Summary
P.J. Washington hit two crucial 3-pointers and scored eight points during a pivotal 22-2 run for the Dallas Mavericks. Despite this, Dallas struggled to find consistent scoring beyond their superstars, Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. In contrast, the Boston Celtics have consistently showcased a balanced scoring approach throughout the series.
Dallas's Struggles with Boston's Strategy
The Mavericks encountered significant difficulties with Boston's defensive strategy, which involved refraining from doubling Dončić. Instead, the Celtics applied single coverage on both Dončić and Irving, effectively diminishing the impact of Dallas's role players. The Mavericks' supporting cast typically thrives on the opportunities created by their star ball-handlers, but they faltered in this series.
Boston's bench players have outperformed Dallas's, providing a significant advantage in terms of depth. The Celtics have effectively utilized a balanced team approach, contrasting sharply with Dallas's reliance on their star players. Boston's role players are not asked to do too much, allowing them to operate within their strengths, while Dallas's supporting cast struggles when their superstars are neutralized.
Tim Hardaway Jr.'s decline and Jaden Hardy's inexperience have further disrupted Dallas's offensive rhythm. The team’s system does not support a consistent scoring rhythm for the role players, compounding the Mavericks' issues.
Quotes Illustrating the Series Dynamics
Several quotes from the series highlight the dynamics at play:
- "Washington's 3-pointer with 1:04 remaining in the third quarter was the first any non-Dončić or Irving Maverick had made all night."
- "Four of the top six scorers in the series thus far are Celtics."
- "The Mavericks averaged more than 16 corner 3-point attempts per game."
- "That volume was so high that it ultimately doomed the Thunder."
- "The Celtics have taken the opposite approach here. By taking away those two shots, the Celtics have all but disarmed every Maverick except for Dončić and Irving."
- "They were all available to Dallas for relatively low prices because they aren't shot-creators."
- "If Jones wants to fire from the top of the arc, or if Washington wants to post someone up? The Celtics can live with that."
- "Perhaps a third true shot-creator could solve some of these issues for the Mavericks."
- "The timing might have just worked out poorly for Dallas. It's a year too early for Hardy and a year too late for Hardaway."
Boston's Balanced Approach
The Celtics may not have a top-five player like Dončić, but they boast at least five—or perhaps six—players who could be considered among the top 50 in the league. Players like Sam Hauser have significantly contributed, with Hauser making more 3-pointers in the series (five) than the entire Mavericks reserve combined (four).
"They ask less of their supporting players, so they are able to thrive in roles that suit their strengths," observed one analyst. "The Celtics are here because they've successfully devised a roster and scheme that allows everyone to play within their capabilities."
Dallas's Shortcomings
Conversely, the Mavericks are on the verge of losing the series because their specialist-role players can be so easily neutralized. The need for a reliable third shot-creator in Dallas is evident, but the current roster does not appear to meet this requirement.
In summary, Boston's depth and balanced approach have enabled them to flourish, while Dallas's heavy reliance on their superstars has left them vulnerable when those key players are neutralized. It is a classic case of a well-rounded team proving more effective than a team dependent on a few superstars. As the series progresses, the Mavericks will need to rethink their strategy to avoid elimination and better support their star players.