When Jason Terry missed five games while recovering from surgery to repair his orbital bone, plenty of his offensive opportunities went to Rodrigue Beaubois (who was plugged into the rotation using Terry’s suddenly available minutes) and Shawn Marion. Both performed brilliantly on offense given the extra shot attempts, but when JET returned to the lineup, I naturally assumed that the offense would revert to its usual balance. That would theoretically include Marion sliding back into his usual role as a primary defender and purely supplemental scorer, relying almost entirely on transition opportunities and backdoor cuts for his scoring possessions.
Not quite so. While Marion’s FGAs have dipped since his notably high 16.2 in the five games without Terry, he’s settled in at 12.6 attempts for the 14 games in March. He’s also shooting his highest percentage from the field (56.8%) and averaging his highest monthly scoring average (15.6 PPG) excluding his three-game October.
None of this is accidental. Shawn Marion was absolutely terrific in the first quarter against the Nuggets, and the Mavs looked to be taking an almost Howardian approach with Shawn’s production. The offense actually went through Marion for a good portion of the first 12 minutes, perhaps with the understanding that when the fourth quarter comes around, there are only two wing spots available for three very capable players. Sometimes that includes Marion, sometimes it does not. Either way, the Mavs’ decision to make Marion a more central part of the early-game offense paid off. Shawn had 10 points and two assists in the opening frame, and with Marion and the Mavs playing quality defense on the other end, Dallas took a lead it would never relinquish.
With scorers like Dirk Nowitzki, Caron Butler, and Jason Terry in the fold, Shawn Marion seems like anything but an obvious offensive option. Marion doesn’t have a sweet jumper, he’s been somewhat notorious for missing open looks at the rim, and his ability to create off the dribble is anything but breathtaking. None of that has stopped Marion from looking like a dynamic offensive influence in recent weeks, and the primary difference appears to be the situations in which Shawn is used as well as the infused confidence that comes with increased and varying opportunities. Rick Carlisle’s trust and willingness to include Marion in the offense more frequently are clearly growing. The result is a re-invigorated Marion, who is averaging 15.4 points since Terry’s return. That’s over three full points per game above his season average, which is fairly notable.
Even more influential than Marion’s output though, is the nature of his scoring opportunities. He still runs out on the break and finishes with layups and dunks, but Marion has been able to create his own shot and shoot mid-range jumpers more and more of late. Those aren’t looks where Shawn is being force-fed on the break like an inept role player, but situations where has has options to choose from. Those types of opportunities can be completely intoxicating, but understandably fulfilling. It’s as if Marion is no longer at the kid table, where Jason Terry and Jason Kidd will bring him a plate of chicken nuggets, but that he’s finally allowed to serve himself. It’s an imperfect metaphor in that Marion’s problem has never been his inability to create his own offense, but the reluctance of coaches to entrust him with that responsibility. His offensive game isn’t diverse enough, efficient enough, or reliable enough to be a go-to scorer, and I think those perceptions are exaggerated into the idea that he’s somehow a limited offensive player.
It’s hardly the case, and the Mavs have seen the benefit of delegating more offensive responsibility to Marion. On some nights, Marion’s scoring may just be an added benefit of his game, but on others — like those when Caron Butler is turning in a four-point night or a nine-point night — it could quite literally be the difference between a win and a loss. That distinction means plenty now, but it will mean even more in three weeks.
This commercial took the TV and internet worlds by storm weeks ago, but there was one fundamental flaw: not enough Caron Butler. Well, consider that problem solved.
Skeets and Tas talk a lot of Mavs-Nuggets on today’s episode of The Basketball Jones, and Tas does not approve of the “Roddy Buckets” moniker. Have to agree on that one — is that really the best we can do? UPDATE: On the Jones’ mailbag episode, the guys announced that they’re running a contest for the best nickname for Beaubois. Call in at 1-888-TBJ-4377 to leave an audio message or send your video message to tbj[at]thescore.com, best entry gets a prize.
