P.J. Washington Steps Up, but Dallas Needs More Than Doncic and Irving
P.J. Washington made two pivotal 3-pointers and scored a total of eight points as the Mavericks executed a 22-2 run. However, Dallas's need for additional scoring beyond Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving has become glaringly apparent.
Throughout the series, the Celtics have exhibited an impressive array of leading scorers, consistently spreading the offensive load among multiple players.
Dallas's Struggles with Boston's Strategy
Dallas has found it difficult to counter Boston's strategic maneuvering, specifically their decision to avoid doubling Doncic. The Celtics have employed single coverage on both Doncic and Irving, successfully limiting the impact of Dallas's role players.
Typically, Dallas's role players thrive on the opportunities created by their superstar ball-handlers. However, in this series, they have noticeably faltered.
Boston’s Depth vs. Dallas’s Reliance on Stars
Boston's bench has outperformed Dallas’s, underscoring a significant depth advantage for the Celtics. Contrastingly, Dallas leans heavily on their star players, and this over-reliance has exposed vulnerabilities within the Mavericks' lineup.
The Celtics have crafted a balanced team approach, highlighted by role players who remain within their strengths. In contrast, Dallas’s supporting cast has struggled, notably when their superstars have been neutralized.
Tim Hardaway Jr.'s decline and Jaden Hardy's inexperience have deepened Dallas's offensive woes. The Mavericks' system fails to support a consistent scoring rhythm for their role players, exacerbating their difficulties.
Quotes Illustrating the Series Dynamics
“Washington's 3-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 3-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
Although the Celtics may lack a top-five player like Doncic, they feature at least five—and perhaps six—players who could credibly be considered among the top 50 in the league. Players such as Sam Hauser have made noteworthy contributions. Hauser, for instance, has made more 3-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’re capable of.”
Dallas's Shortcomings
Conversely, the Mavericks are on the brink of losing the series because their supporting cast of specialists can be easily neutralized. The need for a reliable third shot-creator for Dallas is apparent, but the current roster does not seem capable of fulfilling this need.
In summary, Boston's depth and balanced approach have allowed them to flourish, whereas Dallas's heavy reliance on their superstars has rendered them vulnerable when those stars are neutralized. This series underscores the value of a well-rounded team versus one dependent on a few superstars, with the former proving more effective.