For his latest magic trick, Luka Doncic made four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert dance on the perimeter of the Target Center and dashed the Minnesota Timberwolves’ hopes of tying the Western Conference Finals. His dagger three-pointer on Gobert propelled the Dallas Mavericks to a 2-0 series lead.
Since the bell rang, the main question has been: “Why did the Wolves trade and leave Gobert guarding Doncic?” My questions have been: “Did the Mavericks force the trade?” and ‘What could the Wolves have done differently?’ Let’s analyze the movie.
The Mavericks’ plan
One of Jason Kidd’s strengths as a head coach is his ability to manipulate the court. In Dallas’ only victory in the 2022 Western Conference Finals, a 119-109 Game 4 victory over the Golden State Warriors, I noticed how Kidd “tilted the floor” by charging to one side and running his offense. .
Two years later, Kidd once again bent the field to the Mavs’ will.
In the first second of the clip above, notice how high the Dereck Lively II’s screen is. Afterwards, watch as Lively “takes” Jaden McDaniels to the block, making sure Doncic gets his matchup.
At the seven second mark, there are three Mavericks clustered on the strong side of the court. They are blocking double attempts. Anthony Edwards came closest to helping defend, but he didn’t want to leave Kyrie Irving open for a three-pointer. Doncic cooks Gobert in a step back 3. Ball game.
I don’t think Minnesota wanted to change. If they did, they wouldn’t want this particular matchup. I also think they knew a hard trap was needed.
For me, Dallas forced the mismatch and it worked.
What could the wolves have done differently?
Lively’s screen stretched Minnesota’s point of attack very high. McDaniels could have used it to his advantage and sailed under the screen.
McDaniels also could have jumped the screen and relied on Naz Reid’s back coverage. By doing this, Gobert could force Doncic to help (McDaniels). Edwards would stay and deny Irving. Worst case scenario, Lively scores and forces overtime.
