Summary
In a gripping series between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics, P.J. Washington provided a spark for the Mavericks, making two three-pointers and scoring eight points during a significant 22-2 run. However, Dallas found themselves in dire need of scoring beyond their superstar duo, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Throughout the series, the Celtics have showcased a balanced offensive attack with multiple leading scorers, highlighting a stark contrast to the Mavericks' strategy.
Dallas's Struggles with Boston's Strategy
Dallas has struggled against Boston's defensive strategy, which places single coverage on both Doncic and Irving. This approach has effectively neutralized the effectiveness of Dallas's role players. While Dallas usually relies on the opportunities created by their superstar ball-handlers, this series has seen their supporting cast falter dramatically.
Boston’s Depth vs. Dallas’s Reliance on Stars
The Celtics’ bench players have outperformed those of Dallas, and this depth has proven to be a significant advantage. Boston's balanced team approach contrasts sharply with Dallas's reliance on their star players.
Boston’s role players are not asked to do too much and can comfortably stay within their strengths. In contrast, Dallas' supporting cast struggles when their superstars are neutralized. The decline of Tim Hardaway Jr. and the inexperience of Jaden Hardy have further hampered Dallas's offensive rhythm. The team's system simply does not support a consistent scoring rhythm for their role players.
Quotes Illustrating the Series Dynamics
"Washington's three-pointer with 1:04 remaining in the third quarter was the first any non-Doncic 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 three-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 Doncic 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 boast a top-five player like Doncic, but they have at least five—and perhaps six—players who could credibly be considered among the top 50 in the league. Players like Sam Hauser have made significant contributions, with Hauser hitting more three-pointers in the series (five) than all of Dallas's reserves combined (four).
"They ask less of their supporting players, so they are able to thrive in roles that suit their strengths."
"The Celtics are here because they've successfully devised a roster and scheme in which nobody is asked to do more than they are capable of."
Dallas's Shortcomings
Conversely, the Mavericks are on the verge of losing the series because their supporting cast of specialists can be so easily neutralized. The need for a reliable third shot-creator for Dallas is evident, but the current roster does not seem up to the challenge.
In summary, Boston's depth and balanced approach have allowed them to flourish, while Dallas's heavy reliance on their superstars has left them vulnerable when those stars are neutralized.
It is a classic case of a well-rounded team versus a team dependent on a few superstars, with the former proving more effective in this series.