Mavs Moneyball - All Things Mavericks vs. ThunderRick Carlisle approved.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50869/mmb-fav.png2012-10-24T22:44:40-05:00http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/rss/stream/33177692012-10-24T22:44:40-05:002012-10-24T22:44:40-05:00Depleted Mavs hang with Thunder in an 88-76 loss
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<figcaption>Peter G. Aiken-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Dallas was without Dirk Nowitzki, Shawn Marion and Vince Carter, but still kept the game competitive against the Thunder in a preseason loss on Wednesday night.</p> <p>Obvious news flash: the Mavericks will struggle to score without Dirk Nowitzki.</p>
<p>Even more obvious news flash: the Mavericks will struggle to score and compete without Dirk, Shawn Marion and Vince Carter.</p>
<p>Dallas fell into the latter scenario Wednesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and somehow the game wasn't a total embarrassment. Yes, the Mavericks only scored 76 points and shot 37.3 percent and the Thunder got pushed around in the paint at times. But what to expect against one of the NBA's best without your team's best scorer, two of your top rebounders and best defender?</p>
<p>There was fight, there was effort. Sadly, that's all we can expect from the Mavericks sans Dirk and two more key rotation players. It wasn't a win. It wasn't all that close but it was close enough. Dallas was within eight to 10 points throughout most of the first three quarters.</p>
<p>In my mind, that makes this preseason loss much more appealing than even the win against the Hornets or the closer loss to the Suns. Call me crazy. Just don't call me maybe.</p>
<p>I'll see myself out. Before I go, BULLETS!</p>
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<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">As I watched this game with a group of friends at a local drinking establishment, one asked if it would be possible to buy a Jae Crowder jersey shirt. Yes, Crowder-mania might be a little over the top, but the dude has been great so far. 21 points, 10 of 19 from the floor, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Crowder showed off his entire game tonight: he ran the floor well, was a pest on defense and battled on the boards. He even looked surprisingly competent taking the ball up the floor on a fastbreak. With Shawn Marion and Vince Carter ahead of him in the rotation, I doubt Crowder will ever be able to stay on the floor long enough to keep putting up even half of these numbers, but Rick Carlisle just HAS to find some minutes for this guy once the regular season starts. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">One of my favorite lineups of the night hand Brandan Wright and Elton Brand at the four and five spots (or five and four, whatever.) Carlisle has always insisted that Wright is a five in the Mavericks system and he's always played with either Dirk or Shawn Marion or Vince Carter at the four. Whether he's a four or a five playing with Brand, I never expected Carlisle to play both together, but it worked tonight. Wright's offensive game looks so much more polished and his mid-range jumper isn't great, but decent from 10 feet out. Wright rebounded well and looked much better on help side defense, registering only one block but plenty of altered shot attempts.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Unfortunately, Brand just can't seem to find it this preseason. I'm very alarmed at his failings to convert at the rim, which plagued him again tonight. He was 3 of 8 from the field but it should have been much more.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">I'm not really sure what Darren Collison is waiting for. Only seven shot attempts and that's not going to be a good amount even when Dirk is back. I really hoped Collison would be more aggressive in Dirk's absence but he's been trigger-shy. Some of it is lack of aggression but he's also had trouble getting open, as the Thunder played him well in the pick roll. O.J. Mayo was in the same boat as well (4 of 9 from the field, nine points) and it's definitely concerning that Mayo and Collison don't look like they want to be the options while Dirk is gone.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Bernard James grabbed five offensive rebounds in 22 minutes. The rest of the team grabbed FOUR. I was really confused at the selection of James this summer, a nice story but a seemingly low ceiling for a second round pick. The more I watch James the more confident I am in thinking he can definitely be a third-string center in this league. That might not sound impressive, but hey, he's a 27-year-old second round pick. That's pretty good.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Rick Carlisle finally released Dominique Jones and wow. Other than a nice transition dunk, Jones did some nice things to get into the paint but couldn't do anything once he got there. He finished 3 of 11, his jumpshot still looks as awful as it was in South Florida and he had four assists to three turnovers. I think his time is running out.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Jared Cunningham: 0 for 5 from the floor, zero points, no rebounds, no assists in 12 minutes. Your first-round pick, Mavericks fans!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">I kid above, but seriously: the Mavericks draft history gives them no favors with Cunningham's preseason play.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Only 12 minutes for Rodrigue Beaubois, I assume, because Carlisle wanted to get another look at Jones before destroying him once and for all.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Dahntay Jones started in place of Marion and decided to get seven shots off. The ball was in his hands a lot tonight when the shot-clock was winding down and he threw up some awkward attempts because of it. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Two straight games having fewer turnovers then the opposition. Hooray!</span></li>
