Jason Kidd out-coached the Coach of the Year

How did the Dallas Mavericks overcome a 2-0 series deficit to upset the 64-win Phoenix Suns? This film room study details coach Jason Kidd's defensive adjustments over the last 5 games of the 2022 Western Conference semifinals, and how he protected Luka Doncic, and how the Mavs slowed down Devin Booker, Chris Paul and the Suns behind the defense of Reggie Bullock, Maxi Kleber, Dorian Finney-Smith and Luka Doncic.
Support at Patreon: / thinkingbasketball
Book: www.amazon.com/Thinking-Baske...
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Website: www.backpicks.com
Twitter: @elgee35
Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
www.pbpstats.com @bballport
www.basketball-reference.com
stats.nba.com
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Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
Music by Nemesis
#ThinkingBasketball

[@jamesmarshall6619]

As a Suns fan I didn't want to watch this because I knew it would hurt but have to support the channel so gritted my teeth and faced reality.

[@Imbugoy]

Thanks for being a good sport 🤙

[@sendave860]

Williams couldn't make adjustments on offense cause kidd read their entire offense from game 3 to the end of the series he could have different schemes on offense but it would require suns to go ultra small with little ball usage from CP3 and Book and plenty of off ball movement from all 5 guys on the floor, they are holes in the Mavs defense on the pick and rolls in this clip alone Monty could have done better cause he has the players to execute it.

[@NikoBellic20080]

Monty Williams is super overrated. Tyron Lue should’ve won coach of the year.

[@matthewrhodes6909]

This is the second year that Monty’s been out coached. I’m honestly thinking he might not be the right guy. Good coach, but might not be able to win a championship with him. Seems to be able to game plan well but can’t respond to adjustments

[@theretrosavage]

That game 7 wasn't even worth watching....

[@bernardoestrela6029]

This is real basketball beyond the highlights. It's crazy how much you understand the game, even crazier when you think how a good NBA coach mind must work during a series. Jason Kidd has been the surprise of these play offs

[@ktmtxt]

You're helping me a lot figuring out the real tactical basketball game behind the statsheets and flashy buckets. Wonderful channel my man. Keep it up

[@waiwong7996]

This channel really helps the causal basketball fan really understand the game

[@eprjct]

And look back at ESPN they view NBA like some kind of elementary board game. All they do is add up how many stars the players have in total and see which one is bigger.

[@back2back379]

@@eprjct "If you've got Kevin DuRANT and KyyRieeee Irving, two bonafide SUPERSTARS, you're gonna win! I don't care who it is! That's why I'm picking the NETS, that's right, I didn't stutter!" -Stephen A. Smith

[@eprjct]

@@back2back379 Somehow I hear background music🤣

[@TJB270]

@@waiwong7996 most won’t take anything from it though and will go right back to their casual narratives. It’s too boring for young casuals

[@Hoops_Fan]

I'm glad more non-Mavs fans are giving Maxi Kleber the credit he deserves. Kleber is an ideal in and out big defender who can space the floor.

[@marceloustaylor9751]

I didn't even know.. max play D!

[@alfredodavila3223]

Hard to say ideal when Giannis is much better at the position lol. But his versatility is a big plus to this team no doubt. A lot of these so-called "nobodies" are doing themselves a favor this postseason, and I'm so glad to see it.

[@nathanperez6587]

He's legit and one of the best thing I love about him...he doesn't let his pride get in the way of not contesting a dunk...he's been posterized bad but time and time again he tries everytime

[@adriandjanegara687]

Yeah I never thought the Mavs individually was good defensively especially Kleber. I was wrong, dead wrong. I always thought Mavs was only about Luka and he had no help (average to below average role players), welp wrong again. Props to the Mavs and Jason Kidd. Warriors better watch out for the adjustments Kidd will make.

[@spurs_7798]

Its impressive to watch the Mavs be so in sync despite being a one-man-show on paper. There are no egos and everybody bought in. I was really skeptical watching Carlisle go.. but I see it now.

[@stevenleblanc8146]

Hard not to see it now. Kidd did have a bad rep for awhile as a coach but he was just getting started and his name blew up immediately. Still plenty of time to see what type of a coach people will ultimately remember. Looking good for Dallas rn tho.

[@SleepingChimes]

if the one-man on your team has a healthy ego, anyone less skilled is sure inclined to follow suit

[@OscarGomez-pq2em]

Carlisle is the most overrated coach in the league

[@spurs_7798]

@@OscarGomez-pq2em Ever heard of Doc Rivers?

[@davealvarado4620]

@@spurs_7798 😂😂facts

[@carlosmiyagishima513]

I remember seeing your "greatest chessmatch" video with Celtics and Raptors, focusing mainly on defensive sets. I am hoping they replicate that with Miami vs Boston. I'll be waiting on that video! -Heat fan

[@kingmostofall5921]

That series is gonna be a bloodbath.

[@MrE_]

I can't wait for that series

[@brama9617]

eastern finals just full of defensive goodness

[@t4d0W]

Given the right match ups, EC playoffs has the smarts, talent and attitude to keep you tapping in.

[@futurehofer1564]

we had Miami-Boston that same year and we didnt have that video, very few coaches can battle it out like Nurse and Stevens did in that series

[@disizdNis]

I love Luka but ONE MAN can't win the series by himself, especially against Suns. Mad effort and intensity by the whole team and coaching staff! Great video!

