While blockbuster news that Luka Dončić actually took some set shots on Sunday afternoon sent ripples throughout Mavericks nation, the rest of their Easter practice was devoted mostly to a film session devoted to cleaning up trouble spots and reaffirming that the game plan was sound.
Game 1’s 99-93 loss to the Utah Jazz could not simply be swept away. While it looks like Dončić is unlikely to play in Game 2 on Monday night, the Mavericks know they can do some things better and cut down on a few miscues. But they must learn from the opening salvo that the Jazz fired.
They’ll have to if they hope to avoid slipping into an 0-2 hole heading to Utah for Game 3 on Tursday.
No. 1 on the list of adjustments, other than hoping Luka returns, is figuring out some way to deal with the Jazz’s bigger front line, which was able to build a massive 53-34 edge in the rebounding department.
“We have to keep tussling with their big guys they got down there – Whiteside and Gobert. They’re overly tall,” said Reggie Bullock. “So we have to try to keep them out of the paint and get the loose balls.
Rudy Gobert and Hassan Whiteside combined for 25 rebounds as Utah’s tag-team centers. One of them was in the game every second of Game 1 and while they were not a factor in the scoring department, they had four blocked shots in addition to the rebounding, which included five between them on the offensive end.
The Jazz’s 20-7 advantage in second-chance points was a major point of emphasis on Sunday.
So was the Mavericks’ 38.2 percent shooting. And both of them have a reflection on the superstar that wasn’t there in Game 1.
“You look at both of those areas,” coach Jason Kidd said. “He (Dončić) leads us in rebounding and also leads us in assists and scoring. So he leads us in everything.
“But the guys did a great job of executing the game plan and having an opportunity to win the game at home. We had some great looks. We took what they gave us, and it was a lot of open shots. We just didn’t make them.”
Kind of a priority in basketball. And something that must change Monday night.
No time to fret: The Mavericks are in an 0-1 hole. But that doesn’t mean the series is over. Far from it.
But the Mavericks can’t escape the importance of Game 2.
Teams that win the first two games on the road in a best-of-seven series go on to win the series 84.4 percent of the time (27-5).
“Urgency? We’re going to Game 2,” Kidd said. “We always look for an opportunity to get better. There’s no panic.
“Game 2 will be different. There will be adjustments made. And we have to take advantage of some opportunities we missed in Game 1. Everybody’s in a great mood. I don’t know if it’s because of Easter, but everybody is upbeat and excited about the opportunity tomorrow.”
Added Bullock: “We’re in a great mood. We came in and watched film, some of the things we can do better on the defensive end and our offensive spacing. Our mindset is on Game 2 and being able to pull out a W.”
Deferring to the docs: Kidd made it clear after practice that, no matter what, he will not be the final say on whether Luka plays in Game 2 or any other game in this series.
“I’m not on that counsel,” he said. “That’s between Luka and the medical staff to make that decision.”
Final word: When he couldn’t play in Game 1, Dončić did what he could on the sideline.
He took part in huddles, consulted with teammates in timeouts to offer suggestions on things he was seeing.
And more, Bullock said.
“He was cheering for guys, (and) wanted to go talk to the refs about certain calls and everything – typical Luka,” Bullock said. “He’s doing a great job as captain of this team.”
At least Dončić made it through Game 1 of the series without the referees citing him for anything beyond conversations during timeouts.
Twitter: @ESefko
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