I know it's not really fair to try to predict a series after one game has already been played, but I don't think anything that transpired in Game 1 really changed what I was going to say anyway.
DALLAS MAVERICKS
The Mavericks are like the Cinderella team of these Playoffs. To be totally honest, I'm kinda surprised, given their roster makeup, that they made the playoffs at all.
STARTING 5 MAKEUP
PG-SG-SF-SF-PF (point guard, 2 guard, small forward, small forward, power forward)
I don't know who put this roster together, but from a defensive standpoint Dallas must boast the weakest frontline in the league. Their starting C has the size of a PF, and their starting 4 plays more like a 3. This past season, Dorian Finney-Smith and Dwight Powell combined for less than 10 rebounds a game.
BIGGEST STRENGTH
I have to say Luka, but his style of play has been souring on me of late.
BIGGEST WEAKNESS
At this point, as undersized as Dallas may be, I know not to sleep on them. So once again I have to say Luka and more precisely how he's been chucking of late. Like damn, if you're not willing to pass the ball to Jalen Brunson, then who has to be back there with you to convince you to pass? Dude got deadass ripped by JaVale McGee. And getting 8 assists is cool, but Luka should be getting like 15 with these role players around him.
X-FACTOR
Needless to say, Jalen Brunson. If Luka isn't wise enough to force this guy to get going, then I have to question the legitimacy of allowing Doncic to run the point.
KARMA ASSESSMENT
I know it ain't always easy for these European superstars. But one good thing I'll say about Jokic is that even though you could tell he also isn't too fond of his teammates, at least he knows when to pass the ball.
PHOENIX SUNS
The Suns rank high in like every category imaginable, which is why they're the title favorites (after the Lakers and Nets, lmao).
STARTING 5 MAKEUP
PG-SG-SF-SF-C (point guard, 2 guard, small forward, small forward, center)
The Suns are also a small team, until you get up to the 5 spot. And this is how all teams should be structured imo, with respect for the center position.
BIGGEST STRENGTH
Depth. Like the Suns never look like they run out of energy.
BIGGEST WEAKNESS
I can't really think of anything to put here except the prospect of CP3 or Devin Booker getting injured. But if the Suns were playing against a bigger team, I'd prolly say something like lack of size.
X-FACTOR
I'd have to say Booker because it's not only the fact that he scores. But also the way he scores sometimes can demoralize the opposing team, on that 'there's nothing we can do' type shit.
You know, there's a difference between a big, dominant player dunking on you and a guard hitting a jumpshot in your face. With the big guys, at least you have the excuse that they're bigger and like angles and all of that shit. And the only other players I know of who can consistently strip teams of their morale with jumpshots are the Splash Brothers.
KARMA ASSESSMENT
The Suns seem to have a good rapport, for the most part. Most of the old superstars who are still playing have leadership issues. But one thing the Suns have been blessed with is a veteran like Chris Paul who's actually like an older brother to younger players, not like some egotistical bully, you know, screaming on niggas while you're also flunking.
CONCLUSION
One thing I will say after peeping Game 1 is that the Mavericks don't have a true C anywhere in their regular rotation. But still, it's like the Suns kinda struggled to beat them. So who knows? I already suggested that Luka may actually be able to take this team to the Finals. But it's like fuk the BS, he has to pass more.
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