FanPost

The Dallas Mavericks Aren't Playing Basketball, They're Playing "Carlisleball"

Dallas Mavericks fans have had many frustrating moments this season, some because of coaching decisions. We simply cannot figure out why Rick Carlisle does things that appear to cause the team to lose. Well, I figured it out.

You see, the Mavericks aren't playing basketball, where the goal is to score the most points and win the game. The Mavericks are playing what I like to call "Carlisleball".

A quick overview of the rules of Carlisleball will instantly give reason to what we've seen this season.

The Rules of Carlisleball

1. No player should play more than 34 minutes

Each of the Dallas Mavericks' regular starters is averaging 32 minutes or less per game. In a league where stars average 33-36 minutes per game, you would think this is a recipe for losing. But remember, we're not trying to win the basketball game; we're trying to win the Carlisleball game.

2. No reserve player can be on the court with a starter

Full platoon swaps only.

3. No player should get more than 17 shots

Luka Doncic averages 14.6 field attempts per game. Harrison Barnes averages 14.8 attempts. That puts them at 43rd and 41st in the league, respectively. Most stars average 16-20 shots per game. Having your best players take significantly fewer shots than your opponents' best players seems like the route to a loss, but not in Carlisleball.

4. Each player must have at least 10 shots

Additional note for this rule: If you are in jeopardy of breaking this rule, immediately run a play for the affected player, no matter the situation or how unsuccessful the play is.

5. If a player hits more than 3 shots in a row, another player must take a shot on the next play

See rules 3 and 4.

6. All reserve players must play at least 15 minutes, no matter the score

In situations where a lead is being lost or where the deficit steadily grows, you might think bringing a starter or two back into the game is the right call. But not in Carlisleball.

7. These rules must be followed at all costs, regardless of the outcome of the basketball game

Again, the goal of Carlisleball is not to score the most points and win the basketball game. This is a whole other sport.

8. No in-game adjustments can be made; these rules must always be followed

See rule 7.

9. The coach must call every single play

Remember, this is Carlisleball. Your basketball skills are no match for this new sport.

10. In post-game comments, praise all "so-so" players, but be dismissive of stars' achievements.

Rick Carlisle is great at following this rule. Dennis Smith, Jr., Wesley Matthews, Dorian Finney-Smith, etc. get unlimited praise after a solid game, and rightfully so. Luka Doncic's achievements are generally dismissed in favor of talking about how the team performed.

See, it all makes sense now, doesn't it? The Mavericks haven't been trying to win basketball games. They're trying to win Carlisleball games. And they've done an excellent job!

Now, I'll admit, Rick Carlisle does not always follow these rules. That's why they've won some games.

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