Mavs Game Preview: Preseason vs Clippers
More Klay, more physicality, more fun...
Throughout the season, I’ll be doing game previews and game observations—similar to what I did for all games last season on Twitter. I’ll keep the same note-taking format to highlight the main storylines heading into and coming out of each game.
For this preseason game, I’ll keep things brief. At the time of writing, it’s hard to predict which stars and rotation players on both sides will actually play, and even if they do, they’ll likely see limited minutes. We’ll see if things change for the preseason finale against the Bucks, but either way, I’ll have a full preview ready for the season opener against the Spurs.
Today’s Notes:
More Klay and Kyrie minutes? If so, with whom?
Dealing with physicality - Part I
Dealing with physicality - Part II
Bonus nuggets: DJJ, O-Max and welcome to Intuit Dome
Let’s dig in!
1-More Klay and Kyrie minutes? If so, with whom?
As mentioned, it's hard to predict who’ll play and for how long. Jason Kidd mentioned that Luka Dončić and P.J. Washington are progressing but aren’t expected to play tonight, while Thompson and Irving could see minutes beyond halftime. However, the 34-year-old Thompson reported some back tightness after his first preseason appearance against the Jazz, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the Mavericks take a cautious approach.
Of course, I’d be excited to see more Thompson minutes and the different ways he’s being integrated into the Mavericks’ offense. Same stands for watching his effort level and how he competes on defense. The other thing I’m watching is if both Thompson and Irving play more, will Kidd start another guard alongside them and continue using those three-guard lineups like in the first half against Utah.
2-Dealing with physicality - Part I
In my post-game observations after the Jazz game, I highlighted rebounding as the biggest issue when the main rotation players were on the floor. Yesterday, I also provided a more detailed, numbers-based explanation of why Washington and Dončić make such a significant difference on the defensive glass.
Kidd talked about physicality and not being pushed around the basket after a recent practice, and he mentioned another challenge coming their way in Ivica Zubac. Daniel Gafford struggled against a bigger, more physical Zubac in the playoffs, which is likely one of the reasons he added more weight and bulk this offseason. If they match up again tonight, it’s definitely one to watch.
3-Dealing with physicality - Part II
The Clippers lost Paul George in the offseason, and Kawhi Leonard is injured again—two reasons why I had them ranked 12th in my preseason Western Conference rankings. They also lost Russell Westbrook but replaced his energy and hustle by snagging Derrick Jones Jr. away from the Mavericks, bringing back Nicolas Batum after a brief stint in Philly, and signing Kris Dunn.
Jones Jr., Dunn, Batum, along with Luka's 'favorite Clipper' Terance Mann, form a formidable collection of aggressive point-of-attack defenders, guaranteeing that Mavs-Clippers matchups will remain feisty. I've been writing about Jaden Hardy and Spencer Dinwiddie auditioning for the backup ball-handler role all preseason long. How they—especially Hardy—perform against the Clippers' aggressive perimeter defenders is another thing I’ll be watching tonight.
Bonus nuggets:
Derrick Jones Jr. reunion: The Mavs have re-tooled in the offseason, but it’ll still be tough—and kind of emotional—to see Derrick Jones Jr. in a different uniform after that special Finals run.
More of O-Max as the primary point-of-attack defender: We haven’t seen much of him in this role yet, but it would be interesting to see him tested against James Harden tonight.
A first look at the new Intuit Dome: While I'll be watching from afar on League Pass, it should be fun to see the Mavs play their first game in this state-of-the-art arena.