[@sheyarjames4904]

This Mavs team in one way reminds of the 2011 team, a superstar and 3&d role players around him but those role players are so perfect at their roles and they cover up their superstar's weaknesses and the result is a championship caliber team, I dunno if this Mavs team will replicate what the 2011 did but I wouldn't count them out from doing something historic.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

I think the Mavs are going to break down the Warriors too.

[@usef477]

@@sheyarjames4904 This is my favorite comparison, and I have also stated this on JJ's podcast. This Mavs team in 2022 is similar to that of Dirk in 2011. One bonafide superstar with no all-stars, but is being surrounded by an excellent supporting cast. I do have Celtics vs Warriors in the Finals, but I cannot simply bet against this Mavs team to go all the way. They are SPECIAL.

[@lando9670]

Good thing a man called Jalen brunson exists😉. Also I can't wait for dinwiddie to have another big game, I'm so hype for this series

[@futurehofer1564]

@@catherinelynnfraser2001 %

[@ShinM.]

This was a great explanation as to what the mavericks actually did to force a change and get the win, as opposed to most people simply saying the suns collapsed and didn't want it bad enough.

[@melloyello6464]

The Suns did collapse though by not making adjustments, this also shows they didn't want it bad enough

[@nickmclawhorn5559]

@@melloyello6464 or it shows that their 2 stars weren't good enough at certain skills to adjust to the defense. Booker wasn't a good enough passer to make them pay for the overload and Chris Paul posed zero threat off-ball because he has no off-ball repetoire. They were also hurt by their lack of tertiary playmaking. Relying on Bridges or Ayton to make a play will usually end badly. To say that they didn't want it badly enough is reductive and goes against the spirit of this channel IMO.

[@hahahahaflyer]

@@nickmclawhorn5559 Yupp suns are going to have to try to get a 3rd scorer this offseason to put next to book and cp. which frankly don’t see happening unless kd somehow becomes available

[@hahahahaflyer]

3rd scorer or 2nd playmaker

[@Respondifyourbadattrolling]

@@melloyello6464nope

[@Jasonlednew]

Love this content!!! I'm really tired of the talking heads spouting the same nonsense: "No one plays defence anymore; it's so easy to score." You can keep saying that for the next 30 years, or you can break down the complex ways teams defend in today's league. It is actually much more advanced than in the old days when 'zone' rules basically handicapped team-defence. This year they also brought in new rules to stop offensive players from drawing fouls. So please stop saying the game and rules are only designed for offence.

[@QGuides]

Preach

[@lordpaulphilippfernandez9904]

The only thing that changes is how explicit the defense is. Back in the 80s-90s era (or even the early 00s), defense means going right in front od your opponent and choke the ball out of him, or guarding the rim with your bodies. Nowadays, it evolved into something subtle: the way screens were handled, the positioning of the players in the court, and of course, the 1-on-1 play.

[@metalsadman]

well, the nba refs did allow the players to play more this season by not calling too much on silly contacts.

[@rafikz77]

I agree Defense was ass in the 90s tbh

[@iam_champ]

Lol no wonder Harden had a down year. League is still soft though don’t get it twisted but the Celtics and Heat definitely play hard defense

[@sapthan13]

I think it also helped to start attacking cp3 in the screen and roll offensively. Monty didn't protect Paul the way Kidd protected Doncic with these hedges and switches, so CP3 was constantly bullied by Doncic or Brunson. This must have been a tiresome experience for the 37 year old PG and I think it showed on offense.

[@anthonyj.s.7266]

That's a great point

[@t4d0W]

Kidd seemed to have fed into Luka's hunger for a feeding frenzy. Match hunt the weakest link in that defense on the perimeter and see if another guy can make him pay too. I saw a couple times Brunson got CP3 into a match up and I had a big smile on my face when he just bullied him and got past him. Kidd's instincts seem to be rubbing off his playmaker's scoring moxie.

[@DrElimelech]

Monty did nothing. Literally no adjustments to any of this. Just like the finals last year, up 2-0, bucks adjusted and he never changed. Absolutely disgusting by Monte 2 years in a row.

[@natiive1444]

5:23 He got absolutely leveled like Ray Lewis was out there or something lmao.

[@timob1681]

@@DrElimelech yeah, just stupid he won coach of the year when he clearly just can't adjust

[@LonghornsLegend]

Jason Kidd put on an absolute clinic that series making in series adjustments on both ends but I also think Sean Sweeney deserves a lot of love for what's taking place on the defensive end. Kidd put together a great staff and Sweeney is gonna be a HC soon. In another similarity to 2011, Rick Carlisle had Dwayne Casey handling his defense that year and made a huge impact the same way.

[@ThinkingBasketball]

Great point -- these days the staff around the coach is incredibly important and often a key to some of these adjustments.

[@justinr5989]

Right away here I was wondering who his defensive guru assistant is, especially because I haven’t considered Kidd to be much of a coach. But that clip of Kidd choreographing the defense opened my eyes a little. What I really can’t believe is that the Mavs players were able to implement these changes so expertly, until Phoenix couldn’t do anything. I mean, a plan that says “ignore the wing behind Booker after the handoff, he never makes that pass”... that takes infinite discipline and awareness. I’ll try not to underestimate them against the Warriors.

[@beauballas7771]

I’d like to see Sean Sweeney replace Coach Bud on the Bucks

[@MeIrakli]

Incredible as always. One of the things that stuck out to me was just how many potential points Suns lost due to Booker's lack of passing ability

[@anthonyj.s.7266]

Which is why you can't be considered a complete offensive player if you can't pass even if you can shoot and finish at the rim.