Jeremy of Roundball Mining Company: “Some of you may remember when the Golden State Warriors upset the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2007 playoffs it was Stephen Jackson who hounded Dirk Nowitzki game after game.If the Nuggets have a player that fits that mold it is Carmelo Anthony.I was hoping to see Melo spend some time covering Dirk and I got what I asked for.Melo worked hard, fought for position and kept Dirk on the perimeter.He could have done a better job boxing out, but it would be interesting to see what Melo could do on Dirk for an extended period of time.” I can’t say I agree. Jackson has always been a more tenacious defender than Melo, and although Anthony’s defense has certainly improved this season, I don’t see him as being a good primary option for defending Nowitzki. Then again, I don’t see Kenyon Martin, Chris Andersen, Johan Petro, or Joey Graham as good options either, and I’d point to Dirk’s success last year in the playoffs as my evidence.
Speaking of Kenyon Martin, Yahoo’s Marcus Spears reported earlier this morning that it’s possible Martin might not play for the rest of this season at all. Playoffs included.
Something of note that we saw last night: Rodrigue Beaubois playing extended minutes at point guard alongside Jason Terry. I understand Rick Carlisle’s reluctance to play Roddy at the point, especially with the post-season looming. But having Jason Terry as the shooting guard not only gives the Mavs another ball-handler, but someone with enough point guard experience to make for a pretty interesting backcourt. The Spurs have been using Manu Ginobili at point alongside George Hill during Tony Parker’s absence, though Hill might be listed as the PG. I can’t help but wonder if the Mavs couldn’t try something similar with their second unit, playing Terry and Beaubois in a tandem-PG/SG role in which both can use their handles, passing, and shooting to set up each other and their teammates. It’s not a straight up “Beaubois at PG” solution or a “Terry at PG” solution, but a hybrid model that would seem to serve the Mavs’ needs best…supposing those needs involve burying J.J. Barea.
“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing.”
-Leonardo da Vinci
I don’t need to tell you what this win means in terms of playoff seeding, or how good Denver is, or how close the playoffs are. These are things that we all know and we can all appreciate the gravity of. But I will say this: if you roll together timing, magnitude, tangible implications, and pertinence for the future, this is the most important Maverick win of the season. Bigger than the wins over the Lakers, any inspiring comeback, any gutsy, last-second win, or drawn-out defensive battle. We’ve seen Dallas struggle in recent weeks with all kinds of opponents, but last night they were highly-motivated, well-prepared, and ready to rock Denver’s world.
And that they did. That. They. Did.
From the opening tip, the Mavs were just operating at a different level than the Nuggets. The ball movement for Dallas was pristine, while for Denver it was a tad sloppy and just a second off. The Mavs (and Shawn Marion, in particular) were clearly ready for Carmelo Anthony (10 points, 3-16 FG, nine rebounds) and Chauncey Billups (11 points, 3-14 FG, six assists) going in, and they executed their defensive game plan to perfection. This isn’t to say that the Nuggets’ performance, in spite of limited production from their two best players, wouldn’t be enough for a win on some nights. Against some teams in the league, the Nuggets’ 93, with 30 free throw attempts and 12 offensive rebounds, would be enough for a victory. But for the first time in weeks, the Mavs presented a challenge of a different kind for an elite opponent, even if they are a struggling one. The Mavs finally look like a team that’s ready to play playoff basketball, ready to embrace and exploit the physicality and strategy that go with it.
This is the product that Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson envisioned when piecing together this roster. Shawn Marion (21 points two steals) was brought in specifically to handle threats like Anthony, and his defense was absolutely superb. Brendan Haywood (10 points, seven rebounds, four assists) defended the rim and helped to negate Nene’s impact. Caron Butler (10 points, seven rebounds) and Jason Terry (15 points, 3-5 3FG) provided supplemental scoring, Dirk Nowitzki (34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) did the heavy lifting, and Jason Kidd (eight points, 10 assists, six rebounds, three steals) ran the show like few point guards in the league can. This is what the finished product looks like, and we can only hope that what we saw last night was an unveiling rather than a sneak preview. If so, we’re entering “best basketball at the right time” territory, which is a pretty special place to be.
