Nick Angstadt here, the host of the daily Locked On Mavericks podcast, with your daily Locked On Mavericks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Mavericks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
The Dallas Mavericks Beat Themselves in the Clutch AGAIN
Nov 24, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd reacts against the Miami Heat during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images | Rhona Wise/Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
Mavericks’ Late-Game Struggles: A Closer Look at the Loss to the Miami Heat
The Dallas Mavericks’ recent clash with the Miami Heat was a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by late-game errors that ultimately cost them the win. As a Mavericks fan, it’s becoming all too familiar to witness these clutch-time losses. The team now stands tied for the most clutch losses in the NBA, a statistic that is both shocking and frustrating.
Key Moments and Missteps
The game was a nail-biter, with the Mavericks losing 123-118 in overtime. One of the pivotal moments came when Kyrie Irving missed a crucial free throw with just eight seconds left in regulation. This miss left the Mavericks with only a two-point lead, allowing Miami to capitalize and push the game into overtime. It’s rare to see Irving miss such opportunities, and this was a moment that could have changed the game’s outcome.
Another critical error was a defensive miscommunication between P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively. Washington was guarding Jimmy Butler on the inbound, and a botched switch left Butler open for a backdoor cut, resulting in a dunk. This lapse in defense was a turning point, highlighting the need for better communication and execution in high-pressure situations.
The Dinwiddie Dilemma
Spencer Dinwiddie’s role in the game also raised eyebrows. Jason Kidd played him 22 straight minutes from the third quarter through overtime... Dinwiddie struggled offensively, shooting just 1 of 12 from the field. His extended playtime, especially in a high-impact position, is questionable. While Dinwiddie did contribute with rebounds and assists, his shooting woes were a significant factor in the Mavericks’ inability to close out the game.
The decision to keep Dinwiddie on the floor for so long, particularly during crucial moments, was puzzling. It seemed like head coach Jason Kidd was searching for another ball handler to relieve Irving, who appeared visibly exhausted. However, with other capable players like Quentin Grimes and Naji Marshall available, the choice to rely heavily on Dinwiddie remains a topic of debate.
Looking Ahead
Despite the loss, there were positive takeaways. Naji Marshall’s performance was a bright spot, as he single-handedly kept the Mavericks in the game during a critical stretch. His ability to score and create plays showcased his potential as a valuable asset to the team.
As the Mavericks continue to navigate these challenges, it’s clear that adjustments are needed to improve late-game execution and decision-making. The potential is there, but consistency and strategic changes will be key to turning these close losses into victories.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Mavericks’ performance, tune into the Locked On Mavericks podcast for this and much more.
It was the three second violation heard round the world. Kidding, but it was strange enough that you looked to confirmation of what you were seeing to those around you, and/or rewatched the replay of it several times.
Posted up under the Raptors basket, Rudy Gobert had Scottie Barnes on his back in a mismatch and was calling to Julius Randle for the ball. Beyond the arc. Randle dribbled the ball, unhurried, as the shot clock ticked down. He’s eyeing the lane, would clearly prefer to drive, and even plants a foot to take off from when the whistle finally comes for Gobert, strolling out of the key nonchalantly, with all the urgency you’d approach a dental appointment.
Still frustrated, Gobert then needlessly hip-checked Barnes at the other end, sending him to the line and sending the Raptors up in the match and in momentum. Toronto won 110-105.
You can take your pick for what’s more worrisome, because the perspective shifts depending on the root of a few problems the Wolves face.
That Gobert opted to showboat his frustration is definitely the most obvious, in terms of visibility. It isn’t the first time he’s let his petulant side out on the floor. That Randle saw Gobert — impossible not to with his long arm up and waving — and chose to ignore him, dribbling the ball into oblivion instead, is another concern. The biggest question around the Randle and Karl-Anthony Towns trade was fit — for playing style and chemistry. A slight detail that nearly gets lost in the sequence is that Jaden McDaniels hustled for a really long rebound, swung it to Randle, and the urgency of that move was immediately sapped by what transpired.
