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Mavs Look To Close Playoff Gap in Denver

By Shawn
Dec 29, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Salah Mejri (50) dunks in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mavericks won 101-89. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Salah Mejri (50) dunks in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mavericks won 101-89. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Contain Nikola Jokic 

The last two meetings between these teams showcased Jokic at his finest. He scored 27 points in both matchups, exploiting the Mavs lack of inside depth and athleticism inside. His passing, his shooting, and his overall offensive effectiveness need to be limited tonight.

Unfortunately, Dirk and his cement shoes will have trouble stopping him from driving, which will force extra rotations and give other Nuggets a chance to slide to the rim and receive a pass from Jokic. I don’t expect Dirk to play huge minutes in Denver, as their arena is more physically taxing than most, so Salah and Powell will need to step up in a big way defensively to slow him down.

Next: Keep the Pace

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