The bench, not Luka will be key for a deep Dallas Mavericks Playoff Run
Seth Curry and company will be the deciding factor in determining how far the Dallas Mavericks can go
In game 1 against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Dallas Mavericks struggled to get things done without big-man Kristaps Porzingis. A key component to the Mavericks struggles was the play from the bench.
In game 1 against the Clippers, the Mavericks scored just 22 points off the bench. Besides Curry, everyone from the non-starting lineup struggled to get in rhythm. Trey Burke was 1-5 from the field and wing-man Delon Wright got a mere assist in just six minutes played.
Fast forward to game 2 and Dallas’s bench scored double the amount from game 1. In game 2 against the Clippers, the Mavs scored 47 points. Compare that to Los Angeles’ bench who got just 37 points from their squad. In the second game of the series, Curry had 15 points, guard Trey Burke had 16 and center Boban Marjanovic had 13 points to go with 11 rebounds. If the Dallas Mavericks bench can outscore the Clippers, then the team has a chance to go far this playoff season.
Just look at the Jason Terry Effect?
When coming off the bench, Seth Curry has proven to be a valuable asset. In just two games into the NBA playoffs, Curry is averaging 14.5 points per games and shooting 55% from the field. Compare that to his season play where he started more than half of the games for Dallas, the current sixth man averaged 10.1 points per game and shot 47.5% from the field this season.
Just go back to the 2008-2009 NBA season. During that NBA year, the Dallas Mavericks started to fully transition Jason Terry into the sixth man role. The transition proved to be highly successful as he upped his points per game from 15.9 during the 2007-2008 season to 19.7 points per game during the 2008-2009 campaign.
This game plan proved to be a success for Terry, as he would go on to win the NBA’s six-man award that season. Now, of course it is too late for Curry to compete for the award. However, if Curry is proving to be a valuable leader off the bench; why change things?
A Valuable Wing-man
Along with inserting Curry as the permanent sixth-man, another key component for the Dallas Mavericks will be finding a valuable wing-man off the bench.
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If you remember the 2011 Finals run, one reason Dallas found success was because of players like DeShawn Stevenson who provided valuable offensive and defensive minutes. Stevenson played an important role in guarding players like Lebron James and Dywane Wade when Mavs starters needed some valuable rest. He also provided tremendous assistance in knocking down shots from beyond the arc.
So far, the Dallas Mavericks have yet to find their wing-man from the bench. One player however who was provided some valuable minutes and could provide some spark is small-forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
One reason the Mavs signed Kidd-Gilchist was because of his value on defense. Last season, the former Hornet totaled 32 steals, 39 blocks and 158 defensive rebounds. While he has yet to provide those numbers for Dallas, he has played a pivotal role in guarding players like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
In game 1 against the Clippers, he was also knocked down two key three pointers. If given the minutes, Kidd-Gilchrist could certainly be the Deshawn Stevenson the Mavs need.
Next. Dallas Mavericks notice there’s blood in the water. dark
If Dallas hopes to make a deep playoff-run it will be up to the Mavericks bench to provide the spark. Remember, the Los Angeles Clipeers have two six-man finalists in guard Lou Williams and forward Montrezl Harrell. Dallas’s bench will have to put in twice the workload against the Clippers if Dallas has any shot in this year’s playoffs.
- Published on 08/21/2020 at 20:56 PM
- Last updated at 08/21/2020 at 20:56 PM