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https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2012/10/24/3551898/short-handed-mavericks-fall-to-the-thunder-88-76Josh Bowe2012-10-24T18:00:19-05:002012-10-24T18:00:19-05:00Game Thread: Mavericks at Thunder
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<figcaption>SPEEEEEEEEEEDY | Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>This should be an interesting contest without several key Mavericks</p> <p><strong>WHO: </strong>The <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> host the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Mavericks</a></p>
<p><strong>WHAT: </strong>A glimpse into the future of the Mavericks...</p>
<p><strong>WHERE: </strong>INTRUST Bank Arena, Wichita, KS</p>
<p><strong>WHEN: </strong>7:00pm CT</p>
<p><strong>HOW: </strong>FSSW-DAL | FSOK</p>
<p><strong>THE STORY: </strong><span>Dirk Nowitzki</span>. <span>Chris Kaman</span>. <span>Shawn Marion</span>. <span>Vince Carter</span>. Four veterans. Four key members of this team. Four dudes who won't be playing in tonight's game. SO really, don't take this one too seriously. Yes, it's the first time the Mavs will face the Thunder, who swept them so unceremoniously from the first round of the playoffs last season. But we all know that the team they face tonight won't be the team they face in the regular season, so have no fear. It'll be a nice opportunity to watch all the young guns take on the youngsters of the Thunder. Stop by <a href="http://www.welcometoloudcity.com" target="_blank">Welcome To Loud City</a> for more information.</p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2012/10/24/3550380/game-thread-dallas-mavericks-at-oklahoma-city-thunderLJTynan2012-10-24T12:39:54-05:002012-10-24T12:39:54-05:00Visit with the Rival Oklahoma City Thunder
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>A Question & Answer Session with Welcome To Loud City main writer J.A. Sherman</p> <p>Tuesday afternoon I had the pleasure of talking with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Welcome to Loud City</a> founder and main writer J.A. Sherman about the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma City Thunder</a>. While we all know this team very well, there have been some small changes in the off-season worth hearing about from someone who knows the team well.</p>
<p><b>1.) Wednesday's game against marks the third Thunder game in 4 nights, kind of strange for pre-season. Who projects to be in the starting line up and are there any injuries we should be aware of?</b></p>
<p>The Thunder have certainly played enough preseason games this week, and in last night's game (vs <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bulls</a>) <span>Scott Brooks</span> opted to sit <span>Kevin Durant</span> and <span>Russell Westbrook</span> in favor of the bench players, presumably so they don't risk any fatigue injuries against the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mavericks</a>. I have a hunch they'll both be ready to go Wednesday night because we know that ever since Dallas knocked them out of the playoffs 2 years ago, OKC has relished the chance to play the Mavs.</p>
<p>I am sure that Coach Brooks is going to take everything very cautiously though, because it has only been recently that all 5 starters finally found the court at the same time. With the season a week away, it is probably best to protect that asset.</p>
<p><b>2.) From what you've seen, have any of your high impact players added anything to their games over the summer?</b></p>
<p>There have been a few noticeable adjustments/improvements that the Thunder guys have made, but so far none as stupendous as <a target="_blank" href="http://%20https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQXlfMhwUoo">Kevin Durant stealing Dirk's one-legged fadeaway</a> in last year's preseason</p>
<p>For Durant, he continues to mold himself into a 5 tool playmaker, so we have seen him assume even more ball-handling duties. The place he is improving in this area is that he understands the flow of the game better so is now more likely to be patient as plays develop, and as a result his turnovers are starting to diminish.</p>
<p>For Russell Westbrook, he is working on adding a low-post game to his repertoire. Previously, Westbrook had two main assets - a) the drive; and b) the free throw pull-up. By adding a basic post game, Westbrook will continue to take advantage of his physical advantages over most other point guards in the league. He is stronger, more physical, and a better leaper than most, so he should always have a matchup advantage. Now it is just a matter of looking for quality shots.</p>
