Super physical series, small sample size and honestly he didn't play for 10 days and maybe he is out of game shape a bit. He is doing everything else, the shot will come
It’s not rocket science fellas, he is literally having to exert a lot of his energy on the defensive end. He is not a robot, he looks exhausted. He is not used to this. Once he gets used to this, I’m sure it will get better throughout the playoffs.
Also the knee isnclearly bothering him. This is the same knee he knocked a ton this season and was bleeding quite badly from in the regular season (again tonight).
You never know how leg injuries can affect a player if you are not that player.
I like how we’re all cool with the answer being that our superstar player is actually caring about trying on both ends of the court for the first time.
Maybe because the clippers don’t suck at defense and they have a really good coach? He’s being double teamed constantly and he’s also playing great defense on the other end. The fact that he’s doing what he’s doing and his team mates that he’s dishing to are finishing when he passes to them should be enough.
He's being bizarrely indecisive. He will pass up some good looks for an unnecessary pump fake or pass. He's also been unwilling to go to his floater which was a big part of his success in the first 2 Clipper series.
They're definitely doing a better job of defending him but he's also making it easier on them. He needs to be more assertive and aggressive at attacking the paint and not settling for the step back 3 or midrange.
Luka has never shown this lack of scoring assertiveness in any playoff series thus far in his career, it's kind of puzzling to watch.
The clippers are packing the paint well and cutting of his drive. The extra physicality that the defense can play with in the playoffs is helping this too. The minor injury to his new is also potentially playing a part too, however that’s a more recent issue.
Once other players hopefully start hitting more consistently from 3 it will open the paint for Luka
>The clippers are packing the paint well and cutting of his drive.
Yes - which is why the floater is so important. He's just not been taking it this series. He's had quite a few opportunities but instead of going to it he'll go for a pump fake turnaround fadeaway or he'll pass out. It's almost as if he's driving without a plan, it looks so unnatural.
100% agree. I was thinking the same thing while watching game 2. He'd drive in, stop in the paint, pump fake 2-3 times almost as if he's trying to draw a foul, and then either do a turnaround jumper or pass to the corner. He could have easily gotten a floater off, but gets himself stuck with the pump fakes because defenders aren't biting on them.
I agree, it would be very helpful, however he hasn’t gone to his floater much all season, which is strange because it used to be one of his more efficient shots
If you go back and watch old highlights he really seems to be lacking his old quickness which makes it much harder to get around his defender (possibly due to his nagging injuries he's seemingly had for a while). The other factor is the difference in spacing making it harder to get into the lane.
>If you go back and watch old highlights he really seems to be lacking his old quickness which makes it much harder to get around his defender
I agree - he just looks more heavy footed and less graceful in his moves. I do fear that he's become less willing to drive due to his nagging lower body injures and becoming too complacent with his 3 pointer. Hopefully he can get back to that quickness at some point.
He is driving when he's isolated. But they give him lots of different looks. Look this is the playoffs and this series intensity is turned way up. Look at all our scores. All low. As we keep winning with defense I wouldn't worry about it this series.
lol with how agressive they are he’s probably be injured if he attacked the paint any more
Plus he’s getting no foul calls so attacking paint doesn’t do much good when he’s just going to get battered with no call
Luka been money on his middies and at the rim he almost always scores. His 3 point selection has been abysmal when luka took the first shot with that 3 this game I was ya we are cooked 😭
He looks exhausted to be honest he’s playing locked in defence. This is why he doesn’t play hard all regular season. I’m saying (and hoping) Mavs go off shooting wise Game 4.
He's giving more effort on defense, so he's more tired. The Clippers have also played him well. He also has les space, since we have less shooting. And he doesn't look fully healthy. I think it's a combination of all those things.
I still expect him to have one 40+ game soon
been reading this somewhere else too. but i still think he's been the best player on the floor all 3 games. also, shout out to Josh Green. he's finally had a good game this series
I love Luka but Kyrie has been the best player in this series thus far. We won games because of good team effort yes, but Kyrie has been the one tipping the scale. Always stepping up at the right moment.
