Dallas, TX
Dallas Mavericks Must Improve Handling ‘X-Factor’ Ivica Zubac in Game 2 vs. Clippers
On Sunday, the Dallas Mavericks lost to the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series, losing by a final score of 109-97.
Ivica Zubac was a significant element of the Clippers’ success, finishing with 20 points and 15 rebounds. The Mavericks trailed by as many as 29 points, with momentum going against them early amidst Zubac scoring 10 points alone in the opening period.
“I think it was definitely the X-Factor today, or however you say it, but it was a big factor for them– rebounding, scoring, too,” Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic said of Zubac. “We have to be more physical with him and do a better job of it.”
Apr 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) and Dallas
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Zubac, who finished with a career-high in the playoffs with 20 points and 15 rebounds, was catching the ball deep in the paint and was allowed to work 1-on-1 with whoever the Mavericks were playing at center without help, whether that was Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II.
“Just doing my job,” Zubac said.
Dallas was too afraid of Zubac spraying the ball out to open shooters, and rightfully so since the Clippers shot 18-36 from behind the arc in this game, but the Clippers seemed to be one step ahead the entire way.
As the Mavericks adjusted to Zubac, the Clippers started relying more on James Harden and Paul George to create shots from the perimeter. When Zubac and Harden are playing as well as they did in this game, it’s easy to overcome playing without Kawhi Leonard, as the Clippers were.
“Yeah, [Ivica] Zubac was big. He dominated during Game 1 at the center position,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “They played to him in the post and we didn’t have an answer. We have to be better. We talked about Zubac and the ability that he has when shots go up. Rebounding, we have to make sure that we send two to him but in the post regardless we have to do a better job of guarding him in the post.”
Gafford wasn’t pleased with his own effort tonight, admitting he needs to come out more prepared to play, especially in a postseason setting.
“I just didn’t come out here to play, honestly,” Gafford said. “I have to be able to be better in areas that I was always succeeding throughout the regular season. I got to come out, and I got to play playoff basketball…”
Gafford also went down with a minor ankle injury in the second quarter, which required him to exit the game and go to the locker room early, but he returned to action in the second half.
Zubac not only made life difficult on the Mavericks’ interior defense, but he anchored the Clippers—allowing only 30 points in the first half and specifically, only eight points in the second quarter.
“I know we are a great defensive team. I got to be one of the leaders on the defensive end,” Zubac said. “And that’s something that I’ve been doing for this team for a little bit, and no matter who it is, I just have to lock into the game plan.
“They are going to make shots, Luka [Doncic] and Kyrie [Irving] are going to make tough shots, but we got to make it harder on them. That’s it,” Zubac explained. “Not worried about what anyone says about a series three years ago. That was three years ago and I know what is our game plan, what we are willing to give up and trying to take away and just stick with it.”
The Clippers seemed to play with more urgency overall, and it started with getting Zubac the ball in the post, a trend that can’t continue for the rest of the series if the Mavericks want to advance.
The Mavericks will need a better game plan for him in Game 2 on Tuesday at 9:00 p.m. CST at Crypto.com Arena.
Dallas, TX
Petar Musa’s Brace Not Enough as FC Dallas Draws LA Galaxy 2-2
For a moment, it looked like FC Dallas was on its way to another statement win at home tonight.
Petar Musa scored two first half goals, to extend his Golden Boot leading tally to nine goals. But after Dallas grabbed control, the Galaxy found a way back before halftime with goals from Lucas Sanabria and Joseph Paintsil.
The second half brought more chances and more frustration for Dallas, which finished the night with 13 shots to LA’s nine. In the end, the point stretched Dallas’ unbeaten run to five games, though just like last week, it felt like another match where Dallas left points on the table.
Key Moments
7’ – GOAL! After a poor pass back by a LA defender, Petar Musa was free to go one-on-one with the LA goalkeeper. After a touch to get ahead of a defender, Musa slotted home his eighth goal of the season from outside the penalty box.
21’ – Offside! Joaquin Valiente sent a floating ball over the Galaxy defense, where Musa was able to get behind the defense and make an easy play for what appeared to be his second goal of the night. The play was called offside despite a fairly lengthy review period.
