Mavs #'s in the Clutch this year worse than at year

[Dallas41]

That last part at the end of how KP should be used is something that I've harped on for awhile because they ran those type of plays for Dirk but RC strangely has not incorporated this into the offense for KP.

https://thesmokingcuban.com/2021/02/...x-clutch-woes/

Dallas Mavericks continue to struggle in clutch time
The Mavs were 17-24 in clutch games with a 99.2 offensive rating and a 106.8 defensive rating, according to NBA Stats. That placed them 26th in offensive rating and 15th on the defensive end.

This season, Dallas is 3-6 in clutch games with a 111.4 offensive rating and a 117. 9 defensive rating. The offense ranks 15th in the league, while the defense sits 22nd.

Way Dallas Mavericks can fix their clutch woes: 3. Rebounding

Working hard for the entire 24 shot clock on defense and then allowing an offensive rebound is one of the most deflating occurrences for an NBA team. Unfortunately for the Mavericks, they are 27th in rebounding percentage in the clutch. Their total rebounding percentage is 43.9, which means Dallas secures less than half the available rebounds with less than five minutes to go and the score within five points.

On Feb. 1, the Mavericks were leading by two points when Chris Paul missed a layup. The Suns secured an offensive rebound, which eventually led to a game-winning 3-pointer by Devin Booker.

On Wednesday night against the Hawks, Kristaps Porzingis was subbed out with three minutes left and a ten-point lead. Coach Carlisle brought him back with 32 seconds remaining and the Mavs up three. KP scored off an offensive rebound to essentially ice the game on the ensuing offensive possession.

Twice this week the Mavericks have played in clutch games, and both times an offensive rebound played a pivotal role in the outcome. The Mavericks clutch lineups must include KP and Maxi Kleber. Part of the issue has been conditioning due to injury and COVID, but with everyone healthy, the team’s second and third-best rebounders must be on the court.

While size helps Porzingis and Maxi secure boards, it is not the only factor. Physicality and effort are a must. The Mavs need everyone fully focused on boxing out and securing a rebound late in games. The top five teams in clutch net rating all have a total rebounding percentage over 50 percent, and the Mavericks should strive to achieve that.

Way Dallas Mavericks can fix their clutch woes: 1. Less predictable offense

The Mavs rank 23rd in pace in the clutch. In the last five minutes of the game, their offense becomes extremely stagnant. The Mavericks turn to a five out and set screens for Luka until he hopefully gets a matchup he likes or can turn the corner.
Every NBA team knows they are going to give Luka the ball, and all five players on the other team can collapse on him. The fact that the Mavericks are last in 3-point percentage does not help, but this was a problem last season even when the Mavericks were an excellent long-range shooting team.

In the short term, the Mavs must roll with their current roster. While adding Zach LaVine, Bradley Beal, or Evan Fournier might help solve this issue, that is not happening in the next few weeks.

Instead, Dallas needs to find other ways to get good shots. Posting up KP at the free-throw line, instead of the low block could help create space. That makes it much harder for teams to double team and allows Porzingis to face up and have a more comfortable shot. His low post game is not his strongest skill, so finding other areas for him to find his rhythm could help the offense.

Also, they need to incorporate Jalen Brunson, Trey Burke, or Tim Hardaway Jr. into the offense, instead of Josh Richardson or Dorian Finney Smith. That allows Luka to play more off-ball and confuse defenses. However, changing up the lineup may impact the team’s defensive capabilities.

[Thespiralgoeson]

Yay, another thread about how the Mavs suck.

[Dallas41]

Originally Posted by Thespiralgoeson

Yay, another thread about how the Mavs suck.

LOL

I don't think he said the Mavs suck

I think he broke down ways that they could improve in clutch situations.

[Murphy3]

Thank you for the post. Great info.