In Dallas' regular-season opener, some things changed while others stayed the same
Game one of 82 didn't go according to plan for Jason Kidd and the Dallas Mavericks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Thursday night. The 113-87 loss to the Atlanta Hawks was in part due to an apathetic Dallas offense and also a devasting third-quarter run by Trae Young and company. "We had a […]
Game one of 82 didn't go according to plan for Jason Kidd and the Dallas Mavericks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Thursday night.
The 113-87 loss to the Atlanta Hawks was in part due to an apathetic Dallas offense and also a devasting third-quarter run by Trae Young and company.
"We had a lot of looks that didn't go down for us," Kidd said after the game. "They [Hawks] are a great team. They didn't make it to the Eastern Conference Finals by accident. We had some shots that went in and out, and that was our night."
In the third quarter, a dormant Young came alive with the rest of Atlanta's offense. As a team, the Hawks shot 63 percent from the floor and 66 percent from three. Young scored 12 of his 19 points in the frame, and he collected nine of his 14 assists as Atlanta pulled away from a pedestrian Dallas offense.
Luka Dončić, the typically dynamic scorer, struggled to find his rhythm as he faced swarms of Atlanta defenders. He ended the game with 18 points and 11 rebounds to lead all Dallas scorers.
"We played terrible," Dončić said. "We couldn't make nothing, but we got 81 to go, so I am not worried about it."
Under Kidd, Mavericks fans were promised a different version of this team. Game one of the season looked awfully similar to the seasons prior. However, there were subtle differences that took place during Thursday's game in which Dallas was outplayed.
Here is what changed about the Mavericks under Kidd.
During the first half, it seemed as though Dallas' new-look defensive principles took hold. That changed in the second half. However, if Kidd can inspire consistency on the defensive end of the floor, the apparent offensive struggles will take care of themselves.
Through 24 minutes, Dallas held Young to seven points (2-9). The frantic defensive effort made way for quick-hit transition looks that played into the Mavericks' favor.
Scoring in transition was an element of change Kidd spoke of during preseason. And again, in the first half, the team took that belief to heart. As a whole, the team was playing with pace and persistence. But that pace relied on consistent defense, which gave way after the halftime break.
"That first half, we couldn't have asked for a better defensive performance," Kidd said. "We got to get better in the third quarter, and we will."
From a passing standpoint, Dončić appeared deferential to his teammates for large stretches of the game. It's clear Kidd is having an effect on the star guard. As Kidd put it before the season, he just wants to help Dončić "use all the paints."
Throughout game one of the season, Dallas' star tried to get everyone involved. It clearly didn't work. That doesn't mean it never will, but it does mean Dallas has to surround Dončić with adequate help offensively.
Here is what stayed the same under Kidd
A more involved Kristaps Porzingis didn't yield a more efficient version of the Mavericks' big man.
In 28 minutes, he scored 11 points and shot 30 percent from the field. Offensively, it was evident early that he just didn't have that 'it' factor Thursday night. And those scoring struggles bled over to the defensive side of the ball.
Dallas leaked open looks at the rim in the second half. Atlanta might as well have coined the middle of the lane "free layup express" because they punished Porzingis, who was a complete nonfactor in deterring drives to the basket.
All the praise regarding Porzingis being "locked-in" appears to be nothing more than verbal affirmation. Many of last season's struggles still persist, even with the former all-star possessing free reign to take and make mid-range jump shots.
The key to Dallas' season rests on Porzingis' ability to change and be a true No. 2 to Dončić. And though it was only game one, it's still concerning that he didn't look an ounce more efficient on offense or more active on defense.
Outside of Porzingis, another glaring weakness was Dallas' lack of shot creation sans Dončić. Trey Burke received minutes in Thursday's game, and though he's a cagey veteran, he isn't someone you want to see playing when a team is trying to compete amongst the NBA elite.
Surrounding Dončić with shooters is one thing. Having someone to take some of the ball-handling duties off his shoulders for stretches is another. If that element of Dallas' offense doesn't change, it doesn't matter who is calling the plays, it will be groundhogs day for the Mavericks all season.
Looking ahead towards Saturday
From Kidd down, no one expressed concern over a game one loss. And historically speaking, the Mavericks struggle to win opening night games on the road (9-11 all-time). The task ahead of this team is finding adequate footing to build on.
There were very few positives from Thursday night. But one thing that is assuring remains evident: Dončić doesn't have two bad games very often.
Related Mavericks reading:
"Five predictions for the Dallas Mavericks this season."
Feature image via Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports.
