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What a year the last week has been, fitting in nicely with the decade that turned out to be 2020. But basketball is back and the Mavericks have a chance to force a game seven against the Los Angeles Clippers. We already tried this preview thing once a few days ago, but we thought it was worth trying again.
So with that in mind, here are a few things to consider before the game …
How does Kristaps Porzingis’ injury affect the Mavericks?
Dallas has been running in smoke for weeks, but when a player like Luka Doncic is involved, anything is possible. The sheer volume of injuries on the Mavericks’ roster is pretty absurd: They’ve lost three rotation players to injuries (Jalen Brunson, Dwight Powell and now Porzingis). Add in that Justin Jackson and Delon Wright have effectively played each other out of the rotation, the Mavericks are playing against a stacked deck.
However, Porzingis’ injury also provides some clarification. Rather than wondering for days if Porzingis is capable of playing, knowing that he is out allows for more direct play planning and role acceptance.
After crashing into the Clipper Saw in Game 5, the Mavericks feel on the ropes or without expectations as they battle a much better and healthier team in Los Angeles.
Luka’s answer to his five poop game
After a historic performance in Game 4, the Clippers incited Doncic to a tough performance in shooting (6 of 17) and more turnovers (5) than assists (4). They closed their overtaking lanes on tours and ignored the roll man on all pick and rolls.
As mentioned above, Dallas is limited elsewhere on offense, but this game is worth watching just to see how the Doncic problem solves the Clipper’s ravenous defense. You rarely make the same mistakes from game to game, and you sure want to rise to the challenge of playing against such a talented defensive lineup.
Dallas role players must appear on both ends of the court
At this point, it’s well established that all of the players who beat Doncic are likely to play two or three places higher in the Dallas rotation (meaning more minutes and different roles), but if the Mavericks want to have any chance at leading this series to seven, is’ It will be because Maxi Kleber and Dorian Finney Smith hit shots and many of them.
Overall, the Maverick roster has exceeded my expectations, but to extend this series, they will have to continue to do so.
Where to look
Game 6 is on ESPN and Fox Sports Southwest at 2:30 pm CST.
