{"id":46061,"date":"2022-03-01T11:38:21","date_gmt":"2022-03-01T16:38:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=46061"},"modified":"2022-03-01T11:38:21","modified_gmt":"2022-03-01T16:38:21","slug":"dallas-mavericks-small-ball-is-the-answer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2022\/03\/01\/dallas-mavericks-small-ball-is-the-answer\/","title":{"rendered":"Dallas Mavericks: Small Ball is the Answer"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Dallas Mavericks needed to switch up their play to a degree after trading\u00a0Kristaps Porzingis<\/a><\/strong>. Their results still entirely rely on the greatness of\u00a0Luka Doncic<\/a><\/strong>, but it’s no question that the team’s big men aren’t on par with the rest of the Western Conference elite. For example, other teams have stars such as\u00a0Deandre Ayton<\/strong><\/a>,\u00a0Nikola Jokic<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0Rudy Gobert<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0Karl-Anthony Towns<\/strong><\/a>, and more. The Mavericks’ recent comeback win<\/a> over the Golden State Warriors, however, showed that “small ball” is the way to win moving forward.<\/p>\n

Dallas Mavericks: Small Ball is the Answer<\/h2>\n

The Current Bigs<\/h3>\n

The current list of Dallas big men includes\u00a0Dwight Powell<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0Maxi Kleber<\/a><\/strong>, Davis Bertans<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0Marquese Chriss<\/a><\/strong>, and\u00a0Boban Marjanovic<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Powell can be an effective weapon at times on offense but doesn’t offer too much on defense and on rebounding. At times he can be a liability in those departments. He remains the Mavericks’ starting center, but only averages 7.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.<\/p>\n

Kleber is rather inconsistent, but his play is key to how far the Mavericks can go<\/a>. He’s an elite defender and can drain the three. His rebounding is solid as well. What’s odd about Kleber is that every now and then he’ll be completely erased from a game. His spot in the rotation is a guarantee, but he’s not always a game-changer.<\/p>\n

Bertans arrived in the Porzingis trade. He’s been solid thus far in the short time he’s been in Dallas. With that being said, Bertans is a shooter and floor-spacer. He’s not a great defensive option, especially in the interior even though he’s considered a big man. Bertans is a decent weapon off the bench, but nothing more.<\/p>\n

Lastly, there’s Chriss and Marjanovic. Chriss received a two-year deal after strong showings in his 10-day contracts. He’s averaging about five points and four rebounds per game. Overall he’s a depth player. Marjanovic is a fan-favorite but also a contributor when he plays. The issue is his mobility and stamina, so he’s very match-up dependent.<\/p>\n

The Dallas Mavericks Must Embrace Small Ball<\/h3>\n

Doncic, of course, is key. Dallas has a plethora of talent to surround him with a small ball lineup, however.<\/p>\n

Jalen Brunson<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>remains key. He’s been the Mavericks’ second-best player this season, slotting nicely alongside Doncic in the backcourt. Brunson is averaging 16 points and over five assists per game this season, being extremely reliable on offense.<\/p>\n

Then, of course, there’s new addition\u00a0Spencer Dinwiddie<\/a><\/strong>. He flashed his brilliance versus the Warriors, dropping 25 points, five assists, and four rebounds on a team-high +17. Closing lineups, or comeback lineups, will surely feature the trio of Doncic, Brunson, and Dinwiddie.<\/p>\n

Reggie Bullock<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Dorian Finney-Smith<\/a><\/strong> will feature as the “bigs” in the small ball line-ups. Both are excellent perimeter defenders as well as three-point shooters. Bullock is really coming into his own as well.\u00a0Sophomore\u00a0Josh Green<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>features off the bench as he’s been much improved as well.<\/p>\n

Last, but certainly not least, there’s\u00a0Tim Hardaway Jr<\/strong><\/a>. A broken foot will keep him sidelined up until playoff time or right before it, but he’s another great weapon in a small ball lineup. Although streaky, he brings excellent shooting and fiery offense.<\/p>\n

Dallas will still use their big men but expect small ball lineups to be closing many games and featuring in clutch situations.<\/p>\n

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Main Photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>