re: Mavs vs T-wolves game 1

Mavs fan...I have stated before I think MIN wins the series but...

Mavs do have a couple things that, if things go their way, could lead to a potential upset.

Luka/Kyrie is a way better guard combo than MIN has faced with Jamal Murray/KCP in Denver or Beal/Booker in Phoenix. Dallas has significantly better post play/defense than Phoenix did, and Dallas doesn't HAVE to have post offense for their offense to work like Denver does. All those big dudes could (attempt to) slow down Joker and that gave Denver problems.

I don't think MIN can let Gobert just guard Gafford/Lively. If they do, he will get swapped off onto Kyrie or Luka on every play, will get cooked, then they won't have the rim protection for the drive/lobs. So I think KAT has to guard the center that way he can swap onto the guards and have a chance. That makes Gobert have to guard PJ/Kleber at the 4.

If Jones AND PJ/Kleber are shooting the ball well, now Minnesota is gonna have fits trying to have Gobert choose to close out on shooters (or leave them wide open altogether) or be there to help on drives/lobs.

Basically, this series revolves around about 3 things to me...

1) Kyrie has to score...Conley can't guard him. Gotta take advantage of him.

2) Luka has to be efficient. McDaniels and their bench defenders will be able to give him some issues, but can't stop him. He's gotta get to the rim, kick to the shooters, pick his spots to score.

3) Role players have to make shots.