You guys talk about everything, BUT what matters. The only question should be...How has the Mavericks offense changed since Luka's been out? Has the pace changed? Has the ball movement changed? Are more people contributing without Luka? Why is that? Has the intensity on defense picked up without Luka?
To me the best sign was Luka's game against the Pelicans, when he had 26-5-5 in under 30 minutes with high efficiency. Not much for his own performance -- considering NOP was severely handicapped and he got injured --, but mostly because he didn't get in the way of team play and ball movement carrying over from the OKC match. MVP numbers or not, hopefully he's adding a new dimension to his game.
I honestly think Klay off the bench for 25 minutes in a "go out there and shoot threes" role would be amazing and a good step in his career. You can tell he cannot create separation anymore with his shot. If that's the case, keep him in the background as the sixth man and let him play the bench of other teams and torch them because he's clearly still amazing at shooting
Where's the spacing going to come from when luka doesn't have that shooting threat on the court? We'll be seeing a lot more forced tough shots from Luka.
@@1nonlyrawbert Yeah but its a good sacrifice for Luka to play slightly worse (he just needs to drive to have defenses collapse on him making space for everyone else) and to have Klay be more consistent
@pancy6260 no, the point of attack shouldn't be your star player especially if you heavily rely on the offense running through Luka. He will get gassed like he always does by the 4th qrtr. We've seen it. Head down, arms barely swinging when he runs, if he runs, and hands on knees when there's a break. Not only that he wastes energy yelling at the refs. Star player can't be a defensive liability. And I'm not worried about klay. He's still a way better 3pt shooter than Luka. He just needs to keep getting Klay open shots. But mainly he needs to take his game more serious. It's more than just being talented on offense.
I thought no Naji provides a large enough threat to space the floor as a starter. I always thought allay should come off bench and take Hardeways role.
A reminder that we haven't had a game where the whole team was fully healthy and playing well. Once the health is good and we have Luka, Kyrie, PJ, Lively all on the court together, we're cooking.
Based off how the bench finally is stepping up and how Naji and PJ are playing. We could’ve been the number 1 seed with a 14-4 record if it wasn’t for those clutch games. This team is great and is only getting better and I love seeing it.
@ Luka COMPLAINS to Much About The things that he is doing wrong and doesn’t involve his teammates in the flow of the game, only after he dribbles the shot clock away before he passes it and he plays zero defense. He needs to GROW UP
I love pj, naji, Dlive, gaf Mavs won’t win unless: 1. Luka plays more pg and shoots less so role players are active 2. Klay scores more we need Klay at 18ppg
Klay doesnt need to shoot 18ppg to win games. He'll, they won the other day and klay put up a goose egg AND luka wasn't playing. Those are all great signs that this is a really good team
We don't need Klay at 18 ppg if PJ, DLive, Gaff, Naji, Grimes are going off. If Klay is at 18 ppg with those guys stepping up though Mavs will go on a huge undefeated streak cause that's insane.
@ I think everyone is downplaying how important Klay is to the success. Last season Mavs had horrible defense until the trade so it was the big weakness. But last season with Thj on the court Mavs were number 1 offense but also worst defense. Klay is needed to make them number 1 offense. He is the piece of the puzzle that wins them a chip and makes them unguardable. But for that to happen he has to become a priority on offense. When Mavs played Heat look at all the plays they ran. Klay has to be the reason Mavs run more plays and we look like a strategic offense.