[@dhafiansuhartono8668]

Honestly quite a lot, he probably took the worst part of mamba mentality; forcing tough shots as opposed to making the easy buckets

[@Thekidisalright]

Exactly why he thought he’s Kobe lol

[@michaelspetsquirrel5372]

@@Thekidisalright atleast Kobe could actually make the shots he forced. Booker just kinda doesn't have that offensive presence yet. Also his ass is too cocky lmfao.

[@jaivl1106]

@@michaelspetsquirrel5372 Kobe zoned on ONLY scoring from time to time, but he sure could pass as well.

[@bigdunks4eva]

I missed the game, so i was waiting for this video! I absolutely love all of the strategy and chess moves of playoff NBA! This year I noticed that the best defense combines both men and zone principles and adjusts on the fly

[@gameimprovements4347]

You missed right out. Luka went off. For a casual like me- I am now a believer. The kid is magic

[@dusk6159]

And Luka, the Mavs team defense and JKidd displayed it best than anybody else this Playoffs! They outdueled to say the least CP, Booker, Monty and the Suns.

[@kwoktony121]

This rotation 1:11 is so breathtaking. The last time I saw defense so discipline and smart was from Warriors when they tried to hide Curry from Lebron and Kyrie in those Finals. I can't wait to watch this matchup and please no more injuries!!!

[@joshuachang5210]

I’ve been not as high on Paul as other people because of his lack of off ball game, glad it’s finally being brought up by one of the best basketball channels on KZbin

[@geordiejones5618]

Luka giving us that first big taste of his greatness like Giannis did last year. Idk if the Mavs will win it all the final four this year is the strongest its been since like 2016 but whoever does definitely earned it these playoffs were tough and the last eight wins are gonna be even tougher.

[@meechydarko8846]

I don’t think the mavs can with it with the current roster this year. Like will win a title in the upcoming years for sure.

[@NikoBellic20080]

Hell no they aren’t beating the Warriors. Steve Kerr can actually coach.

[@l.rongardner2150]

It's tough because the final four teams are all merely good ( and not great), and therefore pretty evenly matched.

[@SenorAzazel]

@@NikoBellic20080 Uh so can Jason Kidd so what are you getting at

[@ethan7772]

@@SenorAzazel wouldn’t trust an alcoholic wife beater to coach my team, but that’s just me 😂

[@XPatsweeksX]

Kid was a genuis. Now we can see what he can do as a coach. Cheers for him

[@heybro6105]

Coach wasn't just dialed in, he was like a 6th player on the court.

[@MeIrakli]

In the miced-up segment you realize just how much he really made a difference. I understand jack shit about basketball but I love this channel. This man is smart :D

[@jonahsomeone1]

mans was out there playing 2k 😂

[@ThinkingBasketball]

My favorite part about that clip is DFS turning and responding to him. So you basically have "hands high" (point of emphasis), "don't over help," what sounds like "push to the sideline" and then maybe an impromptu "trap!" all in 10 seconds.

[@TheHeart419]

@@ThinkingBasketball EXACTLY when i heard jKidd coaching it through the Mic'd segment i was thinking to myself "THIS IS HOW YOU COACH." JKidd was my favorite ball player too when played. Suns and Nets jKidd was LETHAL.

[@livestronger925]

Genius defense by the Mavs. It’s gonna be interesting to see how they will defend the warriors

[@romelric]

It's not gonna work Gsw is an offense nightmare

[@JM-dk4ec]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3rVY52Zo51sf9E

[@rae-everything]

Sunday was my first day of watching basketball, ever. I was curious, and watching that blowout was insane. Can't wait to see a truly competitive playoffs game. Glad I got to see a historic happening though!

[@fahmyboy1]

this is a pretty advanced video to watch after your first bball game. if you watch this channel for a couple months you'll be smarter than like 85% of basketball fans

[@rae-everything]

@@fahmyboy1 I couldn't follow the majority of it haha. But, I'm sort of starved for basketball content, waiting on tonight's game.

[@JonoMinhMusic]

@@rae-everything welcome

[@ballislife9924]

@@rae-everything That's really cool and you are at the right place to start. Like someone else said. You will be ahead of most fans in a few months if you keep it up.

[@rae-everything]

@@ballislife9924 I subscribed, so I'll be able to keep updated. 👍

[@pipohemm8726]

How do you rate Ntilikina's defense in this series and knowledge he brought over from the olympics when he played Booker with the French national team? He completely stifled both Paul and Booker as the primary defender. I guess he and Bullock learned a few tricks last year under Thibs

[@rileyv.4786]

Ain’t nobody learning shit under Thibs. I give credit to Kidd

[@terencewinters2154]

His D is good but it was not decisive. I would rate other bigger defenders like Finney Smith bullock and Powell sealing sideline and views more credit and Luka was more than adequate . Sun's didn't move ball well overdribbled and off ball crowder bridges did not cut screen well or get open in holes. This was somewhat of a pattern trap of sun's get some backdoor cuts or at least shots to those two early then go p/r game . Trapped in their own predictability and not having shock troop freelancers off bench they stagnated under the pressure.

[@Azzy_Mazzy]

@@rileyv.4786 thibs is a good defensive coach

[@veprooto]

​@@terencewinters2154 It was clearly decisive tho. Kidd played Josh Green in the first 2 games because he did a good job against the Jazz. Then he fully benched Green and gave his minutes (+ some more) to Ntilikina who held Booker and Paul to 3-40 FG. Mavs went 4-1 in the series after that adjustment. Frank's minutes also allowed Bullock and DFS to get more rest compared to the Jazz series.

