The days pass and the mavs They still can’t find their identity. After moving two key pieces at the close of the transfer window to catch up Kyrie Irving, Dallas has done nothing but lose. Feelings about Jason Kidd’s team have gone from worrisome to downright bad, and at this point in the season it’s too high a risk to take. The Mavericks lost again, this time to the Rick Carlisle’s Indiana Pacers by 124 to 122fall meaning his own 5th defeat in the last 7 gamesThis is the balance since Kyrie joined the team. In fact, the picture is much worse if you consider the time when Luca and the other star joined forces with a record of 1 win for 6 losses.
Something is wrong with these new Mavs and it’s none other than the color defense. The Texans are the team that gives their opponents the most points in the zone in the aforementioned period, giving up 59.7 points to their opponents, which equates to 61.8 per 100 possessions (also worst). The loss of Dorian Finney-Smith and Spencer Dinwiddie opened the way for the opposing offense to the rim and the mere presence of Christian Wood in the paint was not enough.
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Highlighting the latest loss to the Pacers, Rick Carlisle’s men took the win despite making just 11 3-pointers (39.3%) thanks to taking a 25 of 38 in the ring and limited area (65.7%). If the Mavs can’t prevent their opponents from getting comfortable in the most vulnerable area of the floor and let them get there with ease, no incoming star will be able to help them.
And it’s that landing Irving signaled the awakening of the Mavericks’ offense, which has reached outrageous numbers with a third-best 121.4 offensive rating. The problem? Indeed, the defending since they have the sixth worst data in the same period as 119.8 defensive ratio.
Internal rotation has a lot to do with it. Kidd continues to bet on splitting minutes between Powell, Wood and a recovered Kleber, as well as giving Reggie Bullock big time as a four. Which is incomprehensible when you consider that Wood is the insider who defended the paint the best of the entire team compared to the responsibilities he had to take on, allowing an accuracy rate of 62.9%. Numbers similar to names like Jarrett Allen (61%), Bobby Portis (62.2%) or Clint Capela (63.3%).
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Dallas’ inconsistency tarnishes a flawless job Luka Doncic as usual, who in this last duel against Indiana went to 39 points with a 56% shooting percentage, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.
The question is no longer if someone can help the Slovenian on offense, which with Irving seems settled, it’s when Jason Kidd I’m going to justify his status as a defensive coach with which he arrived in Texas and if he is going to solve problems it is his responsibility.
For now, the Mavs have fallen into his belt I am playing-In with 32-31 balance and despite the fact that less than 50% of opponents have been won in the last two weeks. With 18 games ahead and one of the most affordable programs, Dallas needs to act before it’s too late.
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