38’ – GOAL! This one counts! Musa gets his second of the night off a great ball from Chris Cappis. Logan Farrington picked off the ball in the midfield. He then played Cappis wide to the left of the penalty area. Cappis immediately played a ball back across the goal for Musa to slide in and finish for his ninth of the season.
43’ – Goal LA. Lucas Sanabria got the ball near the top of the penalty area. He took a couple of touches to get outside the penalty box before firing a shot that beat Michael Collodi at the near post.
45+4’ – Goal LA. Gabriel Pec got the ball near the top of the penalty area. He pulled the ball back a bit, which caught a pair of Dallas defenders. This allowed Joseph Painstil to get free behind the Dallas defense as Pec played him through inside the penalty area. Pec immediately smashed home a shot above Collodi to tie the game.
75’ – Another offside goal. This time on a corner kick for Dallas, after a scrum in the penalty box, Kaick hammered home what looked to be the go-ahead goal. But after a few seconds the flag was raised due to a deflection on Osaze Urhoghide, who was in an offside position.
Instant Reaction
Yeah, this is another disappointing result for this team. In a real way, it felt like the first half against Houston from last month. Dallas grabbed the lead, looked in control, but some defensive miscues opened the game up for the visitors to climb back.
With a double-game week coming up, this will certainly be another game where Dallas will wonder ‘what if’ more than anything else…especially when you factor in the two goals called off for offside.
About the Subs
Eric Quill went to his bench for the first time in the 66th minute, as he brought on Santiago Moreno for Logan Farrington. Quill went to his bench again 81st minute with Ran Binyamin and Nolan Norris coming on for Sebastien Ibeagha and Deedson. The final sub came during stoppage time with Herman Johansson and Joaquin Valiente coming off for Sam Sarver and rookie Nick Simmonds, who made his MLS debut.
Man of the Match
No question about it tonight, it has to be Musa.
Where does this fit into the season
As of this writing, the draw puts Dallas into a three-way tie for 5th place with Real Salt Lake and Seattle. Both are in action right now and look firmly in control of their games. I’d expect Dallas to be in 7th place by the end of the night.
What’s next for FC Dallas
Dallas wraps up a three-game homestand next Wednesday night as they host Minnesota United.
Dallas, TX
Akheem Mesidor selected by Cowboys by Blogging The Boys in SB Nation’s community mock draft
Akheem Mesidor, Edge, Miami
Pass rush has been an issue since the Micah Parsons trade. The Rashan Gary trade helped, but Dallas still needs an injection of talent. Akheem Mesidor fits here because his body size allows for some versatility inside and out, something DC Christian Parker utilizes. Mesidor is also a high-motor player with a deep bag of pass rush moves.
His last season at Miami was full of disruption in the offensive backfield and he shows an all-around game, not just a bend-around-the-edge pass rusher. Yes, he’s a little older than you’d like in a rookie (25), but his motor, pass rush toolbox, and ability to play the run matches up with a need and makes him a quality pick at number 20.
Dallas, TX
Dallas Hosting Public Safety Response Symposium
The City of Dallas Office of Community Police Oversight is hosting a Public Safety Response Symposium to connect residents with public safety leaders. Here’s how to participate on May 9.
The Dallas Police Department posted to social media about the event on Friday afternoon. The post states, “Join public safety leaders for an inside look at how emergency and non-emergency calls are handled and how resources are deployed across Dallas.”
The symposium will be held at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center, 1403 Washington St., fro 11 a.m.-noon on May 9. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Light breakfast and refreshments will be provided.
Topics for the symposium include:
- How 911 calls are handled and dispatched
- How DPD uses specialized units and technology to improve response times
- When to use 311 for non-emergency services
- How crisis and behavioral health teams collaborate through alternative response strategies
There will also be a community Q&A forum where residents can engage directly with public safety leaders. Moderation will be provided.
Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux will offer the opening remarks. Featured speakers include 911 Communications Center Assistant Director Robert Uribe; Major of Police Anthony Greer; 311 Senior Outreach Specialist Stephen Walker; and Emergency Management & Crisis Response Director Kevin Oden.
When it comes to parking: Enter through Gate 2 and drive straight to the Pan Am Gate, and continue to the Briscoe Center (located on the left).
RSVP for the Public Safety Response Symposium here.
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