Nowitzki and Marion were particularly impressive. Dirk notched just the second triple-double of his career, and his 34 points came in a different fashion than we’re accustomed. Nowitzki usually makes his money from mid-range, but he put together a 4-of-5 showing from beyond the arc in a bit of a throwback performance. Despite his reputation as a sweet-shooting big man (which he is, don’t get me wrong), Dirk has phased the three out of his nightly arsenal over the last few seasons. It’s not that he can’t shoot them, but in an effort to help the Mavs engineer a more deliberate offense, he’s move his game inward. He sets up in the low post to draw fouls, attract double-teams (a tactic which Denver was happy to utilize, and Dirk capitalized with 10 assists), and get easy buckets, and operates from the high post near the top of the key or the free throw line extended. This is contemporary Nowitzki’s game as we know it, but we saw a Dirk of a different breed against the Nuggets. Dirk had just three two-point field goals, and 28 of his 34 points came off of free throws and three-pointers, the most efficient shots possible.
Marion wasn’t quite as impressive in terms of his all-around game, but the combination of his lock-down defense on Anthony (though to be fair, he obviously had help) and his scoring punch is well-deserving of second billing. Marion scored on an array of runners and layups, as per usual, but it was his ability to post up the Denver guards that was especially helpful. Plus, his own scoring success didn’t outfit him with blinders, and he was willing to find open teammates with passes even from deep in the post. I’m not sure if the Nuggets will still be switching so much on screens if they were to match up with the Mavs into the playoffs, but Marion’s versatility is an obvious way for Dallas to exploit mismatches. He took Chris Andersen off the dribble, he posted up Billups, and he was everything the Mavs wanted him to be.
Even if these last two games are a daydream, they’ve been a pleasant one.
Closing thoughts:
J.R. Smith (27 points, 10-16 FG, four rebounds, five turnovers) was both a blessing and a curse, which shouldn’t surprise anyone. I don’t have any problem with a player like Smith focusing solely on his scoring on a night like this, even if he could be using that prowess to create looks for his teammates as well. His efficient shooting and high scoring volume exempt him from that in my book, though, on the grounds that J.R. putting up that kind of production should be good enough. The five turnovers, though, hurt big time. Dallas only had seven turnovers as a team, and for Smith to sniff that total on his own is a bit troublesome. That said, I’m still awed by his scoring ability on nights like these, and if I had to bet my life on one guy in the NBA to take a bad shot at the end of the shot clock, I’d probably pick Smith.
The Mavs started quarters with authority. The first quarter began with a 17-4 Dallas run, the third with a 7-0 run, and the fourth — after a Smith three-pointer had brought Denver within 10 — was marked by a 15-4 run in the opening minutes.
Dirk grabbed three offensive rebounds, which is enough to tie his season-high.
27 assists on 38 field goals. Tremendous. Dirk and Kidd each had 10 assists, but I’m not sure that number properly encapsulates Kidd’s value. This was one of his better nights running the offense, and the Mavs looked like an elite offensive team. 123.9 points per 100 possessions is awfully impressive, and while that’s representative of team-wide success, the responsibility for the team’s offensive production weighs heavily on the point guard’s shoulders. Kudos, Kidd.
Mavericks fans live to see Rodrigue Beaubois succeed, and he actually played reasonably well in spite of a 2-of-7 shooting performance. Unlike most of Beaubois’ games this season, most of his minutes in this contest came at point guard, as J.J. Barea missed the game with a sore left ankle. And unlike most of Beaubois’ games this season, most of his production came at the defensive end, where he was excellent against Chauncey Billups and grabbed three steals.
