Dallas Mavericks: Dwight Powell is an underrated contributor

Dallas Mavericks big man Dwight Powell has picked up his play since Dec. 1. Here is a look at that sample, and why Powell should only improve down the stretch.

The Dallas Mavericks have dealt with a plethora of injuries during the recent stretch. Luka Doncic missed four games with a sprained ankle. Tim Hardaway Jr. strained his hamstring and was sidelined for three contests. Kristaps Porzingis has sat out seven straight with a knee injury. That does not count the injury to Ryan Broekhoff either.

Having some of their top scoring options out has forced the Mavs to switch things up a bit. Others have to take on more offensive responsibility.

Dwight Powell has taken full advantage. He made a bit of a change in his game, and it unlocked his production. Powell is shooting fewer threes this season. He takes just one per game. It has boosted his field goal percentage to 62.1 Here is a look at his play and what to expect moving forward.

Uptick since Dec. 1

Over the Mavericks’ last 21 games, Powell has played outstanding basketball. He is averaging 10.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 28.0 minutes per game. It is important to remember that he missed virtually all of training camp and the first three games of the regular season with a hamstring injury. It took Powell about a month to get back to 100 percent healthy.

The Mavs big man remains one of the best roll men in the NBA. He is scoring 1.29 points per possession in those situations which ranks in the top 20 in the league according to NBA Stats.

Powell has made a bit of a change, though. He is cutting out the 3-pointers for more attempts in close this season. The threes are down from 1.6 to 1.0 per game on the year. In five of the last ten games, Powell has not even attempted one.

It is a case of Coach Carlisle maximizing the talent of his player. Powell shots 29.2 percent from 3-point range for his career. He is one of the best rim rollers and finishers in the NBA, though. Carlisle is given him more opportunities at the latter and less at the former.

Defense

Dwight Powell is playing better on this end of the floor too. The steals and blocks speak for themselves, but he continues to grab more boards. The Mavs have needed that with KP sidelined. Powell stepping up has been a massive boost.

The 28-year-old is often underrated on this end of the floor. Yes, he struggles defending All-Star talents on the block (nearly every player does), but his energy and hustle impact the game. Powell ranks 44th in defensive box score plus/minus and 103rd in defensive win shares according to Basketball-Reference.

Dwight Powell is an important contributor to the Dallas Mavericks. His numbers should only improve down the stretch. Teams will continue doubling Luka Doncic and blitzing his pick and rolls. That should leave plenty of space for Powell to feast on the inside. Expect him to play an important role both now and in the postseason for the Mavs.