After falling into the treacherous 3-0 hole, the Mavericks found a way to respond in Game 4. It was a strange game that included a leak in the ceiling and a free-throw getting stuck on the rim. Regardless, the red-hot perimeter shooting from the Mavs propelled the team to a 119-109 victory. The work is far from over as the Warriors still hold a 3-1 advantage. There has never been a team able to win a series after going down 3-0, and it would be incredibly impressive if the Mavs are able to do it against this seasoned Warriors team.
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This effort will begin in Game 5 as Dallas will attempt to get closer to tying up the series. The game will take place in Golden State which will be an additional challenge for the Mavs. Dallas is no stranger to winning on the road, as evidence of their Game 7 win in Phoenix, but dropped the first two games at Golden State this series. The Mavs will need to bring a focused effort to pick up this difficult win in Golden State or the players will begin their offseason plans.
"I still believe we can win…we're going to believe til the end"
Luka isn't giving up, no matter what. pic.twitter.com/Fxc2n8RWPm
— NBA (@NBA) May 25, 2022
Mavericks attempt 45+ three-pointers
It has become very clear that the Mavericks are living and dying with the three-point shot. Dallas has led the postseason in three-point attempts and three-point frequency and this has continued against Golden State. The Mavericks have attempted at least 43 three-pointers in all four games so far this series. They have outshot the Warriors by at least 13 attempts per game. This is ridiculous volume considering the NBA average was 35.2 attempts per game this season.
The shots will become more important in enemy territory. The Mavericks struggled from the perimeter in Game 1. They connected on just 11 of their 48 three-point attempts (22.9%). Counting on points from beyond the arc has become a key part of the Mavericks game plan and this is sure to continue in Game 5. After going 0-for-10 from the field and 0-for-7 on three-pointers in Game 3, Reggie Bullock responded by going 6-for-10 on long-range attempts last game. Expect Bullock and the rest of the team to show a willing trigger and for the team to launch a minimum of 45 three-pointers.
Spencer Dinwiddie scores 20+ points
In order to find a way to win and keep their season alive, the Mavericks will be in search of a spark. One interesting X-factor is Spencer Dinwiddie. The mid-season addition is a capable scorer who can be too passive in the offense at times. Despite his rightful place as the third scoring option, Dinwiddie has been held to single-digit scoring totals six times during the postseason.
The Mavs cannot afford for this to occur in Game 5. The former Wizards guard flashed his skills in Game 3 by tallying 26 points. He trailed only Luka Doncic as the leading scorer. Dinwiddie failed to remain assertive in Game 4 and ended with 10 points on just seven shot attempts. Dallas will be in search of additional firepower and must look to Spencer Dinwiddie to provide it. Look for him to create his own shot and tally 20 points to help the team compete.
Luka Doncic scores 40+ points
While all the supporting players are important, the biggest weight of the postseason pressure certainly falls on Luka Doncic's shoulders. The first-team All-NBA member is at the epicenter of everything the Mavericks do and will continue to lead the team. Doncic finished just one assist shy of a triple-double and scored 30 points in Game 4. The Slovenian was able to get adequate help from his teammates and this translated to the team's on-court success.
While the three-pointers were certainly falling in Game 4, this may not be the case in this matchup. Luka should be prepared to shoulder an additional offensive load and do whatever it takes to keep the Mavs in the game. He has already tallied two 40+ point performances in this series, so this is nothing new to the superstar. The ball-dominant nature of his game makes it so important for him to remain productive. He has done a great job so far this postseason in doing that.
There is a great deal of pressure on the Mavericks heading into Game 5. The Warriors hold a comfortable 3-1 lead, are more experienced as a team, and are heading to their home court. Even so, the Mavs have already outperformed expectations this season and have not been rattled by the pressure thus far. Expect the gritty team to leave their heart out there as they hope to extend their season.
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