[@rilokiley3731]

dude you are totally biased. he wasnt the primary defender. he was if anything the 3rd defender from the bench with something 10+ minutes or more if dfs or bullock are in foul trouble. the issue with ntilikina is, he is not a threat in offense. yes it was a good switch from green to him, but thats it. he still needs to take better care of the ball and shoot better 3s.

[@Iamthesafe]

I’ve been a mavs fan all my life this year feels so different it feels like 2011 and while any of the 4 teams left easily can win it, I’ve got my hope in luka, j Kidd, JB, Doe Doe, Maxi, Reggie, and now Dinwiddie. Let’s go Mavs

[@krizz_844]

Nice Video!! And i´m glad you mentioned Maxi Kleber, nobody talks about him. Highly underrated

[@andysauro1500]

1:45 just wanna point out why Luka is so impressive on offense. This man waltzed right into an open transition layup at the slowest speed. Let the play develop, waited for Kleiber to cut middle and force Crowder off the help defense, and score. How many of your favorite NBA stars would have pushed hard into the middle of Booker and Crowder here? Or pass too early to the outside running Finney-Smith on a lob that would have been broken up by Crowder? Or how many would have stopped on the perimeter entirely and ran a play, defeating the easy transition opportunity?

[@taesang5664]

basically none LMAO

[@TheRealBruceLouis]

half the time it just looks like luka is walking to his spot like hes walking in the park and then he magically gets an easy bucket

[@iam_champ]

@@TheRealBruceLouishe’s a defender’s nightmare. Always a few steps ahead.

[@adamsales]

right

[@FatAlbert1020]

Westbrook would’ve literally done the exact opposite- forced a contested layup with teammates still coming in behind the play with zero shot at an offensive rebound

[@francisayala9310]

Thanks for the video Ben. This went over a lot more of the nuances for why DAL was so effective against PHX. Learned a lot from this. Keep up the good work!

[@Plague_Doc22]

Kidd went from being viewed as a lower tier coach, to a high mid tier coach. He really showed his defensive brilliance here.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

I think he basically had too much post game testosterone. He has mellowed out and is thinking things through.

[@Plague_Doc22]

@@catherinelynnfraser2001 I think it shows just how good he was as a defensive player too. He implemented that well.

[@Casualfan101]

nah bruh an elite coach mavs went from bottom 10 defense to top 10 and went to conf finals in his first year coaching with a huge trade mid season

[@imdbtruth]

I think Kidd is an elite coach. He's showing it on Xs and Os strategy, he's showing it with the defensive turnaround, and he's showing it by them being in the WCF. Plus there's very few coaches on the landscape that have the skins on the wall like Kidd did as a player to command the full respect of players as great as Luka.

[@t4d0W]

Depends on the kind of talent he has to run with. This group is sorta similar to the young Bucks he was running in the playoffs back around 2016/17. A big difference offensively is getting so much out of staggered screens and those kind of plays and having at least 3 ball handlers who can get similar results in that scheme. Also helps he's got dynamic big men who can also patrol the perimeter like a Kleiber and a squad of wings who have been 100% on their roles in the playoffs so far.

[@TJB270]

Fantastic video, sir. Casuals will say it was all Luka, but in reality Jason’s Kidd’s defensive adjustments were the primary reason things changed after game 2. Great analysis! You know the game unlike a lot of people

[@rxzileu-6645]

Take Luka off you think they would’ve won? I don’t think so..

[@fullmetalgamer6062]

@@rxzileu-6645 The Mavs won two playoff games without Doncic. Lol

[@anthonyj.s.7266]

@@fullmetalgamer6062 That was vs the Jazz who don't have any perimeter defense. Mavs would've gotten swept in this series without Luka. Coaching matters but having a superstar player maters even more.

[@TJB270]

@@rxzileu-6645 Games 6 and 7, yes. Mavs didn’t need Luka’s points with how well the defense was playing/how bad the Suns offense was. Series? No. But they don’t win the series without Kidd’s defensive adjustments either. Just saying Luka in this series wasn’t the primary reason they won. The Mavs as a whole are the reason they won

[@TJB270]

@@anthonyj.s.7266 Lol no they wouldn’t have

[@spurs_7798]

Thats why I love the playoffs. These adjustments are making things so interesting

[@taesang5664]

i think a really important thing here is just trust. none of the players drifting into the paint fully committed away from their corner guy because they trusted that the rest of the team can deal with whoever was driving inside. i think that’s such an underrated component in defense because it prevents the defense from collapsing which would’ve opened up the rest of the opposing players. the mavs did this so well, and also recovered so well after doing it. it really was just a pristine defensive scheme.

[@quack9331]

great point

[@papayasmith]

I almost clapped at one of these clips bc Jason kidd coaching got me hyped up 😭. This was a great analyzation. I miss seeing my Lakers be this good defensively😣

[@DrProfessorWeed]

If Luka maximizes his physical tools and gets in his best possible shape, there really isn't anything he wouldn't be able to do. Kids 23 and taking over the league already.

[@Windowlick_]

I've seen this reflected in your video, as well as Coach Nick's videos and Bill Simmons' podcast, but Monty Williams showed basically no ability to make adjustments in this series. In fact, they went away from a lot of the stuff that was working in Gm1 and 2, and it's not just the Luka hunting. It's totally baffling to me.