<p>Lastly, I think we're going to see a lot more offense from <span>Serge Ibaka</span> this season, if the preseason has been any indication. OKC is noticeably bereft of a low post threat, and Ibaka is the best option they have. While he is still dependent on mid-range jumpers, Ibaka does have some improving low-post moves that he will continue to develop.</p>
<p><b>3.) <span>Eric Maynor's</span> ACL tear last season was unfortunate, since he seemed to be a stabilizing influence off the bench. How is he looking thus far?</b></p>
<p>Maynor has been splitting his time as the backup PG with 2nd year player <span>Reggie Jackson</span>, and it is clear that Brooks wants to see whether Jackson has what it takes to move into that backup role long-term. Jackson certainly has greater upside than Maynor, but as we have all seen, Maynor has the gravitas to run a championship-caliber team when the stakes are high.</p>
<p>He has struggled a bit just getting his timing down, but over his last two games Maynor finally started to show the calmness and patience that mark his game. Rookie <span>Perry Jones III</span> is already developing a rapport with Maynor, and that is always good tidings for a 2nd unit that has high standards to live up to. I was not exactly in my happy place enduring the <span>Derek Fisher</span> era last season, and I'm thankful that Maynor and Jackson are now the guys competing for the job.</p>
<p><b>4.) The Thunder have a wealth of athleticism. Do you see the team going 'small' more often this season? A conceptual line up of Westbrook, Harden, Durant, Perry Jones, and Ibaka is the stuff of nightmares.</b></p>
<p>The small-ball lineup is always an enticing one because when Durant moves to the '4,' he becomes even more dangerous than he normally is. The team can play faster, finish better, and the line-up has great success when the team needs to come back from deficits.</p>
<p>The place where they get hurt however is in their rebounding. Despite all of their talent and athleticism last season, they were only a mediocre rebounding team for most of the year. Ibaka should be grabbing more than 6-7 rebounds per game, but as long as he struggles in that area, the small-ball line-up is going to struggle when the players start missing shots.</p>
<p>It all may come down to how well Durant and Ibaka can rebound together. Durant was the team's leading rebounder last year, and if he can continue to be an anchor and outlet those rebounds quickly, the line-up can be deadly. If it doesn't work, then OKC has to move back to a slower line-up featuring <span>Kendrick Perkins</span> or <span>Nick Collison</span>. As for PJIII, I like what I've seen so far, but it is too soon yet to say if he can be a force on the defensive end.</p>
<p><b>5.) Which, if any, of the guys on the bench might fight for more playing time this year? </b></p>
<p>There are three developing areas worth watching:</p>
<p>a) Backup PG - I alluded to this earlier. Maynor is the veteran who knows how to run the offense and has great rapport with his teammates. Jackson is another athletic player with much higher upside. If Jackson can make strides in his game where he isn't running so hot or cold, I could see him taking minutes and making Maynor expendable.</p>
<p>b) Backup center - Perkins is the starter and will normally get around 25-28 minutes per night, leaving lots of time for the backup center to get quality minutes. As of today, <span>Cole Aldrich</span>, the 10th player taken 3 seasons ago, is the backup, but OKC also brought in <span>Hasheem Thabeet</span> to challenge for this spot. So far, neither guy has really made us feel wholly confident in the situation.</p>
<p>c) Perry Jones III - he is Durant's backup. Ergo, PJIII is not going to be getting a ton of minutes. He has a ton of talent and so far has shown good work ethic, but if he wants minutes, he has to seize upon any opportunity presented. I would love to see him dedicate himself to the defensive end and work to become a defensive stopper, thereby potentially marginalizing the less offensively-minded <span>Thabo Sefolosha</span>.</p>
<p><b>6.) Making the Finals with such a young team has raised expectations considerably. What are the goals this year for the Thunder? Would anything short of another finals trip be a disappointment?</b></p>
<p>There is only one goal - win a championship.</p>
<p>Everything else is a disappointment.</p>
<p>But you guys have the championship rings. You knew that already.</p>
<p><b>Thanks for your time. This has been fantastic. For my answers to J.A. Sherman's questions, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.welcometoloudcity.com/2012/10/24/3548280/thunder-mavericks-rivalry-q-a">go here</a>!</b></p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2012/10/24/3547482/better-know-a-rival-okc-thunder-editionKirk Henderson2012-10-23T14:22:37-05:002012-10-23T14:22:37-05:00Dallas Revisits a Recent Foe in the Thunder
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>After an ugly win Monday, Dallas hopes to build momentum against a team they last saw in the 2012 playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder.</p> <p>Wednesday night the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> (3-2) play host to the Dallas <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mavericks</a> (3-3) in Wichita KS. Dallas, coming off a much-needed win Monday against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Hornets</a>, hopes build off the win by continuing to monitor turnovers and team defense, while addressing some concerns in rebounding and team field goal percentage.</p>
