Attacking mismatches with Jayson TatumIn the NBA regular season, a great coach can get his team wins simply by having his players prepared. With less time between games, coaches don’t have the ability to game plan for each opponent, so they rely on the system and making on the fly adjustments. In the NBA Playoffs, that advantage in theory evens out. Everyone has more time, so even a poor coach should have enough time to put together a reasonable strategy. Where a great coach stands out is his ability to make adjustments, not only from game to game, but within the game itself.

The conversation around the NBA’s one-and-done rule so often focuses on how it impacts institutions in power. How would college basketball be affected if the country’s best recruits are turning pro every year instead of going to college for a season? How will the NBA adjust to a reality where it has to evaluate and invest in 18-year-old players?

The Philadelphia 76ers had their lowest 3-point output (5-of-26) in a game since January 29, their worst defensive performance in some time (Robert Covington looked lost), and Ben Simmons was subdued by the Celtics with more turnovers than assists (seven to six) for just the seventh time in his young career. The opportunity to steal a 1-0 series lead while Jaylen Brown was sidelined disappeared in a hurry.

Joe Ingles shot the lights out and Donovan Mitchell put them to bed

Donovan Mitchell told Dan Patrick that the Utah Jazz had made adjustments to guard James Harden, and the Houston Rockets, before the game. It worked.

The New York Knicks have hired Dave Fizdale as their next head coach on a four-year contract, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. He was selected over former Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer and former Cleveland Cavaliers coach David Blatt, who were also reportedly under high consideration. This is Fizdale’s second NBA head coaching position.

Ty Lue won’t make a change just yet.

If you’ve been following the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, you’ve probably noticed they don’t typically change their starting lineup unless it’s after a loss. Despite the strong play of Tristan Thompson, Kevin Love will once again start at center for Game 2.

LeBron James was absolutely sensational in Game 2, recording 43 points, 14 assists, and eight rebounds. He had seven fadeaway jumpers in the second half, which were just demoralizing to Toronto. He looked as good as ever as he ripped the hearts out of the city.

Eddie Sefko, Mavericks beat writer for SportsDayDFW.com and The Dallas Morning News, answered your questions about the team in a live chat recently. Here are some highlights:

Are there any circumstances in which the Mavs might trade their first round pick?