Could be a benefit long term to the Mavs like dropping the last 3 to the Warriors in 2022 was to Boston. It could what moves they need to make in order to be a true title contender. I dont think they are that far off. And they have the ability to make some moves in the offseason
Mavs tried to turn on the defense towards the end of the year but when you don’t practice it all year long this is what happens. Luka and Kyrie are both horrible defenders even when they try which is rare. Luka spends too much time and energy yapping at the officials.
It could be that both things are true, they did benefit from a weak East and they really are that good anyway. They are a well balanced, well coached team, they don't need heroic performances from their stars, everyone contributes and making it look easy. I'm surprised the Mavs haven't put more of a fight though. Before the Finals, it started looking like the Mavs were really coming together as team, but the Celts really picked that apart pretty easily.
NBA in general is not strong. A 50 win 4th seed in the finals is a good indicator of that Teams are still trying to build true contenders around young stars. Nuggets were probably Bostons biggest threat, but even they aren't particularly strong.
Celtics are kind of like the Duncan era Spurs. Not sexy, but efficient on both ends of the court and built to win in their particular era
Luka is also still hurting physically. That adds more problems to his already weak defense.
Im a never say never guy. Hell we almost came back down 3-0 to the Heat last year. But this was an outlier game. Bostons 1st shooting was the worst Ive seen it all year and the Mavs were 50%/40%. I just think Boston for a down game
I think so too, I think Boston was just content taking it back home, but I would at least like to see the Mavs take it to 6 games.
Nah, I'd take losing in the SB every time vs losing in the Wild Card round or Divisional round for almost 30 years!
I'm good with that. I've seen all I want see from Luka.