[@matthewrhodes6909]

Agreed. And letting CP3 just switch to Luka so easily is a head scratcher too. They just let him get beat up for 5 straight games with no adjustments🤯 Monty got out coached by budenholzer in finals last year too. Couldn’t respond to any of his adjustments. I see a trend

[@jamalwalker]

@@matthewrhodes6909 its strange because he learned under pop who's the adjustment master but bro is like bud both seem to never make adjustments

[@leungsz]

@@jamalwalker I think you do have to be baptized through fire to learn adjustments on the fly though. I'm a Cs fan and thought Bud (and Giannis of course) made some pretty good adjustments to win three games in that series. But Bud didn't show those adjustment chops until he learned his lesson last year. I love Monty and his time will come.

[@jamalwalker]

@@leungsz Yeah but bud has shown that his adjustment making is low like when he decided to leave George hill on Tatum in game 6 which lost the bucks that game

[@leungsz]

@@jamalwalker Oh as a Cs fan, I was ecstatic that he played Hill rather than Jevon Carter. But in general, Bud made some good adjustments from game to game. Some worked, some didn't, but boy Monty didn't make any once they were up 2-0.

[@edshemp]

As usual, this was the best analysis I have seen on this series, it really helped me finally understand how the Mavs adjusted so well after game 2. Great video.

[@majesticm4808]

I really love watching good defense (especially when it's my team lol). One thing I've noticed, which is really interesting to me, is how often teams employ switches. At one point in the video they did a triple switch in the moment. When you look at it, it really just looks like a zone defense. If 3 people are switching then that half of the court is really just playing a zone, but without all the 3 point weakness of playing an actual zone. Such an impressive way to deal with the modern screen heavy offenses. You're my fave NBA channel, keep up the great work

[@naderabouhassan3875]

By far my favourite basketball channel, you understand everything , every small detail it’s mastery! Post more during the playoffs and you channel with explode! Keep killing it!

[@mattatack2the25]

What a great analysis! Appreciate the way you break games down and your attention to detail. I love videos like this that help explain how a series changes.

[@tavitela2]

This is probably a better breakdown than any I’ve seen since this game ended… amazing

[@blacksuede]

Excellent video and spectacular job by the Mavs coaching staff. Gotta love playoff basketball!

[@mycabbages3538]

I love this breakdown of tape. Amazing channel!

[@pipohemm8726]

You are the best in the business. Great breakdown!

[@cancerousnodes7916]

watching this video lets me appreciate these games even more

[@tobimessmer3619]

Kleber is so underated and overseen in network coverages. His def is awesome and i m glad that he can stay in dallas

[@Tom-hx5kh]

pod announcement had me stoked for this video! you're great

[@derrick1019]

Wow, I’m a casual fan and this breakdown was fascinating. This stuff will help me see the game differently.

[@fattychouji]

Imo Luka's poised offensive leadership helps with reserving the whole team's energy for defense too. Am a warriors fan but i m not even sure if they can make it through. Luka just exudes such calming confidence that i dont see from the stars in Warriors this year. Will be a very exciting matchup

[@Thevitoverse]

I just found your channel again and its sooo amazing how you break down plays. Amazing work. Definitely will subscribe.....Keep it up Sir 🔥🔥🔥

[@MrQuizno99]

Absolutely love the channel! And I’m absolutely am a big fan of Jason Kidd and Luka Doncic and I’m happy to see Jason Kidd finally get the Notoriety he deserves as a head coach

[@MetalRufo]

I've seen a lot of experts explaining (or trying to explain) how the Mavs won the series and this is by far the best explanation/breakdown of them all... subscribed.

[@adamtwarowski1053]

Imagine this being a video title at the beginning of the season. Mad props to J Kidd and the Mavs

[@omara3767]

This analysis breakdown of plays! You got yourself a sub! Keep up the great work!!

[@savethetrees1214]

This is evidence that Frank Ntilikina is the greatest defender of all time

[@nathanshlap]

*Reggie Bullock

[@psychotropnilachtan8869]

Its evidence that Frank is better than Josh Green

[@GetGooderatBasketball]

There is so much value packed into this game. I started doing breakdowns on my channel as well, but this was an absolute masterclass! Appreciate the looks!

[@RenaissanceBeatz]

Really love your channel and videos. I've always watched basketball just because. We're I'm from basketball isn't really the biggest sport to watch or get into but your videos really help me understand the more in depth and tactical nuances to the game that an average watcher might never pay attention to. You've got a big supporter in me bro keep it up.

[@blaquiere141]

Wow this is extraordinary analysis ! I saw a few of Jason Kidd's wizardries but not everything you showed up on this video ! Thanks I love it !

[@gregorslana7723]

It was bad decision by a Phoenix organization to let CP turn 37 in the middle of a series. From that moment on everything went downwards for them...

[@SpeedyNagSHARKNAG]

LMAO 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@judahunderwood8433]

Lmao

[@ethanduncan418]

@@BullyMaguire387 dude that’s fucked up

[@aestheticphilosopher]

@@BullyMaguire387 you're weird.

[@BullyMaguire387]

@@aestheticphilosopher I'm a cool guy.

