Mavs Moneyball - MMB Gameday Stream: Mavericks fall to Kings, 97-112Rick Carlisle approved.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50869/mmb-fav.png2013-12-09T23:35:45-06:00http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/rss/stream/49542572013-12-09T23:35:45-06:002013-12-09T23:35:45-06:00Mavs fall to Kings, 97-112
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<figcaption>Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>What an uninspired game. Ugh. </p> <blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Uninspired passing. Uninspired play all around.</p>
— Mavs Moneyball (@mavsmoneyball) <a href="https://twitter.com/mavsmoneyball/statuses/410275956767461376">December 10, 2013</a>
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<p>That basically sums up a pretty horrible night for the Mavs. Here's how it went down:</p>
<p>With Blair again starting at center for the Mavs, they went to...well, I would say work, but not so much. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Kings</a> mostly had their way with the Mavs in the first, with Isaiah Thomas getting any shot he wanted. Dallas was running out some interesting lineups trying to get things going, with Mekel/Crowder/James/Vince/Marion at one point -- but nothing seemed to be working out. <span>Monta Ellis</span> on <span>Jimmer Fredette</span> seemed to make up for a little towards the end of the quarter, and the Mavs would end the first down 23-34.</p>
<p>The Mavs would figure things out for a while in the second though, thanks to some good hard work by <span>Bernard James</span>, and cut the lead to single digits about four minutes in - and go ahead about halfway through. Despite keeping it close for a lot of the quarter, the offense went back to looking totally confused with a few horrible sequences and some bizarre plays, the quarter ended with Cousins free throws and the Mavs down by 10. Cousins would end the half already with a double-double.</p>
<p>Coming out swinging in the third, the Mavs would get the lead back down a little before letting the Kings have their way with them, going down 20 at one point. Dallas simply could not buy a shot, had zero flow, zero defense, and no ability to take care of the ball -- just atrocious.</p>
<p>The fourth quarter didn't see much improvement from the third, with the lineup a few minutes in actually Larkin/Dirk/Crowder/Ellington/Sarge. Basically the white flag lineup minus Dirk. The deficit went up to 23. I may have started crying a little. (Okay, that part's not true. But it HAS been a rough night for Dallas sports, give me a break.)</p>
<p>The Mavs would go on to lose, 97-112.</p>
<p>As I mentioned in the preview earlier, the Kings have played hard in every game and the Mavs simply could not judge them on their record. This was a Mavs team that looked lost against a Kings team that seemed young and energized. It sounds like a broken record but bears repeating: if the Mavs want to get anywhere this season, they cannot go into these games underestimating their opponent, they have to find SOMETHING on defense, and they must keep up with the other team on scoring. Basically, on a night where the Kings went out and had fun and scored a bunch, the Mavs didn't have an answer.</p>
<p>Cry yourself out in the comments below. They've got the Warriors on the road in two days.</p>
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https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2013/12/9/5194654/final-score-mavericks-vs-kings-2013Rebecca Lawson2013-12-09T20:00:02-06:002013-12-09T20:00:02-06:00GAME THREAD: Mavericks at Kings
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Let's win another on the road!</p> <p><strong>WHO:</strong> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Dallas Mavericks</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Sacramento Kings</a></p>
<p><strong>WHAT:</strong> A chance for a third consecutive road win!</p>
<p><strong>WHERE:</strong> Sleep Train Arena, Sacramento, California</p>
<p><strong>WHEN:</strong> 9:00 p.m. CST</p>
<p><strong>HOW:</strong> FSSW</p>
<p><strong>THE STORY:</strong> You guys didn't really want to watch the end of the Cowboys game, did you? Kidding, I'll probably be flipping between myself. But I digress. After a thrilling win over the Western Conference leading <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Trail Blazers</a> in Portland, the Mavs roll into Sactown to take on the Kings. Don't let the Kings' 5-13 record fool you -- they've kept it close in most of their games and can score, and score a lot. And as we've seen with the Mavs, they simply cannot sleep on any team. (Get it? Sleep Train Arena? Yeah, I'm horrible, sorry.)</p>
<p>Join the discussion below, and check out <a href="http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2013/12/9/5189966/four-pointer-game-preview-sacramento-kings-dallas-mavericks/in/4954257">the preview</a> or the <a href="http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2013/12/9/5191728/talking-kings-with-sactown-royalty/in/4954257">Q&A with Sactown Royalty</a> while you wait.</p>
<p>GO MAVS.</p>