<p>Compared to previous pre-season opponents, the Thunder had a relatively tame off season. Not many moves are needed when your team makes the NBA Finals, boasts a perenial MVP candidate, a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and potentially 4 All-Stars. The off season started with a bang as <span>Perry Jones III</span>, who was widely considered a top 5 prospect for much of the year, managed to fall all the way to the Thunder at pick 28 out of concerns for his knee and perceived issues with his approach to basketball (his motor). Sam Presti also picked up a former lottery pick (number 2 over all) in <span>Hasheem Thabeet</span> to ride the pine on the Thunder's deep bench. The GM also managed to lock up evolving power forward <span>Serge Ibaka</span> to a reasonable deal, considering his mean skills and age. The Thunder also had four players participate in the summer Olympics; Durant, Westbrook and Harden played for the US and Ibaka played for Spain.</p>
<p>So how do you improve as a team that made the NBA finals in convincing fashion? That they failed to knock off the <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Heat</a> is hardly a mark against them; Lebron James, love him or hate him, finally evolved to the overwhelming force we knew he could be. A summer of Olympic play with the best on the planet is bound to rub off on Durant, Westbrook, and Harden. Ibaka oddly did not see many minutes with Spain, but playing along side and practicing against one of the best big men of a generation in <span>Pau Gasol</span> certainly can't hurt. The return of <span>Eric Maynor</span> from ACL surgery, the steady play of <span>Nick Collison</span> and <span>Thabo Sefolosha</span>, the mean mugging and moving screens from <span>Kendrick Perkins</span>... and this doesn't even touch on some of their talented, but less-heralded bench pieces that rarely see the floor. The Thunder are talented, deep, and ready to make another run at the NBA finals.</p>
<p>As to how the Thunder match up with Dallas in what will be the Thunder's final pre-season game, that's hard to say. It will be the third pre-season game in four nights for OKC, which is probably rare among pre-season schedules. I wouldn't be surprised if Coach <span>Scott Brooks</span> severely limited the minutes of his rotation players. Then again, the Thunder don't kick off the season until November 1st; eight days is a lot of time off.</p>
<p>Dallas will be heading into this game looking to correct some issues which arose in Monday's win. Though the team managed to get turnovers under control, posting a pre-season low of 10, team rebounding was abysmal; the Mavs were outrebounded 62-40. Part of it can be attributed to not having <span>Chris Kaman</span>, but when <span>Vince Carter</span> is the team's second leading rebounder, there are problems to address. Size is an obvious concern against a team as potentially big as the Thunder, but rebounding is also about positioning and effort. As Josh Bowe pointed out on twitter, there was <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Boweman55/status/260567695051862017">a lot of standing around</a> Monday and Carlisle was none too pleased.</p>
<p>Hopefully Elton Brand can step up his level of play. In post game comments to reporters Monday he mentioned what he was brought in to do (back up Dirk and spell Kaman) versus what he is actually doing in terms of starting at center in an undersized line up. Derren Collison also needs to be better. While he's been pretty good in terms of managing games and getting assists, he was also brought to Dallas because of his scoring as well as his passing abilities. He'll likely never again play in a "Devil May Care" offense like he did in New Orleans, where he shot selection wasn't questioned. But he can shoot with confidence, attack the lane, and be a vital threat in the Dallas offense. In a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2012/10/12/3493884/irrational-fandom-2012-2013-edition">snarky post</a> earlier in the preseason I listed <span>O.J. Mayo</span> as a darkhorse for player most likely to drive me crazy and he's shooting up my rankings as preseason progresses. The talent is there but the mental aspect of the game comes and goes. Mayo must clean up his defense in order to be a positive factor for Dallas. It's nice to see Roddy play games, even if he's not changing the game much while he's in. Chris Kaman may be out these last two pre-season games.</p>
<p>One more pre-season contest follows tonight's game in Wichita. The preseason has been a challenge to say the least, but with so many roster pieces to fit in and injuries to deal with, its best if we do not read into the game results too much. There's a lot to improve upon, but the middle tier in the Western conference is very much in flux. While it's very easy to see the negative in some of these more frustrating pre-season games, it's best to try to take the long view.</p>
<p>**Game Time is 7:00pm Central time</p>
<p>***After publication, new came out that in addition to the known scratches of Dirk and Kaman, Marion and Carter will not be suiting up for Dallas as well.</p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2012/10/23/3542844/see-the-future-dallas-at-oklahoma-city-pre-season-game-7Kirk Henderson