Erick Dampier (four points, five rebounds) looked much more mobile and energetic in nine minutes, and assertive to boot. Since returning from injury on March 10th, Damp has looked a bit rusty in limited minutes. He’s not the quickest big on the court even when healthy, but last night’s game should inspire optimism for many reasons, including the possibility of having a healthy and engaged Erick Dampier.
This is the fifth game in seven nights for the Nuggets, and while I don’t really believe in scheduling as an excuse, it deserves a footnote.
Solid minutes for Eddie Najera, some coming at the 4 and some at the 5, but even solid…er minutes for Joey Graham (10 points, 4-5 FG, four rebounds). Not what you’d expect from Graham in a game like this, but surprisingly effective role players can make a huge difference in match-ups like these, especially in the playoffs. Chris Andersen, on the other hand, failed to get a single bucket in almost 18 minutes.
An even more impressive note on Dirk and Marion’s performances: they played just 37 and 29 minutes, respectively.
Rodrigue Beaubois had himself a weekend. He absolutely went off against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night in a performance unmatched by a Mavs rookie save Mark Aguirre and Jay Vincent. He gave life to an otherwise boring affair, and for once allowed the Mavericks to dominate the guard match-up against the troublesome Warriors. The end-to-end speed, the quickness, and the shooting were all on display, and in this installment of Moving Pictures, we’ll look at what the 40-spot means in terms of the playing rotation, as well as appreciating Beaubois’ dominant performance for what it was.
Moments ago, the Milwaukee Bucks — the very same Bucks that undeservingly drew the ire of Mavs fans due to their status as a Hollinger favorite — beat the Memphis Grizzlies in overtime, 108-103. That match-up may not be a game of interest for many of you, but the result should definitely grab your attention. With that Grizzlies loss, the Mavs have clinched their tenth straight playoff appearance, which to me warrants a reference to a 10-year-old teen comedy. God bless the internet.
Seeding is still very much up in the air, but a brief round of applause for one of the most successful franchises of the last decade. There’s no hardware (yet?) to bring closure to the saga, but there’s something to be said about a team that has been so good for so long. This is a feat that’s rarely accomplished in sports, and should the Mavs hit the 50-win mark for the tenth straight season as well (they currently stand at 48 wins with nine games left to play), this franchise will enter very special territory. The lack of ’ships will count against them and that’s fine, but few teams in any professional sport have been capable of such sustained excellence.
The Beaubois debate rages on, but before you light up your torches, grab your pitchforks, and head over to Rick Carlisle’s place, keep this in mind (from Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News): “And even the most diehard Roddy fans must remember that not every game is going to be like Saturday’s. When Beaubois doesn’t have his shot working and becomes a liability on defense, he deserves to sit – just like any other player.” I think we’ve entered the stage of the season where given Roddy’s ability to produce, DNP-CDs shouldn’t even been an option. I don’t think there’s any excuse not to give him a shot, but that doesn’t mean we won’t hear any.
Did you know that Dirk Nowitzki has scored more points in a single game against the Charlotte Bobcats (the league’s 3rd ranked defense) than any other Bobcat opponent this season? (Per NBA.com’s John Schuhmann.)
Caron Butler’s technical foul from Thursday night’s game against the Trailblazers, which from the TNT broadcast seemed like poor judgment on the part of the baseline official, was apparently assessed the tech for a comment he made to fans sitting sidelined (as was indicated by Mark Followill the nightof). Whatever he said was bad enough to cost him $25k, apparently.
Adam Lauridsen of Fast Break: “With the exception of watching Rodrigue Beaubois go Brandon Jennings on the Warriors, Saturday night’s game was one of the toughest tests yet this season of Warriors fans’ pain thresholds. Anyone who watched this entire game at the Arena without the benefit of libations or at home without the benefit of a DVR deserves combat pay from the Warriors. Loyalty rewarded, right?”
“I am become death, the destroyer of worlds.”