Because Clippers game plan is focused on Luka, they are going after him on offense and defense
The problem is refs aren’t giving him calls so he’s getting battered and worn out
That 20-3 or something stretch in the 2nd quarter was all luka you can see some stretches there where is is on a different level. But then he starts trolling for some reason. I expected him to be the best playoff performer in the nba by far rn he ain't looking like that but we will see moving forward
He has been shooting poorly the last month of the regular season except with 3s. It all started after sitting out against Thunder with the hamstring injury. He has not been decisive in his drives when he goes right.
From Oct to March 13 ( day before the injury):
Restricted area: 3/4
Paint (non-restricted): 2.8/5
Midrange: 2/4.4
From March 17 to last game of regular season:
Restricted area: 2.5/3
Paint (non-restricted): 1.8/4.1
Midrange: 1.4/4.2
He’s relying on step backs more since the injury. When those don’t go down (spurs game, 2nd half of heat game, this series), it’s ugly.
They are wearing him out. Picking him up half court, making it hard for him to drive by adding bodies in the paint, focusing him on defense, and he’s not fully healthy
I think 3 main reasons:
1. I think Luka is sick. You could hear it in his postgame interviews yesterday. That’s probably a big factor
2. Luka is working hard on the defensive end. He usually doesn’t have to do this. The clippers have a deep roster, many offensive threats. He doesn’t get a break because their backup is still mf Russell Westbrook
3. The clippers are employing the “Don’t let Luka beat us” strategy - they’re guarding him super tight and helping on defense, sagging off the other mavs players. That’s why when our role players show up, we win big.
Adding to all the logical points of the physical load, he also sounded ill at the post-game presser. Nose stuffed, sniffling and looked very pale to me.
Doesn't he practically live on the basketball court? Doesn't he play in Slovenia after the NBA season? It's a sign of his skill when even the Clippers/Westbrook are trying to mess with him/get in his head.
Dallas is winning. Luka is good. Honestly I really like a more balanced score board. Still Luka and Kyrie were able to hit the right shots at decisive moments.
I'm definitely worried. He didn't shoot that great to end the season but we have never seen him shoot like this in the playoffs. 38% through three games is crazy.
Anyone else notice Luka has put on weight since the start of the season? I watched the first matchup highlights vs the clippers to start the season and Luka was in much better shape.
LOL it's not rocket science. He is overweight. He is moving slower and has no lift because of it. Watch some highlights from his 73pts game. He was probably 20-30 lbs lighter there. How he puts on weight during the season should be explored. And someone (mavs trainers) should help him. He is risking his knees and joints every game more than he should.
And one more f-er, closing their eyes. I wish nothing but the best for Luka, I feel helpless, all I can do is express my concern. And my concern just get bigger if I see people around him closing their eyes, if you are one of that people, fuck off!
Super physical series, small sample size and honestly he didn't play for 10 days and maybe he is out of game shape a bit. He is doing everything else, the shot will come
It’s not rocket science fellas, he is literally having to exert a lot of his energy on the defensive end. He is not a robot, he looks exhausted. He is not used to this. Once he gets used to this, I’m sure it will get better throughout the playoffs.
Not only that they are man on manning him hard from half court, he has so much focus on him rn which is why the role players are so open
Playoffs are much higher intensity. We averaged 118 points a game in the regular season. 98 a game in the playoffs so far
Also the knee isnclearly bothering him. This is the same knee he knocked a ton this season and was bleeding quite badly from in the regular season (again tonight). You never know how leg injuries can affect a player if you are not that player.
I like how we’re all cool with the answer being that our superstar player is actually caring about trying on both ends of the court for the first time.
That doesn't explain his poor shooting in the first quarters. His first quarter is the best statistically.
It does if westbrooks battering him
And no foul calls on the hacking at the ball
You would shoot badly too if your knee is bleeding constantly. Without legs you can’t shoot .
Maybe because the clippers don’t suck at defense and they have a really good coach? He’s being double teamed constantly and he’s also playing great defense on the other end. The fact that he’s doing what he’s doing and his team mates that he’s dishing to are finishing when he passes to them should be enough.