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https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2013/12/9/5190234/game-thread-dallas-mavericks-at-sacramento-kingsRebecca Lawson2013-12-09T12:00:03-06:002013-12-09T12:00:03-06:00Q&A with Sactown Royalty
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<figcaption>Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We talk with Greg Wissinger of SB Nation Kings Blog, Sactown Royalty</p> <p>Yesterday morning, before the semi-insane Kings-Raptors trade featuring Rudy Gay, I asked my friend Greg Wissinger (<a href="https://twitter.com/gwiss" target="_blank">@Gwiss</a>) over at <a href="http://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Sactown Royalty</a> some questions about his team, the Sacramento Kings. I apologize for not having anything related to the trade here, but if you want to know more, I recommend visiting their page: <a href="http://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Sactown Royalty</a>.</p>
<p><b>1. Sacramento's off to a rough start, yet I've not seen some of the frustration from Kings writers as in years past. What's going on?</b><br><br>The difference is the changes at the top. With new ownership, a new GM, and a new coach who has the full support of the front office, Kings fans are in a bit of a honeymoon period. We understand that much of the current roster was compiled by the past regime, and that the new group needs time to implement their vision. And they've been active in working to improve the roster, as evidenced by yesterday's reported trade for Rudy Gay. <br><br>It also helps that the product on the floor has been fun, despite the poor record. The Kings have been competitive most nights, even against good teams. With this year's draft class, Kings fans are smart enough to be happy with fun games that ultimately result in close losses. We'd love a couple extra wins, but we're in a marvelous position compared to the past several years.<br><br><b>2. How is Ben McLemore doing so far? I've not seen him play since summer league.<br></b> <br>McLemore played well enough to earn a spot in the starting line-up. That's due to a combination of his play, and the poor play of Sacramento's other shooting guards. Marcus Thornton began the season as the starter, and is now in a game-by-game battle to maintain playing time over Jimmer Fredette. <br><br>Since moving to the starting line-up, McLemore has had many moments where he looks like a rookie. He rushes things at times, and fails to rush things at others. But he's also the best player on the roster in terms of moving without the ball. He's incredible on fast breaks. And he's good for one heart-stopping dunk attempt every game. I say attempt because he's missed several massive dunks, but he's so exciting that it's a thrill even when he misses. He's much better than he was in Summer League, but he still has a lot of room to grow.<br><br><b>3. Kings have already made one move to acquire Derrick Williams; what other moves might be on the horizon?<br></b> <br>This question was posed to me before the Rudy Gay trade, which shows you just how aggressive the Kings are being in the trade market. Two trades before mid-December in nearly unheard of. The Kings are being aggressive for two reasons. First, they want to improve the product on the floor. Second, they want to rid the roster of the past regime's mistakes. Removing John Salmons from the roster is enough for most Kings fans to consider this trade a win, despite Gay's contract and his shooting struggles.<br><br>I believe the Kings will remain aggressive. But they are also going to make trades on their terms. This trade is a massive talent improvement, and they sent out expiring contracts tied to players who haven't been producing. Sacramento is still a long ways away from being a desirable destination for free agents, so the trade makes sense. The Kings will be built through trades and the draft. I doubt the Kings are done making moves. The next one could be tomorrow, it could be at the trade deadline, or it could be in the offseason, but the front office is far from done.<br><br><b>4. Mavs fans might not be aware of Isaiah Thomas and what he's done this season. Could you give us a recap of his season to date and what he brings to the Kings?<br></b> <br>Isaiah Thomas has been wonderful this season. He's currently leading all NBA bench scorers, although the Rudy Gay trade shipped out Greivis Vasquez, ensuring Thomas a spot in the starting line-up. Thomas' play is why the front office was comfortable trading away Vasquez, who the Kings had just acquired this summer in a sign-and-trade that sent Tyreke Evans to the Pelicans.<br><br>Isaiah is 11th in the NBA in PER. The other night he outscored the Thunder 21-19 in the fourth quarter. He still isn't a great defender, but he's a fan favorite in Sacramento and has been just wonderful.<br><br><b>5. With a 5-18 record, another trip to the lotto seems likely without a massive turn around. What are the goals for the Kings this season?<br></b> <br>I alluded to this earlier, but this Kings season isn't about wins and losses. Prior to the season we heard a consistent message from the team's ownership, management, and coach, that this season was about changing the culture. The Kings need to remove the negative elements from the past several years. They are working to win back the community and the casual fans. They're improving the customer experience in the arena, which was atrocious.</p>