[@paulc4878]

This is awesome! Been waiting for this video detailing the masterclass D that Mavs played. Tired of hearing all these bad takes about how Phoenix choked, as the spotlight should really be on how great the Mavs D was. I don't think CP3, Booker and Ayton would all of a sudden forget how to shoot/play basketball the way they're used to. Phoenix even tried to play 5 out shooters with Crowder at the 5, and that still didn't work with how good Mavs were playing on D.

[@machina_spirit]

The insights and nuances from this are just so eye opening and amazing to see. Really opens your eyes to what really was going on during the series shifting and props to Kidd and the Mavs coaching stuff. Also gives more meaning to Monty’s post game where he said he didn’t have the guys prepared, i didnt get what he meant at first but clearly it was the lack of adjustments on the Suns coaching staff to counter Kidd’s defensive chess move!

[@nathongriffin2374]

I learned so much about the game and how adjustments were made in ways i never knew! Great content man!

[@GustavoSilva-ny8jc]

It's so good to see someone finally analyzing the series, not to have an expert opnion was nerve wrecking.

[@dusk6159]

Yeah finally someone to shed light and analysis, unlike the fraudsters screaming random stuff. Only Ben could do this basically.

[@alansmith888]

Crazy how a PG known for his passing and court vision, could evolve into a great defensive coach who made series winning adjustments. Kidd really paid his dues and is now reaping the rewards.

[@brando_05]

Jason Kidd was an all time great defender for a guard too people forget 👀 9 time All-Defense

[@liammcmahon6027]

I love your videos and they make basketball so much more intertesting to watch, like seeing the guts of a machine in action! One thing I rarly see you do is editorialize in these videos. It would have been nice if you had a suggestion for the suns on how they could have adjusted. Love it keep it up!

[@kincamell2]

Much Gratitude

[@delriowav]

As a Warriors fan, the Mavs really scare me. I keep hearing comparisons to Harden’s Houston Rockets back in the day but Luka is WAAAAY better at postseason play than Harden, not to mention the elite defense and high IQ players that surround him

[@rajpatel7098]

They have very similar roles but I think those Houston rockets teams had much better defense and better offense players

[@delriowav]

@@rajpatel7098 // the rockets may have had better players but Luka Ball is a better system

[@NikoBellic20080]

@@delriowav Rockets had better offense, better bench, a prime James Harden and a prime CP3 and a better bench. Let’s not get carried away

[@matthewrhodes6909]

And Steve Kerr can actually make adjustments

[@alphabah49]

I don’t know, going off how they guarded the Suns the Warriors should be ok. You can’t hedge on shooters like Steph, Draymond will rarely miss the skip pass in the corner and offball movement will make it harder for the Mavs to guard the perimeter. The only thing is that should be a concern is the Mavs attacking Poole and Klay in pick and roll.

[@SK-mw8vd]

No mention of Frankie?! Only lowlight in the video lol. Love it, as always.

[@shonen84]

Amazing analysis, as always! Thanks

[@xXNorthernWindXx]

loved seeing the bit of analysis on bullocks defense, he was really the glue of the knicks last year and while i miss him sorely im still happy to see him succeed

[@GustavoSilva-ny8jc]

3:34 Woooow, he's so focused on executing the play and getting the ball to SOMEONE that he was literally blind to what was happening in front of him. That's what an elite defense that covers everything and recovers quickly does to you. And it's even worse when they are smart and start to set up traps, it's like they're playing offense on defense, and suddenly they're the ones controlling the game; a lot of times on both sides if their offense it's just as cerebral and collective. This can really get into someone's head and make an entire team collapse.

[@GustavoSilva-ny8jc]

I imagined that being the case. People only talked about Luka which is sad because he was only a small part of the team success, the comeback came from a combined effort of everyone. And it's insane how the change of a coach and improved defense changed a team that was becoming famous for falling short ("dying on the beach" as we call in Brazil) to a legit contender to win everything. Changing the personnel and getting rid of a defensive cone that also didn't fit the offense in KP was also intrumental.

[@precisism1804]

How was he only a small part of the team success?

[@GustavoSilva-ny8jc]

@@precisism1804 i Knew it wasn't gonna sound good 😂 (and i'm a huge Luka fan, just to clarify). What i mean is that there was much more going on than Luka's brilliance, this includes the Suns too! How the teams were feeling each other and adapting (or not adapting); it's crazy how much it happens in a game. The video showed this perfectly. Well, almost, because i would like to know the offensive adjustments as well, Luka was clearly scoring less and the others were shining more.

[@precisism1804]

@@GustavoSilva-ny8jc Well, I agree with everything in this reply.

[@wf.d5076]

Another amazing breakdown. Great job guys as always

[@trevorhandberry2158]

Absolutely masterful video on a masterful defensive scheme. 🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@romeopaguyo7977]

Was waiting for this! Appreciate the breakdown. Tired of all the ragging on CP and the Suns. Finally someone explained how Dallas did it.

[@SenorAzazel]

in my personal opinion Jason Kidd was the perfect person to coach these Dallas Mavericks especially Luka, he was a high IQ PG while in the league and ran the floor at a high level.

[@jamesmarshall6619]

And he took defense seriously as a player so he's the perfect person to hold Luka accountable. Luka can't tell him he has no energy on defense after carrying the team on offense, it wouldn't fly with Kidd.

[@sendave860]

Yes kidd is a good coach cause he makes adjustments he seems to me like the kind of coach who is not married to a concept to leave and die by like Monty Williams. It was very frustrating to watch knowing that good quick ball movement and a pin down or two would create an overload in numbers at the right wing for the suns at 7:03 in this clip but Suns looked for a predictable slow and low percentage play.

