The Blazers found Damian Lillard to complete their big “roadtrip”, and they were not far from ending it with a fifth victory in seven games. Unfortunately for them, Luka Doncic this time was able to count on the support of his lieutenants and in particular of Spencer Dinwiddie, author of three consecutive 3-point baskets in the “money-time”. It was Dorian Finney-Smith, still 3-pointers, who killed the game in the last minute.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The lieutenants at the rendezvous. If Luka Doncic (42 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists) and Damian Lillard shone (29 points, 12 assists), the two men were however able to count on their main lieutenants. In Dallas, Christian Wood (19 points) was valuable off the bench, as was Tim Hardaway Jr (16 points) while Spencer Dinwiddie (20 points) made the important baskets. In Portland, it was Jerami Grant (37 points) and Anfernee Simons (24 points) who showed up to help their leader.
– Luka Doncic punishes all defensive strategies. After two complicated last matches, Luka Doncic has regained efficiency. Without abusing the 3-point shot, since it was awkward there (1/5), the Slovenian used her physical advantage against the small “backcourt” of Portland, chaining the baskets and the fouls caused. And when Portland took two at the end of the game, he always tried to take advantage of it to shift his partners. That’s how Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith got good shots to fold the meeting.
TOPS & FLOPS
✅ Spencer Dinwiddie. He played his role as a piston in the Dallas attack for 90% of the match, before taking advantage of the two-takes on Luka Doncic to sanction 3-pointers. His three successful outside shots in just over a minute tipped the game for the Mavericks, from 103-106 to 112-108.
✅ Jerami Grant. The winger showed everything he could bring in support of Damian Lillard in this match, with 37 points at 13/22 shooting, including 5/9 from afar. Able to pick up points alone, but also to sanction by his movements away from the ball, he brings a welcome variety to the game of the Blazers.
✅ Tim Hardaway and Christian Wood. Funny balance in Dallas, with the trio Powell – Bullock – Finney-Smith who must above all defend alongside Luka Doncic and Spencer Dinwiddie, while the points come from the bench. Tonight, it was therefore Christian Wood and Tim Hardaway Jr. who were responsible for fueling the brand in support of the Slovenian. 35 points combined between them, +23 +/- for the back and +14 for the interior…
⛔️ Josh Hart. He’s really the kind of player that shouldn’t generally be judged on his stat line, his impact not necessarily being linked to it. But in the absence of Jusuf Nurkic, the Blazers would have needed a few points. He finished at 2 small units, 0/9 in shooting and 2/6 in free throws.
THE FOLLOWING
Dallas (7-5): Luka Doncic finds the Clippers, his best enemies, Tuesday evening (2:30 a.m.)
Portland (9-4): homecoming with the Spurs reception, Tuesday evening (04:00)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