im high on this team. its the most complete team we've had since 2011. a lot of it hinges on Luka though being healthy, engaged (in all aspects) and fitting in (not the team adjusting to around him)
im hoping this season is for Kyrie, im hoping he's healthy and get that all-nba 1st team, most of us know Luka is obviously better than any stars but we want him to play all-around, offense w/ efficiency, putting more effort in defense, and be a cool cat on the court
Kyrie being an all-NBA player is problematic for us, but great for him. He's going to understandably want major money. We must extend him! Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, James Harden, and Julius Randle CANNOT be paired with Luka
@PeterWilson-c3u he deserves a larger contract, dude probably already better than PG and Kawhi when it comes to efficiency and availability but those players still getting larger contract even they're playing like half of a season
@@eymaqtpie13 He's been remarkable. Assuming we keep him, we're likely going to go into the luxury tax. Which is fine because Boston, Bucks, Heat, 76ers, Nuggets, TimberWolves, Warriors, and the Suns will all have massive roster turn over next summer. Their salaries are TOO high
@@PeterWilson-c3u yeah it's fine for the team and also have tons of moveable contracts it's just Luka and Kyrie eating up much money unlike the teams you mention that they have 3 players on max deals
@@eymaqtpie13 Our 2025 summer is in the hands of Kyrie. Failure to extend him sets us back 3 years!! Last years' Finals appearance places leverage on his side. Lets wait and see
I really don't get the start naji and bench klay narrative. We need somebody that can create their own shots from the bench, I don't want to see Klay trying to create his own shots. Closing games is a different conversation.
On nights when klay is lights out we close with klay when he's rocky we close with naji or grimes. Knowing Kidd he'll throw a few more variables in there tho lmao
@@younglightskin2685That destroys players confidence on coaches. Preference will be if the other team have a ball dominant guard or not. Klay/Naji will close depending.
Klay looks way better with Luka so for that reason alone I don't think he's benchable. Luka and Kyrie gravity on the court is what he needs to be automatic.
@@farukguney6894 Klay's close to being on the bench. We've been patient and have given him grace. Soon, he will need to get his percentages up and produce results!
@@nothingreally6680 otherwise he would easily be shut down and lose rhythm which is crucial. Mavs need legit guard off the bench and reliable 1-3 defender SF to bench Klay.
@@nicholaspowell9375 Totally dude. He needs to come back against a bad team to ensure we win. If he comes back and we lose, everyone will state "Luka's the problem, we're better off without him"
Seriously?!?! Dirk, by many people's opinion, redefined the power forward position in the NBA and was league MVP, Finals MVP, and NBA Champion and Nick thinks Dirk is a little bit better than Tatum?
Dirk in the year 2011 compared to this Tatum in his prime. Dirk was 6th for MVP & 2nd Team All-NBA. Tatum last year was 6th in MVP and 1st Team All-NBA. Obviously in Dirk's prime I think he was better. -Nick
Tonight we will have another potential showcase for how good the mavs are actually. Brunson coming back. Btw, they didnt play any team at full strength, and they didnt play cavs/boston yet, so you cant really tell if they are able to best them. I actually dont think so. Boston & Cavs quality and team play is much better
I mean Kidd has done well but in the other hand I think better asst coaches might be needed. Basically an offensive coordinator, personnel, and D cord. Let kid just be in their ears and on side court 6th man
Kyrie is already 32, Klay is 34, Luka is only 25, but due to his poor physical condition and food habits, sometimes it feel like he is already 30.😅 That's why I think we don't have much time for getting a ring with this current team... being coached by the sometimes totally dumb Jason Kidd don't help for gelling the team quickly. To start every season slowly don't help neither, because were in the hell of the Western conference, and so we have to produce much more efforts for coming up in the standings.
Say what you want about kidd but in 3 years he has coached a team to 2 wof and one of them ending in the Finals. I will not question kidds coaching until proven otherwise. It isn't how you start but how you finish and kidd has proven he improves along with the team as the season progresses lol
Yup the urgency is lacking. This team could be 16-2 but lazy, sloppy play has killed them in these clutch games. It's like they don't realize that this year is their best shot for a while.
You tweaking. I constantly follow the euroleague, see more games cause of the times of games. There is no one remotely similar to jokic. In fact euroleague rules encourage traditional centers. Tavares dominates night in and out without the ability to switch, pass or do anything out of defending the paint, blocking and dunking. Their are less skillful bigs in europe than the nba. No one is remotely similar to jokic, nor doncic. Though their are more big, skilful floor generals than jokic type players in europe. Stop tweaking.