[@clevisbernier8973]

One of your best videos in a while. Good job Ben!

[@TheLazyP]

thanks for this great explanation with attention to details we don't see at first glance.

[@rangersking6699]

Sean Sweeney sets the defensive game plan and does a lot of the adjustments though, so idk whether that’s attributable to Jason

[@charl_lee]

@@BullyMaguire387 that’s messed up noobie boi

[@jahma7514]

Bro you obviously didn’t watch the game and see him screaming so loud we could hear him at home, when the intensity your coach brings invigorates the players it makes a bigger difference than Xs and Os, both valuable no doubt but Jkid was intense and doing all the right things can’t take that away from him

[@BullyMaguire387]

@@jahma7514 I watch the game especially when Antonio Martini hit the game winner on Yugivania Hollows while having an extreme stat line 1,232 grave points and 456 bullocks that's so insane especially when Monkey D. Luffy get his 17th neclace championship on Bruga State University of China

[@crablord7934]

@@BullyMaguire387 your mother is very proud of you, seeing as you obviously didn't even come out of the right hole, being able to type is a great achievement.

[@SenorAzazel]

@@BullyMaguire387 WTF how fucked up of a comment this is you should be disgusted with yourself

[@WhelmedButReady]

I would really like to see a deep dive on how Giannis has essentially catapulted himself into being a legitimate Top 15-12 player in NBA history over these past couple years. Like the guy is putting up all time stats and no one in the national media is recognizing it for the accomplishment that it is. Truly a generational athlete.

[@NikoBellic20080]

Top 3 power forward of all time trajectory for Giannis as long as he has no major injuries.

[@clementatlee6489]

@@NikoBellic20080 GOAT potential never mind top 3 either he top 1 potential Power forwards

[@hkarmy96]

Only player ever to put up 200pts 100rebs and 50asts in a series

[@WhelmedButReady]

@@NikoBellic20080 I've already got him as the 2nd greatest PF behind Duncan. Unlike something like the Center position, the PF isn't as deep with all time greats of the same magnitude. Giannis' career is already greater in ability or accomplishments over Malone, Barkley, Garnett, Dirk etc. Only person who's clearly got a leg up on him now is Timmy.

[@jawuanrobertson896]

@@WhelmedButReady not better than Dirk yet.

[@ieatmyownfecies]

Legend, love the content man, keep it up.

[@evanchan6239]

THANK YOU! I was so vexed because I didn’t know how things collapsed so epically after a 2-0 lead. Now I know why! I was so looking forward to your explanation and you did not disappoint!!

[@loler49er]

What a great adjustment by Kidd and the Mavs! The Warriors would definitely eat up this kind of defense though😂 I’m excited to see further adjustments because I think both teams will have trouble guarding eachother

[@lesterkahanap8614]

True, lots of opportunities for open passes, this defense won't work on gsw. But I think Jkidd knew the suns' tendencies that's why he kept the defense that way. For sure he'll set up the defense differently for gsw

[@Wasserkaktus]

There was apparently a whole lot of bubbling tension building up in the Suns as the Season progressed and reached an absolute fever pitch by the time they played the Mavs, tension which ran completely contradictory to the "harmonious juggernaut" image they projected to the public. Ayton in reality was extremely dismayed and upset over the lack of progression regarding his max contract extension he felt he was owed; Payne had some sort of bad mental block where his substitute for Paul well on the bench just disappeared during the Playoffs. Dallas exploited this to it's full effect by being extremely physically rough with Paul, who as a 37-year old man who is quite small by basketball standards, saw his basketball performance diminish significantly as a result (In all fairness, the Suns tried doing the same with Luka early on, but Luka being much younger and larger allowed him to take it and recover much better.). Booker maintained his role as a SG who without a good PG for support, also saw his performance diminish. It appears that overall, the Suns were all just very burned out and tired after working very hard to gain and sustain such a massive winning record in comparison for the League. Now I worry in terms of how they will address these issues and more this coming Season.

[@dcul8812]

“Tired and burned out”? Stfu. They got their asses kicked bc Paul and the Suns are mentally weak.

[@t4d0W]

Goes to show you that outside of CP3 and his veteran presence and age and a few other vet role players, this team at its core is still too young to make a consistent WCF push. Also some pieces are also going to be exploited heavily come playoff time in match ups. I think Ayton's is invaluable for this teams' success but if there is one guy to re-evaluate for their real value, its Booker. He can't be the primary option and NOT show up in a game 7 like he did while Luka made a mockery of them hanging 30+ points by half time.

[@adoracatra3901]

I'd disagree that Luka handled physicality better than Paul on his own. His team helped him to avoid the worse situations so frequently, while Paul was often the guy getting hit the most on both ends.

[@Somm_RJ]

Amazing how you've just watched a video how amazing the performance that the Mavs gave and you are still high on the Suns' lacking instead.

[@hahahahaflyer]

@@t4d0W worst part for them is booker is eligible for a max extension which would probably be around 250 million he ain’t worth that. But they’ll have no choice since he’ll be 28 in his prime when it kicks in and they’ll have nobody to really build around unless after Cp3 retires they just trade book and rebuild

[@Bshue123]

You hinted at this vid on your podcast. Nice to see it drop!

[@RuRu2041]

Brilliant as always.