-Robert Oppenheimer/Bhagavad-Gita
Unreal. Did this possibility even cross your mind last June, when the Mavs drafted a semi-unknown French point guard? Roddy has come such a long way since draft night, and he still has miles to go before he sleeps. Rodrigue Beaubois is going to be a star in this league for a very long time, and this was a giant hop toward that stardom. It’s going to hinge on a ton of factors that are too tough to gauge right now, but his climb seems inevitable at this point. Rookie seasons can yield many mirages, but I don’t think you can explain away Beaubois’ talent, physical tools, and natural instincts. Roddy just looks at home with a basketball in his hands, and with his willingness to learn, talent, and physical tools, he seems like a can’t-miss prospect at this point. I know that’s easy to say after an incredible outburst against one of the worst defenses in the league, but it’s an observation that’s been nearly a season in the making.
The already one-sided debate that’s been raging on over Rodrigue Beaubois’ playing time? It should be nonexistent after tonight. Beaubois went off for 40 points in an absolutely surreal display of shooting prowess, in which he shot 9-of-11 from three and scored just one of his 40 at the line. But here’s the thing: the debate won’t disappear. The fact that Beaubois’ big night came against the Warriors will mark it with an asterisk, and the idea that this is exactly the type of game Beaubois should excel in will somehow demean just how impressive of a game this was for Roddy. It’s not fair, honestly, but I have a bad feeling that the perceptive powers that be will try to negate what we saw on March 27th, 2010. Don’t let them. It was a hot night against a bad defensive team, but this was a thoroughly dominating performance.
That said, the beauty that was this 40-pointer came with Beaubois at the two. This may be some incredible evidence for Roddy’s value as a player, but not really as a point guard. Or basically, we could be right back where we started, simply with confirmation of Beaubois’ value as a scorer.
Other than that, what is there to say? It’s a bit refreshing to have the most dynamic, high-scoring guard on the Mavs’ side of the Dallas-Golden State match-up for once; Monta Ellis (14 points, four assists) and Steph Curry (17 points, seven rebounds, six assists, seven turnovers) each shot 6-for-16 from the field, and neither could stabilize the sloppy Warrior offense. The Mavs’ defense wasn’t all that impressive, though I do appreciate Rick Carlisle’s decision to cover Ellis with Shawn Marion to start the game.
The Warriors just couldn’t shoot. Credit to the Mavs for forcing the Dubs into plenty of long two-pointers, but Golden State missed a ton of open looks from three and completely shut down offensively in the second quarter. The same second quarter that was home to 36 Maverick points, 21 of which were Rodrigue Beaubois’. A 20-2 run and a separate 10-0 run (all Beaubois) in the second pretty much sealed the game. If not for an uncharacteristically high turnover rate for those twelve minutes, it could very well have been the Mavs’ best offensive quarter of the season. I’m pretty sure it was Roddy’s best offensive quarter, regardless.
The Mavs on the other hand, could. Dallas shot 48.4% from the field, and an incredibly impressive 53.3% from three (on 30 attempts!) thanks to Beaubois’ handiwork. Eddie Najera (nine points, nine rebounds, two steals, one block) was an unexpected contributor from the perimeter, where he hit three of his six three-point attempts. Najera saw plenty of court time due to a minor injury (middle finger jam) to Brendan Haywood and the Warriors’ unique style of play, and he played rather well.
Shawn Marion (18 points, 9-12 FG, four rebounds, five steals) had another strong night, and even if the Mavs on the whole aren’t rounding into playoff shape, he certainly has been. He’s been so much more effective with his runners and mid-range game over the last few weeks, and that makes him a pretty effective half-court weapon. He still misses some of his looks at the rim and isn’t a huge threat off the dribble, but Shawn’s value in the offense has improved significantly in about a month’s time. Defensively, Marion was incredibly active in the passing lanes, and if the NBA tracked deflections his stat line would be that much more impressive. Shawn was everywhere, and he was a big reason why one of the more confident offenses in the league looked a bit tentative on Saturday.
