The Dallas Mavericks are playing some of their best basketball at just the right time. The team stormed back in the matchup with the Suns to tie the series 3-3. The two teams will square off for a Game 7 in Phoenix and the Mavs hope to punch their ticket to the Conference Finals for the first time since their 2011 championship season.
Led by Luka Doncic, the team has had an impressive performance on both sides of the ball and has proved to be a much bigger challenge to the Suns than expected. It will all come down to Game 7 in Phoenix. It is clear Luka Doncic is the most important player for the Mavericks. He is leading the NBA in scoring this postseason at 31.1 points per game. Doncic has also added 10.1 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game. The Slovenian is at the heart of everything the Mavs do offensively and he has delivered thus far.
However, there is a surprising X-factor who has established himself in these playoffs.
Mavs' X-Factor in Game 7 vs Suns
The Mavs will need to continue to rely on the quiet production of Frank Ntilikina if they hope for success in Game 7.
The changes that the Mavs have made in the series have been the most notable on the defensive side of the ball. The Mavericks have held the Suns under 40% shooting from the field twice in the series. Prior to that, Phoenix had hit above 50 percent in every game this postseason.
Dallas also forced 22 turnovers in Game 6 which is the most the Suns have coughed up all season. This improved defensive effort has interrupted the Suns' flow on offense and completely changed the tides of the series.
It has been a complete team effort on this side of the ball. But one guy who has especially stood out has been Frank Ntilikina. After not playing a single minute in the Utah series, Ntilikina has been able to come off the bench and play a major role. The 23-year-old stands 6'4” but has a freakishly long 7'1” wingspan. He makes use of this to interrupt passing lanes and avoid his man from getting away.
The former 8th overall pick saw his biggest uptick in minutes in Game 6. Ntilikina played just over 21 minutes. While he did not register a point, the Belgian standout raked in four steals and a block as well as two assists and a rebound. His impressive wingspan and footwork make him able to switch onto any opponent and remain effective.
If the Mavs are to win Game 7, the work must be done on the defensive side of the ball. Keeping the Suns' offense in check is crucial. Giving Ntilikina an extended run could be crucial to this. His impact is certainly higher on the defensive end, but the guard has enough offensive ability to remain on the court.
Ntilikina is a career 33.1% three-point shooter and is a capable passer. He may not be living up to the early expectations of his career but reinventing himself as a defensive specialist could still produce an effective career.
In the short term, the Mavs must rely on Ntilikina to continue making an impact for them. It is not easy to go from out of the rotation to become a crucial part of the game plan but this is exactly what must occur.