<p>A quick example, the new ownership spent a significant amount of money upgrading the parking lot, the visitor's locker room, the media area, the concourse, and the restrooms (which were notoriously left in disrepair by the Maloofs). Keep in mind, these are improvements to a structure that will be abandoned and destroyed within the next few years. <br><br>So while Kings fans would of course like to see a few extra wins, this year is about so much more. We've been compared to an abused puppy, and we're learning to love and trust again. That's what this season is about.</p>
<p><b>Thanks Greg!</b></p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2013/12/9/5191728/talking-kings-with-sactown-royaltyKirk Henderson2013-12-09T08:00:09-06:002013-12-09T08:00:09-06:00Four-Pointer: Previewing the Sacramento Kings
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Mavs head into Sactown for the third game of their roadtrip. </p> <h4>What did Sacramento do over the summer?</h4>
<p>Well, I mean, they weren't in the news at all?</p>
<p>Kidding.</p>
<p>Obviously one of the biggest stories of last season and offseason was Sacramento's fight to keep the <a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kings</a> from being sold to a group that would have relocated the franchise to Seattle. It was a fantastic story that I enjoyed immensely and in which Dallas (the city, not the team) played <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/news/20130514/sacramento-kings-nba-board-of-governors/">a minor hosting role</a>. And we all know how it turned out.</p>
<p>As far as personnel/player moves, the Kings were in need of...kind of a lot, including the front office. But the new ownership group went to work, and they did a pretty respectable job. They brought in sought after first-time head coach <span>Mike Malone</span> from the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Warriors</a>. In the draft, they took Kansas' Ben McLemore with the seventh pick and <span>Ray McCallum</span> in the second round. They let <span>Tyreke Evans</span> walk and signed <span>DeMarcus Cousins</span> to a max deal. Probably their most unexpected move was locking in <span>Carl Landry</span> for 4/$26 million. It's a step in the right direction for a team that didn't have much to speak of in competitiveness (but a ton of pride) last season.</p>
<h4>What has Sacramento done recently?</h4>
<p>Well, I mean, they haven't been in the news really at all recentl.......OH WAIT MY BAD.</p>
<p>Last night, the Kings <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2013/12/8/5189946/rudy-gay-trade-kings-raptors">traded for Rudy Gay</a> in a move that set basketball twitter all aflutter. As of this writing, the deal will send Gay and <span>Quincy Acy</span> to the Kings and send back Grevis Vasquez, <span>John Salmons</span>, <span>Chuck Hayes</span> and <span>Patrick Patterson</span> to the <a href="https://www.raptorshq.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Raptors</a>. Okay then! Though, it seems Gay <a href="https://twitter.com/daldridgetnt/status/409853450558509056">will not be available</a> tonight against the Mavs, per David Aldridge.</p>
<p>As far as wins and losses, the Kings haven't won a lot (5-13) but a slightly closer look indicates that they've kept it very competitive in the losses. In their last game they beat the "upstart" <a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jazz</a> on Saturday night, 112-102, so both teams will be working with a day of rest. As always, the Mavs will need to just score and keep scoring.</p>
<h4>What team stat might determine the game?</h4>
<p>Fouls and free throw shooting. As we've seen recently, for some reason the Mavs seem to have trouble getting foul calls, with Dirk inexplicably having to ask for calls and, you know, refs blatantly refusing to call a clear intentional foul. A few games ago there was another game where, similar to Portland, blatant non-calls on fouls were a factor. DeMarcus Cousins is currently 16th in the league in free throws and 11th in free throws attempted, and third in personal fouls (the Mavs' own <span>DeJuan Blair</span> is first). <span>Isaiah Thomas</span> is 19th in free throws and 18th in free throw percentage. (All per <a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2014_leaders.html">Basketball Reference</a>.) If Sacramento can get to the line more than Dallas, Dallas is going to have to (once again, forever and always) rely on pure scoring to get things done. But if Dallas can get Sacramento in foul trouble early, that will certainly ease the burden on the scorers a little.</p>
<h4>What stat, player or fact might surprise you about Sacramento?</h4>
<p>Sacramento has two players in the <a href="http://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2014_leaders.html">top ten in PER</a> for this season -- DeMarcus Cousins (6th) and Isaiah Thomas (10th). Number 11? <span>Dirk Nowitzki</span>.</p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2013/12/9/5189966/four-pointer-game-preview-sacramento-kings-dallas-mavericksRebecca Lawson