The Dallas Mavericks started this series sluggish but have found their rhythm in the past two games, tying the series up 2-2. Now with the stage set for a prime-time match up back in Phoenix. The Suns are favored by 70.1% according to ESPN Power Index.
The Mavericks have found success in Luka Doncic playing more of a playmaker role, getting others involved like Dorian Finney Smith, who is averaging 3.1 made three-pointers over the last 10 games.
Dallas Head Coach Jason Kidd on Finney Smith Performance. “When he’s playing like that, when he’s not hesitating and catch-and-shoot, he’s as good as anyone,” Kidd said.
Game 3
Finney-Smith 14 points 4-11 from 3PT
Game 4
Finney-Smith set a playoff career-high 24 points and 8-12 from 3PT
Luka Doncic is a certified bucket getter, Phoenix may not be able to stop him but they can slow him down. Doncic is shooting 45.7% and is averaging 28.4 points per game. In-game four Doncic shot 9 out of 25 for 26 points. Not very efficient but he racked up 11 assists. For the Dallas Mavericks, the others like Finley Smith, Bullock, Brunson, Kleber, and Dinwiddie are going to have to step up to defeat the Suns.
Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd on their ball movement “We did a great job of attacking,”
“When the ball touches the paint, it’s either a layup or a three.
Dallas Mavericks Bold Predictions
The Mavericks will have a postseason high in assists.
Phoenix Suns Bold Prediction
The Suns will win the battle for beyond the Arch
Since the first two games of the series, the tables have turned dramatically with the Dallas Mavericks' defense. Who allowed 121 points on 1.28 points per possession and 129 points on 1.36 points per possession in games one and two. In games three and four, The Maverick's defense allowed just 94 points on 1.03 points per possession. The Sun's offense efficiency took a hit but with the Rally in the Valley in full force tonight, Expect that to change.
The Dallas Mavericks defense may be suspect but, the Suns offense is lethal when they get going. They are second in the Western Conference shooting 36.4% from three point range.
Keys to the Dallas Mavericks winning game five
Win the battle from beyond the Arch
Defense +
Assist +
Keys to Sun's winning game five
Win the battle from beyond the Arch
Control the Tempo of the Game
Be themselves
In game four, the Dallas Mavericks outscored the Phoenix Suns by 33 points from deep, credit to the Suns lazy defense. Expect Phoenix to come out playing with some type of intensity. Paul will need to be the floor general, he has shown to be and Devin Booker will need to continue his dominate performance this series.
Realistically the Suns have struggled to defeat TOP PLAYOFF CONTENDERS all season. Expect this series to be exactly the same. Phoenix has the advantage, Particularly if it's a close game. Struggling or NOT the SUNS were the best clutch team at (33-9) this season.
