Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson is greeted by injured forward Tim Hardaway Jr. during introductions before Game 1 of an NBA first-round playoff game against the Utah Jazz at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, April 16, 2022.Donovan Mitchell will probably be the best player on the floor again Monday with Luka Doncic likely anchored to the bench. Rudy Gobert looms like a tax audit.
Even when Luka has two good legs, the Mavs are at their best with a two-headed point guard, an approach they didn’t employ often against the Jazz out of necessity. Certainly Burke is a poor substitute for Luka. Who isn’t? Burke’s been designated DNP across two different Mavs administrations for a variety of reasons, notably a lack of height. One of the reasons the Mavs traded for Dinwiddie in the first place was to add another playmaker with size.
What the Mavs need even more than to knock down a few threes is better execution from Brunson and Dinwiddie. Look, I don’t discount the presence of Gobert, who precipitated one U-turn after another. Watching him alter shots and drives with his otherworldly 7-foot-9 wingspan reminded me of the Rangers’ home opener. Did you notice there was no fly over during the national anthem? They reportedly couldn’t clear a path because of the construction cranes outside Globe Life Field.
There’s no question that Brunson and Dinwiddie must play their best for the Mavs to win without Luka. Wouldn’t hurt, either, if they picked up the pace a little. The Mavs can wallow in a half-court offense when Luka’s bullying his way through a defense. Denying Gobert time to set up in the lane would make things easier in Luka’s absence.? Not if they’re going to go small. Not without Luka, either. Best they can hope is that they cut it to something like a 10-rebound deficit, which is doable.
KSherringtonDMN Let's be realistic. The Mavs are toast without Luka. The timing of his injury couldn't have been worse. I suspect the Jazz will sweep and then let's call it a season.