3 Keys as the Dallas Mavericks Head to Rip City to Take on the Trail Blazers

By Sam Casey

Feb 3, 2017

Mar 23, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots over Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) during the fourth quarter of at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Blazers won the game 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 4, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) grabs the ball in front of Portland Trail Blazers forward Mason Plumlee (24) during the game at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Be Active on the Defensive Glass

The Mavs are not a great rebounding team, currently ranked dead last in the NBA in both total rebounds and defensive rebounding. This is due in part to Dallas’ very slow pace, but nonetheless it is a weakness.

Portland touts a number of big men who can crash the offensive glass hard in Mason Plumlee, Meyers Leonard, and Ed Davis. Coupled with the numerous 3 point shooters on the Blazers, and this creates a deadly combo. With Dirk likely playing most of the game at center, the Mavs will need to have a balanced rebounding effort.

Next: Have a Balanced Scoring Effort