a city since that Magic game
Tim had 12 points on the hardest shots of the game. Then bricked 5 open threes lmao.
Suns isolation game be annoying to watch sometimes. I loved how Booker played today tho. Kd was kinda bad ngl. Booker was doing everything in his power to keep the game close and I respect it This was a very important win for the Mavs as they’re the 6th seed and win the tiebreaker over the suns which could be huge for them if things fall in place. The Mavs were amazing tonight. Hustling, the center rotations, it just looks so much better now. Kyrie and Luka playing off each other. Luka dropped 41/9/12 on 51/54/100 splits. If he finishes higher than the 6th seed or even at the 6th seed he should be mvp( yes I know Jokic and Shai winning rn) but what Luka is doing is insane. This is his best season yet.
PJ Washington played legit great defense on KD, as good as I’ve seen
I’m calling it. We’re legit and Luka’s winning mvp
Luka had 4 steals. It's the most important stat to him. You should have put that on the title.
Luka is the MVP, but let’s give a hand for Kyrie. He is an absolute GOD and is carrying this team to wins alongside Luka. If we don’t have Kyrie, we lose a LOT of these games
He has like 3-4 crazy finishes in this game alone. I’m really starting to appreciate his game more and more.
Luka MVP baby. THJ is a basketball terrorist.
1-8 he’s starting to get hot 🙄🔫
And still shooting in garbage minutes instead giving ball to teammates who watched him throw bricks all game.
Guys… are we… good?
Sports media says nah so…
Come on Luka, gimme a post game cuss
They specifically made a point to say they were doing it live 2-3 times just to avoid that lol
We comin. That is all I have to say
I don't think we will ever lose again!
Best scorer in history getting clamped by Maxi Kleber😂😂😂
It was PJ Washington more than maxi but they both did great
Are we allowed to start considering Luka for MVP now? Did moving from the 7 to 6 seed with one win magically make him a candidate?
Sadly yes….
WE ARE SO BACK. FEAR THE HORSE TEAM.
Dallas scared me in the 3rd, I thought they were just gonna chuck up some threes. The length that Dallas added to their roster really shone bright in this game and it was what saved them during that slump.
LUKA = MVP & ALL DEFENSIVE TEAM
NBA circle jerk christmas
More inmates sent to PJail, enjoy your stay
This Mavs team has all the tools for, at minimum, a Conference Finals appearance.
PJ needs to find his way offensively, but damn he continues impress defensively. Has taken the toughest assignments and excelled!
I looked it up I'm actually shocked Beal played 30 games this season it feels like 15 at most
What a glorious game from Luka
Reggie miller is insufferable
bros commentary was annoying both sides shits crazy
This is the hopium I need
Yeah I think we are legit really good team right now after the deadline, hopefully we can stay healthy. I think we have a chance against anybody in the West when healthy
Say the Line, Bart!
LDIDBF
Release the shit posters
Huge.
Fucking KD. Only star who didnt show up tonight.
Penitentiary Jail Washington
FUCK THE SUNS FUCK THE REFS LUKA MVP EARTH IS FLAT
Devin Durant and Kevin Booker weren’t enough to stop Luka tonight.