@@benjaminhollaway5539 😂😂😂 Kyrie will always be 2nd option and you ra cists cant take it!! Even if Mavs go 20-1 without Luka kyrie will still be 2nd option it will still be Luka's team🤪🤪😭
@@tycesumerall8718 That's right apply that. The fact is that Kyrie will always be 2nd option and that this crying from you ra cist fans makes me happy😁
@@tycesumerall8718 That's right apply that. The truth is that Kyrie will always be 2nd option and that this crying from you r cist fans makes me happy😁
people talking about racism in normal conversations are determined to ignore anyway. So ignore that racial guy. He is lost in the past. Calling people racist bc of literally nothing is lefty propaganda. Thats all they can do.
I dunno… I don’t like being negative but I’ve enjoyed this pod so much more since Issac left and slightly started. Not even close. I am starting to tire of the constant game to game use of crazy narratives and sensational video titles etc I know you need to make constant content and get views but the raccoon squad will be here no matter what so tone it down and just be positive and have some sort of consistent narrative. The whole one bad game and all of a sudden kidd is an idiot again or Luka is washed blah blah blah makes it less appealing to follow each video.
@@LockedOnMavericks I’m not saying you don’t have positive episodes just that it’s not a consistent vibe, that being said I understand the season is an emotional roller coaster and things have to be sensationalized a bit to make it seem like each episode is a must watch bc you gotta keep making episodes, I just don’t think you need to be so harsh after losses etc and create new narratives every couple games. This is coming from someone who has watched every episode for years… sometimes it feels like you choose click bait titles/narratives etc over the team and don’t just trust us to watch
What's 1 sign the Mavs are a really good team?
There are many players that can score 20+ on any night, and defence is solid for this period of year.
You guys talk about everything, BUT what matters. The only question should be...How has the Mavericks offense changed since Luka's been out? Has the pace changed? Has the ball movement changed? Are more people contributing without Luka? Why is that? Has the intensity on defense picked up without Luka?
top 10 offense and defense
Balance contribution from different players. Mavs legitimately can win games without Luka or Kyrie. Naji Marshall signing looks really a bargain now.
all guys playing out there do their best to win…
You have 2 Superstars and an improved supporting cast. As simple as that.
Yep
@@LockedOnMavericksagreed
Yea but this isnt a Boston.. changes still need to come.. coach and powell/hardy
3 Superstars. At least.
@@JesusSavedtheEntireWorldWho’s the 3rd? Please don’t tell me Klay Thompson 😂
To me the best sign was Luka's game against the Pelicans, when he had 26-5-5 in under 30 minutes with high efficiency. Not much for his own performance -- considering NOP was severely handicapped and he got injured --, but mostly because he didn't get in the way of team play and ball movement carrying over from the OKC match. MVP numbers or not, hopefully he's adding a new dimension to his game.
Dallas mavs and Mavs fans are lucky to have this team
Jason Terry came off the bench and wore 31. It’s time for Klay to do the same.
I honestly think Klay off the bench for 25 minutes in a "go out there and shoot threes" role would be amazing and a good step in his career.
You can tell he cannot create separation anymore with his shot. If that's the case, keep him in the background as the sixth man and let him play the bench of other teams and torch them because he's clearly still amazing at shooting
Where's the spacing going to come from when luka doesn't have that shooting threat on the court? We'll be seeing a lot more forced tough shots from Luka.
@@1nonlyrawbert Yeah but its a good sacrifice for Luka to play slightly worse (he just needs to drive to have defenses collapse on him making space for everyone else) and to have Klay be more consistent
@pancy6260 no, the point of attack shouldn't be your star player especially if you heavily rely on the offense running through Luka. He will get gassed like he always does by the 4th qrtr. We've seen it. Head down, arms barely swinging when he runs, if he runs, and hands on knees when there's a break. Not only that he wastes energy yelling at the refs. Star player can't be a defensive liability. And I'm not worried about klay. He's still a way better 3pt shooter than Luka. He just needs to keep getting Klay open shots. But mainly he needs to take his game more serious. It's more than just being talented on offense.