Dallas shot just ten free throws and collected just four offensive rebounds. It didn’t make a bit of difference. The Warriors’ shooting was so awful and the Mavs’ shooting so effective that half of the Four Factors were deemed irrelevant. The bottom line, and proof that there’s truth in simplicity: the team that shoots better wins almost every game. Dallas had nearly a 20-point edge in effective field goal percentage, which was more than enough to trump the Mavs’ weaknesses in other areas.
Caron Butler finished with 15 and four, Dirk Nowitzki dropped a 13-10 double-double, and Jason Kidd tallied 11 assists, but this was Rodrigue’s show. The game was never in doubt after the Roddy Show in the second quarter, which mean plenty of rest for the Mavs’ big guns (only Marion played more than 30 minutes).
Brendan Haywood played almost nine minutes, but Erick Dampier did not play at all. Most of the minutes at center went to Najera, with Nowitzki playing back-up.
The Mavs had some serious problems finishing at the rim, despite of the number of uncontested run-outs the Warriors’ defense gifted them. Scoff and shake your head at the Mavs who blew layups (Dirk blew an easy one, Marion airballed a finger roll, and even Roddy couldn’t convert on a fairly rudimentary look), but don’t forget to credit Ronny Turiaf, who only finished with two blocks but was one of the few Warriors interested in playing some real defense.
A mixed bag for J.J. Barea, who finished with five points and five assists in 20 minutes, but also turned the ball over four times. Point guards should be allowed to make mistakes, but high-turnover games like this one don’t really indicate high value as a PG. We know J.J. is better than this, even if our love affair with Roddy makes it tough to admit. Barea is a pretty decent point guard, and for some reason his hands were a bit slippery against Golden State.
Anthony Tolliver had 21 rebounds, including eight on the offensive end. Shame on every GM who thought this guy couldn’t be an NBA player, or who looked to use a roster spot on a name rather than a player. His fellow former D-Leaguers, Reggie Williams and Chris Hunter, weren’t as impressive. But those guys are NBA players, and for everything that has gone wrong with the Warriors this year, their ability to scout D-League and their willingness to sign that talent is pretty much unparalleled.
Two points for Matt Carroll! He had 20% of the Mavs’ free throw attempts, and boy can that guy make his free throws.
40 points, 15-of-22 from the field, 9-of-11 from three, eight rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and just one turnover. Had a feeling Roddy would show strong if given the chance against Golden State, but needless to say I didn’t quite expect that.
Recap, analysis, and requisite Roddy porn forthcoming, obviously.
Just in case you weren’t spending enough time thinking about the Beaubois dilemma, I thought the lot of you might enjoy this note from Ben Golliver of Blazers Edge following the Mavs-Blazers game on Thursday:
Roddy Beaubois was a flat out warmup freak. So smooth, effortless with the dribble each direction, nailing shot after shot after shot from all angles and all situations. Focused throughout. Next year, why even think twice about the novelty act of JJ Barea when, with a full summer of refining his game behind him, Beaubois has so much breakout potential? On talent and upside, I wouldn’t trade Beaubois for Darren Collison. Could Beaubois do what Collison has done this season for New Orleans in Chris Paul’s absence? Possibly. Would Collison get any run if he played for the Mavs, stuck behind veterans Kidd, Terry and Barea as they make a championship push? Probably not. I suppose that’s why you always hear about the importance of “opportunity” in the NBA.
I have no doubt that if Beaubois was given the freedom of Brandon Jennings, Steph Curry, Tyreke Evans, or Darren Collison, he would be able to produce on their level. Can you even imagine what Roddy would be pulling off in a Golden State jersey? We’d be looking at a serious rookie of the year candidate, but as Ben notes, it’s all about opportunity. This season hasn’t exactly graced Roddy with an abundance of it, though next season should be an interesting one. Most of us aren’t looking much farther along than this season’s playoffs. Beaubois may be used as trade bait in the off-season in an attempt to score a bigger prize, but should he be a Mav next season, it seems like there will be less and less reason to keep him hidden on the bench.
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