Mavs Moneyball - Final: Dallas Mavericks 118, Boston Celtics 113Rick Carlisle approved.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50869/mmb-fav.png2014-11-03T22:14:05-06:00http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/rss/stream/69145922014-11-03T22:14:05-06:002014-11-03T22:14:05-06:00Mavs defeat Celtics, 118-113
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<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Another sloppy third quarter led to a game that was much closer than it should have been. </p> <p>A broken remote, shouting, tears, cheers, stress, and an all caps Twitter kind of night. That's what this game was, in a nutshell.</p>
<p>It's impossible to understand why this Mavs team can get out to a good start after halftime, but for the fourth straight game the Mavs were outscored in the third quarter. This stat says it all.</p>
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<p>Third quarters this season: Opponents 135, Mavs 88.</p>
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn_macmahon/status/529473543290241024">November 4, 2014</a>
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<p>That's not a typo. Dallas is being outscored by almost 12 points per game in the third quarter. And frankly, if it wasn't for <span>Brandan Wright</span>, that would be much, much worse. Before we get any further into analyzing the third quarter though, let's look at the sweet, sugary goodness that was the first half. You want the first half in one, quick visual? Here you go.</p>
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<p>Before you could blink the Mavs jumped out to a double-digit lead, led by <span>Chandler Parsons</span> and his 14 first quarter points. The Mavs led 40-19 after one thanks to five made three-pointers. Behind Parsons was Dirk, and at one point early in the second quarter the duo had combined for 25 points, matching Boston's output, as Dallas worked its way to a 50-25 lead with over eight minutes left in the first half.</p>
<p>The lead climbed to as large as 30, as Dallas shot over 63% from the floor for the half.</p>
<p>But that damn second half had to happen. I seriously don't understand it, but with <span>Avery Bradley</span> and <span>Jeff Green</span> forgetting how to miss the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Celtics</a> came storming back, cutting the lead to six with 4:46 left in the game. At that point in the game Bradley and Green had combined for 58 of the Celtics' 99 points. FIFTY EIGHT. Avery Bradley and Jeff Green. Fifty eight. It would have been better if <span>Al-Farouq Aminu</span> had been on the floor, but he suffered an undisclosed knee injury and missed the entire second half of the game. Afterwards, Carlisle said the injury was not serious, so Mavs fans can breathe a sigh of relief.</p>
<p>Rebounding was a huge problem once again, as the Mavs were dominated on the boards 49-36, giving up 22 offensive rebounds to the Celtics for 25 second-chance points. Also, a note to Devin Harris. Stop. Stop it. Stop shooting bad threes, and play some transition defense. You're better than that.</p>
<p>With less than 20 seconds left Chandler Parsons reigned in a rebound and was immediately swarmed by three Celtics, who somehow managed to get a jump ball, thanks to an overwhelmed trio of referees. Parsons won the tip, and Monta took it the other way. He went up for the layup, but was horsecollared by <span>Rajon Rondo</span> and taken to the ground. It was assessed as a two shot common foul, but will no doubt be reviewed by the league. Fortunately, Monta looked to be ok, and he made both free throws to extend Dallas' lead to five.</p>
<p>Parsons finished with 29, Dirk had 27, and all's well that ends well. Tyson had a 10 point, 12 rebound, four block night, his first double-double this season and 19th as a Maverick. Dallas is 15-4 when Tyson has a double-double. Dallas also had their best three-point shooting night of the young season, drilling 14-of-25 from long range. Parsons and Dirk led the way with four each, while Devin and <span>Jameer Nelson</span> each went 2-for-6.</p>
<p>For Boston, Bradley and Green wound up with 67 combined points to keep it close until the end. <span>Jared Sullinger</span> was the only other Celtic in double-digits with 14.</p>
<p>So, what are your thoughts on the game? It wasn't a great win, or even a mediocre win, but 3-1 is better than 2-2. Sure, there are a lot of questions, but there's time to answer them all.</p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2014/11/3/7153415/game-recap-mavs-defeat-celtics-118-113-despite-sloppy-second-halfJamie Plunkett2014-11-03T21:47:06-06:002014-11-03T21:47:06-06:00Even Harris' brother questions 2-for-1 threes