I thought no Naji provides a large enough threat to space the floor as a starter. I always thought allay should come off bench and take Hardeways role.
A reminder that we haven't had a game where the whole team was fully healthy and playing well. Once the health is good and we have Luka, Kyrie, PJ, Lively all on the court together, we're cooking.
Based off how the bench finally is stepping up and how Naji and PJ are playing. We could’ve been the number 1 seed with a 14-4 record if it wasn’t for those clutch games.
This team is great and is only getting better and I love seeing it.
Please ...Kyrie is a super star
KYRIE is the BEST PLAYER ON THIS TEAM
@@tornadoesbigoCool story ra cist kyrie fan Luka is still 2nd best player in the league behind Jokic
@ Luka COMPLAINS to Much About The things that he is doing wrong and doesn’t involve his teammates in the flow of the game, only after he dribbles the shot clock away before he passes it and he plays zero defense. He needs to GROW UP
@ Luka is not even TOP 10😂
@@tornadoesbigo All-NBA first Team every season (5x). That´s TOP 5 if maybe you don´t know that.
I love pj, naji, Dlive, gaf
Mavs won’t win unless:
1. Luka plays more pg and shoots less so role players are active
2. Klay scores more we need Klay at 18ppg
Klay doesnt need to shoot 18ppg to win games. He'll, they won the other day and klay put up a goose egg AND luka wasn't playing. Those are all great signs that this is a really good team
We don't need Klay at 18 ppg if PJ, DLive, Gaff, Naji, Grimes are going off. If Klay is at 18 ppg with those guys stepping up though Mavs will go on a huge undefeated streak cause that's insane.
@ I think everyone is downplaying how important Klay is to the success.
Last season Mavs had horrible defense until the trade so it was the big weakness.
But last season with Thj on the court Mavs were number 1 offense but also worst defense.
Klay is needed to make them number 1 offense. He is the piece of the puzzle that wins them a chip and makes them unguardable.
But for that to happen he has to become a priority on offense.
When Mavs played Heat look at all the plays they ran. Klay has to be the reason Mavs run more plays and we look like a strategic offense.
Exactly
im high on this team. its the most complete team we've had since 2011. a lot of it hinges on Luka though being healthy, engaged (in all aspects) and fitting in (not the team adjusting to around him)
im hoping this season is for Kyrie, im hoping he's healthy and get that all-nba 1st team, most of us know Luka is obviously better than any stars but we want him to play all-around, offense w/ efficiency, putting more effort in defense, and be a cool cat on the court
Kyrie being an all-NBA player is problematic for us, but great for him. He's going to understandably want major money. We must extend him! Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, James Harden, and Julius Randle CANNOT be paired with Luka
@PeterWilson-c3u he deserves a larger contract, dude probably already better than PG and Kawhi when it comes to efficiency and availability but those players still getting larger contract even they're playing like half of a season
@@eymaqtpie13 He's been remarkable. Assuming we keep him, we're likely going to go into the luxury tax. Which is fine because Boston, Bucks, Heat, 76ers, Nuggets, TimberWolves, Warriors, and the Suns will all have massive roster turn over next summer. Their salaries are TOO high
@@PeterWilson-c3u yeah it's fine for the team and also have tons of moveable contracts it's just Luka and Kyrie eating up much money unlike the teams you mention that they have 3 players on max deals
@@eymaqtpie13 Our 2025 summer is in the hands of Kyrie. Failure to extend him sets us back 3 years!! Last years' Finals appearance places leverage on his side. Lets wait and see
They can win even without doncic that's a good sign
and we are starting to expect it for every team (except Celtics)
I really don't get the start naji and bench klay narrative.
We need somebody that can create their own shots from the bench, I don't want to see Klay trying to create his own shots.