Taken individually, these would be wrinkles for a working team to smooth by the next match. And yes, both Randle and Gobert addressed the sequence, with Randle prompting media to “name a perfect family” and Gobert saying “people think great teams are the teams where the sky is always blue”. Normally, I’d enjoy an athlete beginning with a euphemism, in this case, it feels like aversion.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Legacy Nikola Jokic continues to redefine basketball creativity with his full-court swat attempt against the Lakers, nearly achieving an incredible buzzer-beater despite the constraints of the Trent Tucker rule. (CBS Sports)
Biz NBA Hall of Famer Grant Hill discusses his investment in women’s sports and managing Team USA, highlighting his active retirement and commitment to sports development. (The Ringer NBA Show)
Rumor Western Conference coaches and executives are reportedly frustrated with the East’s playoff picture, suggesting a shift to a 1-16 seeding format to enhance fairness and competition. (Bleacher Report)
Stat Despite the Mavericks’ 123-118 loss to the Heat, key statistics like Luka Doncic’s shooting efficiency and the team’s three-point percentage stand out. Stat rundown provides detailed insights. (Mavs Moneyball)
Analysis The Mavericks’ offense struggled in their overtime loss to the Miami Heat, ending a four-game winning streak. Key issues included missed opportunities and inconsistent shooting. Game analysis delves into the details. (Dallas News)
Preview The Dallas Mavericks will take on the Atlanta Hawks at the State Farm Arena at 7:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Ja Morant Is Set To Return And Impact Fantasy Basketball Leagues
Nov 17, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) takes videos with his phone after the game against the Denver Nuggets at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
As we wrap up another thrilling week in the NBA, it’s time to reflect on the standout performances and crucial player updates that could impact your fantasy basketball strategy. With six games on the slate this past Sunday, there was no shortage of action and intrigue.
Player Updates and Injury News
One of the most significant updates this week involves Ja Morant, who has been upgraded to questionable. The Memphis Grizzlies have a consistent pattern of moving players from doubtful to questionable before they return to play, so Morant’s return seems imminent. Marcus Smart is also off the injury report, ready to make his comeback. However, the Grizzlies are still without Vince Williams Jr., who is sidelined for weeks, and Zach Edey.
In New Orleans, the return of key players is on the horizon. While Herb Jones remains out, Jordan Hawkins is back, and CJ McCollum is expected to play soon. Dejounte Murray has been upgraded to doubtful, indicating he might return later this week. These returns will undoubtedly shake up the rotations and fantasy implications for players like BJ Boston and ElfridPayton.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been idle since Wednesday, and Alex Caruso, who aggravated a hip injury, is out again. This extended absence is concerning for fantasy managers holding Caruso. Meanwhile, Ousmane Dieng’s fractured finger will keep him out for three to four weeks, opening up reserve minutes for Dillon Jones until Jaylin Williams returns.
The Dallas Mavericks secured a thrilling victory against the Denver Nuggets, showcasing their resilience even without Luka Doncic. Despite a challenging third quarter, the Mavs, led by Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, managed to close out the game strong. Key performances from players like Dereck Lively II, Naji Marshall, and PJ Washington were instrumental in the win, highlighting the depth of the team.
Join Nick Angstadt and Slightly Biased as they break down the game, discussing key players like Dereck Lively II, PJ Washington, and Naji Marshall. The episode also touches on the challenges faced by the Pelicans, who were missing several key players. Tune in to hear insights on the Mavs’ strategy and how they can maintain their momentum in upcoming games.
Join Nick Angstadt and his co-host as they break down the game, discussing the impact of players like Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, and Naji Marshall. The episode delves into the strategies that led to the Mavs’ success and highlights the challenges faced the Thunder. Tune in to hear insights on how the Dallas Mavericks managed to pull off this impressive win.