[@frederickfairlieesq5316]

NBA Basketball looks like a pretty simple game. It’s just pick and roll or shoot threes or try to get fouled attacking the paint. In reality, the mental load required on every defensive possession is, as illustrated here, enormous. And what makes it even more difficult is that each defender has to do his job as just one cog in a five person machine. If just one player makes a mistake, the defense collapses. Not every team is capable of taking advantage of these mistakes by defenders, but in the playoffs and after playing multiple games against a single opponent, the offense begins to understand how to exploit these mistakes. That’s why Dallas’s suffocating defense, after 6 games between these two teams, was so impressive. Kidd stayed one step ahead the entire time. Make no mistake, if Dallas wins a title, it will be because they maintained this defensive intensity to the very end.

[@taesang5664]

that’s why i love watching breakdowns like this. just really shows you how much is actually going on behind the scenes.

[@hansoskar1911]

Seeing this reminds me how the warriors are so hard to shut down bc they have 3+ guys moving at any single moment. and that just leads to more mistakes by the defense.

[@redatienza5287]

I'm glad I found this video, as flashy the offense of the Mavs is, it really is amazing how it was actually their defense that won the series and the suns not adjusting to it.

[@BosmanB]

best film about this duel, I love Jason Kidd as a player and now as a coach :D

[@thevizbin4031]

I was happy to get out the first round but after the win against the Suns makes it everything even better

[@BullyMaguire387]

Hope the Mavs team plane cras h on their way to San Francisco so Warriors just need to relax and enjoy and wait for their NBA finals opponent. Please Lord make it happen.🙇‍♂️ 🙏

[@thevizbin4031]

@@BullyMaguire387 terrible job at a bait comment

[@BullyMaguire387]

@@thevizbin4031 I mean it.

[@crablord7934]

@@BullyMaguire387 Too bad your dad didn't when he said he was just getting milk

[@NikoBellic20080]

@@BullyMaguire387 Cool troll

[@ultimateduo_rz5086]

Well analyzed, kudos. But I have a question , why do you think Coach Williams didn't do any adjustments after the struggles in games 3, 4, and 6? Puzzling to me, is it over confidence ?

[@iam_champ]

It’s quite obvious they underestimated the mavs. Having Luka alone is a huge win. He’s got goat potential

[@t4d0W]

The video outlined key things the Mavs jumped on after game 2 that the Suns were exhibiting: Booker's playmaking limitations, Paul can be left on an island and denying Ayton the ball inside. Monty's gameplan is simplistic and effective when executed right but they met the right buzzsaw in the Mavs squad that just choked them off those spots. So the Suns didn't have guys who can make difficult shots or break through defenses at will. The fact Monty went beyond his 8 man lineup in game 7 to look for buckets was testament of that. Meanwhile the Mavs had a guy whose a walking bucket whenever they can hunt for weak links in Suns defensive lineups.

[@Somm_RJ]

There are coaches who are great strategists and motivators; and there are coaches who are great in Xs and Os who can design plays and adjust on the fly.

[@dimelo58]

This was a great breakdown man really enjoyed the video.

[@tbtomasbacik]

Wau, this is your best video so far imo. Ty very much!

[@josiahross2463]

Another example of versatility being the most important thing in the playoffs. The last three champions were versatile on both ends of the floor. You need to have multiple ways to attack on offense and the versatility needed to take away opponent strengths on defense

[@t4d0W]

Well the best teams in the playoffs take away their opponents strengths very well. They also have the versatility you mention to counter when the opposing team makes the adjustment and executes it well.

[@imn9420]

Never thought I’d see a title that says this about Jason Kidd

[@BullyMaguire387]

Hope the Mavs team plane cras h on their way to San Francisco so Warriors just need to relax and enjoy and wait for their NBA finals opponent. Please Lord make it happen.🙇‍♂️ 🙏

[@nikolatesla2332]

GREAT BREAKDOWN BRO. your content is awesome

[@godzy1013]

This was really great. Fantastic to see what was going on.

[@Omar_Hawasly]

You are a basketball genius I wish you work in the nba to analyze the plays You're great btw

[@BullyMaguire387]

Hope the Mavs team plane cras h on their way to San Francisco so Warriors just need to relax and enjoy and wait for their NBA finals opponent. Please Lord make it happen.🙇‍♂️ 🙏

[@billpap.9669]

@@BullyMaguire387 you're desperate for attention ah??🤡

[@rauffiey]

6:19 This is what I've been saying, Booker doesn't have the passing vision and passing ability that Luka has. He is just a scoring threat, unlike Luka who can whip unbelievable passes to the corner from the adjacent corner. It takes a good CP3 game for Booker to really shine.

[@hahahahaflyer]

Booker is a robin on a championship team. Luka is a Batman on a championship team

[@amaimon8031]

Yeah, Booker is not that guy, doesn't have the vision or ball IQ needed for him to go up the next level

[@rogerspov9735]

This is how I see n read the games, above the 1v1 quick "lucky" passes. Very well done, great video.

[@marounmuto]

This video is incredible. I feel that I am very knowledgeable when it comes to the offensive world of basketball but always struggled with the defence. It’s unfortunate certain coaching doesn’t go over much of this. This is great. You have a subscriber in me.

[@idkneededtomakenewacc2575]

Remember when people said hiring j. Kidd was a bad idea. Especially some you tubers that tell nba fans to have more “nuanced” takes. Crazy.

[@nickc.4558]

2 things . Masterful scheming by JKidd , hiding Luka on Defense , so he couldn't be exploited . DBook's facilitating , playmaking and basketball IQ , is below average . So many missed reads .....