Closing games is a different conversation.
On nights when klay is lights out we close with klay when he's rocky we close with naji or grimes. Knowing Kidd he'll throw a few more variables in there tho lmao
@@younglightskin2685That destroys players confidence on coaches. Preference will be if the other team have a ball dominant guard or not. Klay/Naji will close depending.
Klay looks way better with Luka so for that reason alone I don't think he's benchable. Luka and Kyrie gravity on the court is what he needs to be automatic.
@@farukguney6894 Klay's close to being on the bench. We've been patient and have given him grace. Soon, he will need to get his percentages up and produce results!
@@nothingreally6680 otherwise he would easily be shut down and lose rhythm which is crucial. Mavs need legit guard off the bench and reliable 1-3 defender SF to bench Klay.
Absolutely worth it!
When is Luka back?
Until the Overwatch tournament is done.
Should be the Jazz game
@@nicholaspowell9375 Totally dude. He needs to come back against a bad team to ensure we win. If he comes back and we lose, everyone will state "Luka's the problem, we're better off without him"
@@PeterWilson-c3uRa cist kyrie fans/haters they are not Mavs fans
I've covered this Mavs team since 93'
The depth IS there, just need to work out the kinks.
100%
Seriously?!?! Dirk, by many people's opinion, redefined the power forward position in the NBA and was league MVP, Finals MVP, and NBA Champion and Nick thinks Dirk is a little bit better than Tatum?
Dirk in the year 2011 compared to this Tatum in his prime. Dirk was 6th for MVP & 2nd Team All-NBA. Tatum last year was 6th in MVP and 1st Team All-NBA. Obviously in Dirk's prime I think he was better.
-Nick
Agree. Mavs are damn deep and good this year... Their toughest opponent is still seated on their bench. Jason Kidd.
Classic casual right here
Worth it
Don't forget that OKC and Denver were missing starters as well.
Meanwhile, they are beating playoff teams without Luka.
Tonight we will have another potential showcase for how good the mavs are actually. Brunson coming back.
Btw, they didnt play any team at full strength, and they didnt play cavs/boston yet, so you cant really tell if they are able to best them. I actually dont think so. Boston & Cavs quality and team play is much better
Canned cranberry sauce is mediocre and I can take it or leave it. Homemade cranberry sauce with real cranberries is amazing. and super easy to make.
This is Lukas team and it is built around him. Already proved they can be great that way and just needed some better shooters/playmakers.
I mean Kidd has done well but in the other hand I think better asst coaches might be needed. Basically an offensive coordinator, personnel, and D cord. Let kid just be in their ears and on side court 6th man
Kyrie is already 32, Klay is 34, Luka is only 25, but due to his poor physical condition and food habits, sometimes it feel like he is already 30.😅
That's why I think we don't have much time for getting a ring with this current team... being coached by the sometimes totally dumb Jason Kidd don't help for gelling the team quickly.
To start every season slowly don't help neither, because were in the hell of the Western conference, and so we have to produce much more efforts for coming up in the standings.
Say what you want about kidd but in 3 years he has coached a team to 2 wof and one of them ending in the Finals. I will not question kidds coaching until proven otherwise. It isn't how you start but how you finish and kidd has proven he improves along with the team as the season progresses lol
Yup the urgency is lacking. This team could be 16-2 but lazy, sloppy play has killed them in these clutch games. It's like they don't realize that this year is their best shot for a while.
You are what your record says you are.
Because of Nick I’ll give cranberry sauce a chance
The perfect bite
-Nick
That Miami game still hunts me Kyrie 😢
The Mavs will end up 67-15 this season and will win the NBA Championship. Believe me.
Kinda tired everyone jumping on Spencer's case for not making shots when he's doing everything else right
MFFL💙🤞🏽
Luka is bitw idk why people think it’s jokic. There is 20 jokics in Europe whereas Luka is a rare breed 1 of 1
You tweaking. I constantly follow the euroleague, see more games cause of the times of games. There is no one remotely similar to jokic. In fact euroleague rules encourage traditional centers. Tavares dominates night in and out without the ability to switch, pass or do anything out of defending the paint, blocking and dunking. Their are less skillful bigs in europe than the nba.
