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The Dallas Mavericks enter the postseason as one of the hottest teams in the NBA. Since New Year's Eve, the Phoenix Suns are the only team in the NBA that has won as many games as the Mavs. Dallas finished the season by going 36-12 and winning four straight games to end the year. They also have proven to be unafraid of any opponent as the Mavs have an NBA best record of five wins against teams who entered the game riding win streaks of five or more.
Dallas initially seemed primed for a deep playoff run but received a tough break to end the season. Luka Doncic was forced to exit the final game of the regular season with a calf strain and his status for the series is still unclear. The Mavs superstar is averaging 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists on the season so he will level some large shoes to fill if he is unable to suit up.
Mavs X-Factor In First Round Of 2022 NBA Playoffs
Regardless of if the three-time all-star is able to suit up, the Mavericks will be in search of production elsewhere if they hope to come out on top in the series. Luka Doncic is undeniably the star of the team, but the Mavs will need a strong performance from their X-factor- Spencer Dinwiddie.
The Mavericks made an excellent decision midseason when they traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans. Porzingis was expected to serve as an idea partner for Luka Doncic, but his injury issues and diffiuclt fit within the offense never allowed it to come to fruition.
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Similarly, Spencer Dinwiddie struggled to ever find his footing with the Wizards as he appeared to be the odd-man out within the organizations. Rumors began to leak out accusing Dinwiddie of being a bad teammate and it was clear he needed a change of scenery. It should be noted that non of these issues have followed him to Dallas and taht he has played a massive role in the Mavs turnaround this season. Lineups with Dinwidde, Doncic, and Jalen Brunson on the court have beeen especially difficult for opponents to guard. While he has played just 23 games, Dinwiddie is avergaing 15.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists during his time with the Mavs.
If Luka is unable to play, Dinwiddie is likley to slide into a much more dominant role as he has naturally done for most of his career. Even if Doncic does suit up, the play of the University of Colorado product will be incredibly valuable to the team. One of the aspects of Dinwiddie's game that has been incredibly beneficial to the Mavs offense is his abillity to attack off the dribble. Luka Doncic is an effective ball-handler who creates seperation with his smooth handle and impresive stepback. However, it is rare to see Doncic beat a player off the dribble and attack the basket in a way that can collapse opposing defenses.
Blowing past guys off the dribble and creating looks for others will be a major responsibility for Spencer Dinwiddie to provide this in the offense and it is key to the Mavs creating open three-point looks for themselves. The addition of the 6'5 guard has also allowed Head Coach Jason Kidd to be much more flexible in his rotations and even roll out some smaller lineups. Dinwiddie has been dynamic alongside Jalen Brunson and this backcourt is effective enough offensively to allow Doncic to get extended rest.
Regardless of if Luka Doncic is able to play, you can count on Spencer Dinwiddie playing a major role in the Mavs postseason. After the season went south for him in Washington, this is an excellent chance to rewrite his narrative and prove to be the effective player that he is. The 40.4% he has been shooting from beyond the three-point arc has been a welcomed addition to this team and the additional offensive firepower has served the team greatly.
The Dallas Mavericks have not won a playoff series since 2011 when they won the championship, and it will not be an easy task to beat the Utah Jazz. The Vegas odds have shifted in favor of the Jazz in a major way since the injury to Luka Doncic occured. Whether the Serbian guard suits up or not, expect for Spencer Dinwiddie to serve as the X-factor for the Mavs in this series.