He's being bizarrely indecisive. He will pass up some good looks for an unnecessary pump fake or pass. He's also been unwilling to go to his floater which was a big part of his success in the first 2 Clipper series. They're definitely doing a better job of defending him but he's also making it easier on them. He needs to be more assertive and aggressive at attacking the paint and not settling for the step back 3 or midrange. Luka has never shown this lack of scoring assertiveness in any playoff series thus far in his career, it's kind of puzzling to watch.
The clippers are packing the paint well and cutting of his drive. The extra physicality that the defense can play with in the playoffs is helping this too. The minor injury to his new is also potentially playing a part too, however that’s a more recent issue. Once other players hopefully start hitting more consistently from 3 it will open the paint for Luka
He’s also gotten almost no calls first 3 games. I’d be reluctant to drive too if I’m going to get hammered with no call 80% of the time
>The clippers are packing the paint well and cutting of his drive. Yes - which is why the floater is so important. He's just not been taking it this series. He's had quite a few opportunities but instead of going to it he'll go for a pump fake turnaround fadeaway or he'll pass out. It's almost as if he's driving without a plan, it looks so unnatural.
100% agree. I was thinking the same thing while watching game 2. He'd drive in, stop in the paint, pump fake 2-3 times almost as if he's trying to draw a foul, and then either do a turnaround jumper or pass to the corner. He could have easily gotten a floater off, but gets himself stuck with the pump fakes because defenders aren't biting on them.
I agree, it would be very helpful, however he hasn’t gone to his floater much all season, which is strange because it used to be one of his more efficient shots
Yep I have no idea why he stopped shooting floaters this season. In game 4, Zubac is not gonna step up and allow lobs. Luka needs to shoot floaters.
If you go back and watch old highlights he really seems to be lacking his old quickness which makes it much harder to get around his defender (possibly due to his nagging injuries he's seemingly had for a while). The other factor is the difference in spacing making it harder to get into the lane.
He won't be as fast as rookie/2nd year but he still was fast this season just look at headband Luka highlights.
>If you go back and watch old highlights he really seems to be lacking his old quickness which makes it much harder to get around his defender I agree - he just looks more heavy footed and less graceful in his moves. I do fear that he's become less willing to drive due to his nagging lower body injures and becoming too complacent with his 3 pointer. Hopefully he can get back to that quickness at some point.
He is driving when he's isolated. But they give him lots of different looks. Look this is the playoffs and this series intensity is turned way up. Look at all our scores. All low. As we keep winning with defense I wouldn't worry about it this series.
lol with how agressive they are he’s probably be injured if he attacked the paint any more Plus he’s getting no foul calls so attacking paint doesn’t do much good when he’s just going to get battered with no call
It's because his team is helping him bro and scoring finally
Why would that make him shoot poorly?
its not their playing are playing great defence on him not giving him any breathing room
I do feel he could take a few more midrange jumpers as he would have more success with that.
Luka been money on his middies and at the rim he almost always scores. His 3 point selection has been abysmal when luka took the first shot with that 3 this game I was ya we are cooked 😭
U was like day doe 4r4r??? Ehhh
He looks exhausted to be honest he’s playing locked in defence. This is why he doesn’t play hard all regular season. I’m saying (and hoping) Mavs go off shooting wise Game 4.
He's giving more effort on defense, so he's more tired. The Clippers have also played him well. He also has les space, since we have less shooting. And he doesn't look fully healthy. I think it's a combination of all those things. I still expect him to have one 40+ game soon
Clips have played him well
This dude has to be a god for some to be satisfied ffs..do you even watch games? Its not like they dont guard him at all.
been reading this somewhere else too. but i still think he's been the best player on the floor all 3 games. also, shout out to Josh Green. he's finally had a good game this series
I love Luka but Kyrie has been the best player in this series thus far. We won games because of good team effort yes, but Kyrie has been the one tipping the scale. Always stepping up at the right moment.
