Critical Changes: Mavericks’ Plan to Counter Celtics in Game 3
The Dallas Mavericks find themselves in a 2-0 series hole against the Boston Celtics as they prepare for Game 3 of the NBA Finals at American Airlines Center. Here are three potential adjustments the Mavericks could make to get back in the series.
1. Will Home Rims Be Kind to Mavericks’ Shooters?
The Mavericks desperately need contributions from players other than Luka Doncic, who is averaging a series-high 31 points per game. Head coach Jason Kidd emphasized the need for additional scoring support. “We’ve got to score the ball, and right now, we’ve got to find someone to join Luka and Kai in that scoring category,” Kidd said.
Dallas’ role players typically shoot better at home. Their shooting splits show a significant difference:
- Home: 48.6% from the field, 38% from three-point range
- Road: 46.1% from the field, 34.7% from three-point range
In Boston, Dallas shot just 20.5% from three-point range in the first two games. As a team, they are shooting 24.5% from deep, with players not named Doncic or Irving struggling mightily. The Mavs are 0-of-9 on open threes and 4-of-20 on wide-open attempts by players other than Luka Doncic.
To turn the series around, Dallas needs their role players to hit open and wide-open shots, a task that could be easier on their home court.
2. Exploit Interior Matchups
Jayson Tatum spent a team-high 4:49 defending Daniel Gafford in Game 2, more than any other Celtics player. While Gafford had just two points in the first half, he scored 11 in the second, capitalizing on post-ups and pick-and-rolls with Kyrie Irving.
If Boston continues using smaller defenders on Dallas’ big men, the Mavericks must exploit these mismatches. Maximizing opportunities in the paint could be crucial, especially if Kristaps Porzingis, who might have aggravated a leg injury, is less effective or unavailable. This scenario would weaken Boston’s frontline, giving Dallas a potential edge inside.
3. Limit Costly Mistakes
Dallas’ performance in Game 2 was marred by turnovers and missed free throws, two areas that need significant improvement. The Mavericks missed eight free throws (16-of-24) and committed 15 turnovers, leading to 21 points for Boston.
To turn the tide, Dallas must focus on reducing these errors. Jason Kidd highlighted the importance of ball security: “We’ve got to take care of the ball. If we can take care of the ball, hopefully, that gives us more opportunities at scoring.”
Statistics from the season back this up:
- When committing 15+ turnovers: 15-19 record
- When committing fewer than 15 turnovers: 47-20 record
By minimizing turnovers and making free throws, the Mavericks can improve their chances of winning and getting back into the series.
The Mavericks face a tough task in overcoming a strong Celtics team. However, by leveraging their home-court advantage, exploiting interior mismatches, and limiting costly mistakes, Dallas can improve their chances in Game 3. The next game will be crucial in determining whether the Mavericks can turn the series around or if the Celtics will take a commanding lead.