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<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Harris constantly shoots 2-for-1 3-pointers at the end of quarters, and they almost never go in. We are puzzled by this strategy.</p> <p>It's an established fact that getting a 2-for-1 in basketball is a good thing, because #math. The chances of you scoring more points than your opponent at the end of the quarter if you take two shots and they only take one are very good.</p>
<p>But starting last year, <span>Devin Harris</span> has taken it upon himself to take off-the-dribble 3-pointers every time the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Mavericks</a> have a chance for a 2-for-1. They usually end poorly. Tonight, after a pull-up 3-pointer that was airballed left of the rim with about 33 seconds remaining, even Devin Harris' older brother had enough of it.</p>
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<p>Might be time to tell coach no</p>
— Bruce Harris /// (@starkadidas) <a href="https://twitter.com/starkadidas/status/529472964261969920">November 4, 2014</a>
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<p>Damn DH</p>
— Bruce Harris /// (@starkadidas) <a href="https://twitter.com/starkadidas/status/529472906061819905">November 4, 2014</a>
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<p>Harris obviously has Carlisle's approval when he does this. We aren't saying he should stop, but maybe, just maybe, he could mix it up with a pick-and-roll every once in a while?</p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2014/11/3/7153313/even-devin-harris-older-brother-doesnt-like-his-2-for-1-pull-up-threeTim Cato2014-11-03T21:22:07-06:002014-11-03T21:22:07-06:00Wright with block, save<iframe class="vine-embed" src="https://vine.co/v/OO0mFK2p57D/embed/simple" width="600" height="600"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Brandan Wright recovers on pick and roll to block the Celtics at the rim and save the ball for the Mavs</p></p></div>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2014/11/3/7153265/wright-with-block-saveKirk Henderson2014-11-03T21:14:33-06:002014-11-03T21:14:33-06:00Devin shakes, bakes, drops dime for And-1<iframe class="vine-embed" src="https://vine.co/v/OO0WDj0iA17/embed/simple" width="600" height="600"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Devin Harris helps steady the Mavs, who had managed to lose 20 of their 30 point lead. He shakes a Celtic to the ground, then drops a great pass for a bucket and the foul</p></p></div>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2014/11/3/7153231/devin-shakes-bakes-drops-dime-for-and-1Kirk Henderson2014-11-03T20:09:06-06:002014-11-03T20:09:06-06:00Devin Harris, Whirling Dervish<iframe class="vine-embed" src="https://vine.co/v/OO2p0vnalpp/embed/simple" width="600" height="600"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Devin Harris makes a nasty turnaround jumper</p></p></div>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2014/11/3/7153005/devin-harris-whirling-dervishKirk Henderson2014-11-03T19:51:39-06:002014-11-03T19:51:39-06:00Don't Hurt Him Tyson!<iframe class="vine-embed" src="https://vine.co/v/OO26ZYDra9B/embed/simple" width="600" height="600"></iframe>
<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Tyson Chandler with a MEAN block on Avery Bradley</p></p></div>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2014/11/3/7152933/dont-hurt-him-tysonKirk Henderson2014-11-03T14:10:24-06:002014-11-03T14:10:24-06:00Talking Boston with CelticsBlog
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<figcaption>Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Kevin O'Connor of CelticsBlog stops by to chat about Rajon Rondo, Marcus Smart and the plan in Boston.</p> <h4><b>What's the mood around the team this season? Are people talking about the playoffs or is everyone kind of resigned to another lottery appearance?</b></h4>
<p>The team is extremely positive, much more so than the beginning of last season. Everyone has completely bought into <span>Brad Stevens</span>' system -- you even have <span>Marcus Thornton</span> exerting energy on defense, which is something he hasn't done much at all the past few years. The roster has a lot of competitive, versatile players, and so far the guys are playing within their roles.</p>
<p>As for the fans, it's a mixture of emotions. A lot of fans still think it'll be another "lost season," but others think this team could win around 45 games. Realistically, it'll be somewhere in the middle, between 25 and 35 wins. But there is certainly reason for optimism, despite the reality check handed to them by Houston on Saturday.</p>
<h4><b>Is <span>Rajon Rondo</span> back to 100% after dealing with injuries over the last two seasons? And what's the deal with the trampoline park? That's one of those stories that's almost too good to check. </b></h4>
