The Dallas Mavericks pulled off the upset over the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals. Dallas took care of business in Games 6 and 7 in dominant fashion. Luka Doncic led the charge, but Jalen Brunson and Spencer Dinwiddie did their part as well.
But every series needs an X-factor.
Prior to this series, I shared who I believed was going to be the Mavs X-factor against the Suns. My pick was Maxi Kleber. But I made it clear it was not about his offensive production. Rather, Dallas needed a stopper in the paint on defense. Someone who could deter players such as Devin Booker and Chris Paul from driving to the rim. Somebody who would have the ability to contain Deandre Ayton. Sure enough, Kleber tallied 3 clutch blocked shots in Game 7 against Phoenix.
So is he going to be the X-factor once again? Or will it be another unsung hero's time to step up in the Western Conference Finals against the Warriors?
Mavs X-Factor vs. Warriors
The Mavs defense will need to play well once again. But in all reality, the Suns offensive gameplan was lackluster. Dallas's defense deserves some credit, but the Suns should have scored more points than they did.
The Mavs are going to need to get the job done on offense against Golden State. They aren't going to be able to walk all over the Warriors. If Dallas hopes to win this series by shutting down Golden State's offense, they can already pack their bags for Cancun. The Mavericks are going to need to find ways to generate explosive offense.
And Golden State's defensive gameplan is going to revolve around containing Luka Doncic. They will be content if Doncic Labors at all.
That is why the Dallas Mavericks' X-Factor is Spencer Dinwiddie.
Sure, an argument could be made for Jalen Brunson as well. But Brunson emerged as a star this season. Teams are aware of his skill set. So it is hard to market him as an X-Factor.
Dinwiddie had one great game in the Suns series. His 30 points helped Luka and the Mavs earn the lopsided victory in Game 7. Dinwiddie has the talent to offer enormous productivity… but the consistency has lacked in the past.
If Spencer Dinwiddie can take the court and find offensive stability, the Mavs are going to be in a good position. No, he doesn't have to score 30 points per game. But if he can make a few three-pointers each game and help build momentum for the Mavs, that alone would be helpful. If Dinwiddie scores more than 20 points in any game that will be icing on the cake.
Will Spencer Dinwiddie be Enough to Help Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson?
Anything the Mavs do on defense will be extremely useful. But their success is going to stem from offensive output.
If Luka Doncic does his thing and averages over 25 points per game, Jalen Brunson plays his typical brand of basketball, and Spencer Dinwiddie is efficient from an offensive perspective, the Mavs are going to find themselves with a chance to upset the odds and win the series.
This trio is the key. Golden State doesn't feature star perimeter defenders. Steph Curry is not a specular defender by any means and Klay Thompson is not the defense stalwart he once was. Draymond Green is still sharp, but he tends to cover wings/forwards.
The Warriors will place their best defender on Luka Doncic and there are good odds they will implement a double-team as well. This should present plenty of open looks for Spencer Dinwiddie.
Spencer Dinwiddie has the ability to completely change the dynamic of the Western Conference Finals. But is he up for the challenge?
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