No one is remotely similar to jokic, nor doncic. Though their are more big, skilful floor generals than jokic type players in europe. Stop tweaking.
There isn't even 20 Jokics in all of world history.
The glaze is absolutely diabolical 💀. Luka can’t even sniff Jokic’s stats.
@@tristantemple834 "muh numbers high" 😂
I wouldnt let klay shoot no less then 8 threes a game and they need to use maxi klieber more offensivly
It’s not a Thanksgiving dinner without that cranberry sauce!
Cranberry jelly as a little dash on your bites is peak, sweet, savory, tangy
Changes thanksgiving dinner. You need that sweetness to cut ALL the savory.
-Nick
I would take dirk over Tatum. Fym
🦝🦝
Lukas time has come and gone... and the luka stans can't take it...
@@benjaminhollaway5539 😂😂😂 Kyrie will always be 2nd option and you ra cists cant take it!! Even if Mavs go 20-1 without Luka kyrie will still be 2nd option it will still be Luka's team🤪🤪😭
@@benjaminhollaway5539 Kyrie's sole purpose on this team and in his life is to help Luka become the GOAT
You can keep pushing your luka propaganda you can't be the best player when you can't play without the ball
@@tycesumerall8718 Luka 2nd best player in the league behind Jokic you ra cist kyrie fans can cry some more
Just because you say something don't make it true
@@tycesumerall8718 That's right apply that. The fact is that Kyrie will always be 2nd option and that this crying from you ra cist fans makes me happy😁
@@tycesumerall8718 That's right apply that. The truth is that Kyrie will always be 2nd option and that this crying from you r cist fans makes me happy😁
people talking about racism in normal conversations are determined to ignore anyway. So ignore that racial guy. He is lost in the past. Calling people racist bc of literally nothing is lefty propaganda. Thats all they can do.
I'm sick of the Luka haters. Enough!! You are just making yourself sound silly. Luka is a generational player, Kyrie is average at best.
No on cranberry sauce 100%
But have you had the perfect bite?
Cranberry sauce doesn’t increase anything imo. I don’t make it like my grandma did. Overrated
The Mavs are much better than what we have seen lately. They will make it to the Western Finals and Lose to the Nuggets.
I'd love to see Luka win, but thinking that this team can win a championship is as delusional as thinking that they could beat Boston was.
There's TOO much of a talent gap for the Mavs. After Lively, Luka, and Kyrie, our talent gap with other teams widens significantly!
@@PeterWilson-c3uthis is kinda just ignorant to other teams
Luka and Kyrie are going to have to play the best basketball of their lives in the playoffs for them to win this season. Could happen though.
The original cast duo chemistry is unmatched.
We kind of mis seeing it this year. Las year was more obvious.
Isaac out
I dunno… I don’t like being negative but I’ve enjoyed this pod so much more since Issac left and slightly started. Not even close.
I am starting to tire of the constant game to game use of crazy narratives and sensational video titles etc
I know you need to make constant content and get views but the raccoon squad will be here no matter what so tone it down and just be positive and have some sort of consistent narrative.
The whole one bad game and all of a sudden kidd is an idiot again or Luka is washed blah blah blah makes it less appealing to follow each video.
@@curiosaf8560 This WHOLE episode was us being positive
@@LockedOnMavericks I’m not saying you don’t have positive episodes just that it’s not a consistent vibe, that being said I understand the season is an emotional roller coaster and things have to be sensationalized a bit to make it seem like each episode is a must watch bc you gotta keep making episodes, I just don’t think you need to be so harsh after losses etc and create new narratives every couple games. This is coming from someone who has watched every episode for years… sometimes it feels like you choose click bait titles/narratives etc over the team and don’t just trust us to watch