Thread by @stevejones20

You know what, let’s watch a little Jazz/Mavericks.

I think Utah has been elite this year. I think the book is out on Utah as far as what they want to do and how they want to do it. It hasn’t mattered much. I’m very interested in seeing what teams throw at them and how they respond.

Win or lose I won’t really be concerned with Utah until a team takes away their ability to generate quality looks. Most impressive part has been Utah finding ways to do what they do vs. drops, switches, etc.

Gobert has improved his activity when off ball, the one thing remains that once he commits to a drive at the rim he’s in. No switch on the handoff, middle drive and it’s a kick to DFS.

Another thing Gobert has gotten better at is late switching in P&R. In a drop, staying in front but looking to get back to the pop. O’Neale takes it, great move by Luka but a nice recovery from Gobert to get a contest.

The question becomes did Dallas find another “hack”? We’ve seen teams use a drop or switching. Early on noticed Dallas keeping pick and rolls on the side and the impact it had.

The goal is to stay out of rotation against Utah. They have made every team pay. They’ve used the pull-ups, the threat of Gobert’s roll, etc. very touch in P&R. How Dallas got there is interesting.

Richardson jumps into Mitchell and keeps him on the left side. Kleber is above the 3PT line and sliding back. The weakside is in help but not over committing. Richardson’s positioning helps discourage the skip pass, still in position to contest the pull up.

DFS gets into Mitchell here and keeps it on the right side. Kleber there to contain drive, DFS funneling the drive. Notice it’s still automatic. Luka showing help as Gobert rolls, Mitchell gets DFS off his side and skips. Good defense by Dallas.

Now why this interests me is you protect yourself against the pull up and you find a way to still give help while discouraging the automatic skip. That intrigues me.

This was a good counter from Utah. Mitchell is low on an empty side/empty corner. Gobert comes to screen, Dallas keeps it on side but Gobert skips. Already in a scoring area, below Luka’s help, Kleber gets back to contest but Gobert finishes.

Subtle from Mitchell here but notice he catches and holds. Keeps defense from getting into him and keeping him on the right side. Kleber setting up to have Mitchell’s drive sent to him. Instead Mitchell goes left, Richardson in help, quick skip to Conley who drives and finishes.

Can’t say it loud enough, it’s automatic for Utah when you do help. Conley cuts off Gobert, Kleber is at the level which puts two on the ball. Melli has to pull over and as soon as he does Conley advances it, skip to Bogie for a good look from 3.