<p>I hate to give a copout answer, but it's too early to tell if Rajon Rondo is 100 percent. I'm sure that his knee is, but I think it'll naturally take a while for him to get back to what he was. His touch around the rim certainly isn't what it was pre-injury, but his passing is already at an elite level.</p>
<p>As for the trampoline park, Rondo dismissed all of it on media day, telling his full account of the story; he says he actually slipped in the shower.</p>
<h4><b>How is <span>Marcus Smart</span> adjusting to the NBA and what kind of impact can he have as a rookie? I remember him winning state titles at Flower Mound Marcus - they grow up so fast! (Also worth pointing out that DFW has 2 PG's on the <a href="https://www.celticsblog.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Celtics</a> roster with ESD's Phil Pressey) </b></h4>
<p>Marcus Smart might be the best rookie perimeter defender that I have ever seen. It's unreal to see him do the things he does, whether it's his off-ball awareness, his communication, or his obvious physical effort. You'll see tonight that, no matter whom he matches up against, he'll compete and bother the living hell of them.</p>
<p>However, as amazing as Smart has been defensively, his offense has been just as poor. It's a major work in progress. His passing has developed a bit since his time at Oklahoma State, but his decision-making must improve and his scoring is years away from being impactful. <a href="http://www.celticsblog.com/2014/9/19/6341427/setting-expectations-for-boston-celtics-rookie-guard-marcus-smart-point-nba-scouting-oklahoma-state">Click here for an article</a>, where I fully discussed my expectations for Smart this season.</p>
<h4><b>Smart has played with the ball in his hands most of his life. How is Boston using him when he and Rondo play together and can those two co-exist long-term? </b></h4>
<p>It really depends on the type of offense Boston is running. With Rondo, they run a lot more high pick-and-rolls, so Smart will play off-ball anyway, but when they run their motion, the ball is more evenly distributed. In their limited time together this season, the ball has moved well, but it's early.</p>
<p>I'm honestly not convinced it can work long-term. Brad Stevens wants to spread the floor with shooters and Rondo has never been a reliable spot-up shooter. Smart is better off the catch, but he has a long way to go if he wants to be a consistent threat.</p>
<p>More than anything, I think it depends on how Rondo integrates himself into the motion offense. Even though he looked terrific in game one, playing a style reminiscent of <span>Tony Parker</span>, he went back into his old pound-the-ball habits against Houston. There will be bumps in the road.</p>
<h4><b>How has the pairing of <span>Jared Sullinger</span> and <span>Kelly Olynyk</span> worked? Which one of those guys gets the assignment on a front-court scorer like Dirk? </b></h4>
<p>Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk play off of each other very well on the offensive end. They can both stretch the floor, they're both exceptional ball handlers and passers, and they are highly intelligent decision-makers. However, neither of them are rim protectors, so the defense suffers. It won't be long before <span>Tyler Zeller</span> is starting, in my opinion.</p>
<p>I think you'll see Olynyk draw the assignment against Dirk Nowitzki. He's a better perimeter defender and Sullinger can at least put his muscle on <span>Tyson Chandler</span> when he's rolling down the lane on a pick-and-roll. But if you remember, <a href="http://www.celticsblog.com/2014/2/10/5397608/how-the-dallas-mavericks-shred-the-boston-celtics-pick-and-roll-defense">the Mavericks slaughtered the Celtics using the pick-and-roll last year</a>, and a repeat of that performance wouldn't surprise me.</p>
<h4><b>Given Danny Ainge's history of wheeling and dealing, this is almost impossible to predict, but I do think it's an interesting thought exercise. If you had to guess, how many players on this roster are in Boston three years from now? And is Brad Stevens still the coach?</b></h4>
<p>Your guess is as good as mine. I assume that if Danny Ainge has it his way, then Rajon Rondo, <span>Avery Bradley</span>, Marcus Smart, and Jared Sullinger are the "locks" on the roster, and Brad Stevens would still be coaching. I do think Stevens is here for the long haul - he doesn't seem like the type of guy that would leave for a huge job offer, like Duke, but you never know. As for the players, I'll say that Bradley, Smart, Sullinger, Olynyk, and Young will be here three years from now; maybe Rondo, too.</p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2014/11/3/7150139/celtics-q-atjarks