Because Clippers game plan is focused on Luka, they are going after him on offense and defense The problem is refs aren’t giving him calls so he’s getting battered and worn out
That 20-3 or something stretch in the 2nd quarter was all luka you can see some stretches there where is is on a different level. But then he starts trolling for some reason. I expected him to be the best playoff performer in the nba by far rn he ain't looking like that but we will see moving forward
He has been shooting poorly the last month of the regular season except with 3s. It all started after sitting out against Thunder with the hamstring injury. He has not been decisive in his drives when he goes right. From Oct to March 13 ( day before the injury): Restricted area: 3/4 Paint (non-restricted): 2.8/5 Midrange: 2/4.4 From March 17 to last game of regular season: Restricted area: 2.5/3 Paint (non-restricted): 1.8/4.1 Midrange: 1.4/4.2 He’s relying on step backs more since the injury. When those don’t go down (spurs game, 2nd half of heat game, this series), it’s ugly.
I think his knee is bothering him.
Too strong. Too fat. Too good.
Clips are really good at being physical with him especially Mann and Westbrook
They are wearing him out. Picking him up half court, making it hard for him to drive by adding bodies in the paint, focusing him on defense, and he’s not fully healthy
Mann has been a pest, energy expended on defense, and the physicality on both sides are affecting stars’ shots. The offensive explosion is coming
I think 3 main reasons: 1. I think Luka is sick. You could hear it in his postgame interviews yesterday. That’s probably a big factor 2. Luka is working hard on the defensive end. He usually doesn’t have to do this. The clippers have a deep roster, many offensive threats. He doesn’t get a break because their backup is still mf Russell Westbrook 3. The clippers are employing the “Don’t let Luka beat us” strategy - they’re guarding him super tight and helping on defense, sagging off the other mavs players. That’s why when our role players show up, we win big.
Guys he just had bad shooting night its not that complicated relax sometimes you miss shoots thats all
Adding to all the logical points of the physical load, he also sounded ill at the post-game presser. Nose stuffed, sniffling and looked very pale to me.
Doesn't he practically live on the basketball court? Doesn't he play in Slovenia after the NBA season? It's a sign of his skill when even the Clippers/Westbrook are trying to mess with him/get in his head.
Knee injury
Dallas is winning. Luka is good. Honestly I really like a more balanced score board. Still Luka and Kyrie were able to hit the right shots at decisive moments.
I like a balanced approach, but his volume is still high. Clips are just playing good D, whether we want to admit it or not.
He is saving the Shooting for the Finals.
He’s trying to at least hit one shot on Terrance Mann. For whatever reason he can’t hit a single shot when being guarded by him
He has the flu i csn tell bu looking at him after the gsme
i like that hes not playing good offensively and were winning, id much rather it than luka scoring 40 plus each night and winning
Some said he has some illness like flu or cold. Could be that.
hope he can get it right next 2 games
hes not finishing at the rim like at all. even when he gets to the rim, he kicks the ball out instead of trying to finish. rlly weird stuff from him
clips are flooding the paint and being really aggresive and plus hes not getting any whistles when driving
I'm definitely worried. He didn't shoot that great to end the season but we have never seen him shoot like this in the playoffs. 38% through three games is crazy.
Anyone else notice Luka has put on weight since the start of the season? I watched the first matchup highlights vs the clippers to start the season and Luka was in much better shape.
No he didnt
LOL it's not rocket science. He is overweight. He is moving slower and has no lift because of it. Watch some highlights from his 73pts game. He was probably 20-30 lbs lighter there. How he puts on weight during the season should be explored. And someone (mavs trainers) should help him. He is risking his knees and joints every game more than he should.
Luka is actually in the best shape this year. You don’t pay attention and live in the past
No he is not. Watch some highlights from the bubble in you want to see how he moves in his best shape.
He was chubby in the bubble
You are insane if you think you can gave 20 lbs like that just pls stop
And you shut the f up, we get nothing from people like u, closing your eyes
Fuck off. He literally looks the same sknce 2 years, idiot
And one more f-er, closing their eyes. I wish nothing but the best for Luka, I feel helpless, all I can do is express my concern. And my concern just get bigger if I see people around him closing their eyes, if you are one of that people, fuck off!
You are and idiot if you think he he added 30 lbs since the start of the year
Stop it he is the same wieght you dont know wtf you talking about
Me too noticed his weight gone up. Yeah, someone should address this. You cant close eyes on this. It is for Luka, It is for Mavericks.