Dallas Mavericks: Switching the minutes for Luka Doncic could be game-changing

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic was playing all 12 minutes in the first and third quarters, but Coach Carlisle switched it up to improve his play late in games.

Dallas Mavericks supporters are witnessing an unbelievable season from Luka Doncic. The 20-year-old star is averaging 28.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 9.0 assists in 32.8 minutes per game. He produces a historic stat line on a nightly basis. Doncic is taking a superstar turn and giving the opposition nightmares.

The Mavs star has struggled in crunch time, though. This season Dallas has played 18 games classified as clutch by NBA Stats. That means in the last five minutes of a contest with the score within five points. Luka takes 2.6 field goal attempts per in those situations, but is hitting them at just 34.0 percent. The defense is selling out to stop him, but still he should be better.

Coach Rick Carlisle decided to change up the rotation in hopes of helping Doncic improve his play late in games. Let us look at the results.

Outstanding so far

The Dallas Mavericks have moved away from playing Luka all 12 minutes of the first and third quarters. The switch in substitution pattern has seen Doncic lead the way in closing out wins over the Kings and Blazers in the last two games.

Marc Stein reported this after the Mavericks last game.

In both games, Luka exited in the first quarter with approximately 1:30 remaining and returned with 5:30 left in the second. He followed a similar pattern in the second half except he returned with 7:00 remaining in the fourth.

Doncic has been significantly better late. He hit this 3-pointer to ice the win over the Blazers on Jan. 17.

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1218398655528480769

Will it continue?

Expect Coach Carlisle to stick with this new pattern. It makes sense. Playing 12 consecutive minutes with the offensive responsibility Doncic carries would take a toll on any player. Getting the shifts down from 12 and six to 10.5 and seven makes it easier for Luka to sustain his production in the final minutes.

The Dallas Mavericks need him to be better in clutch situations. This new substitution pattern could be the key to unlocking the player fans saw last season. Doncic rarely missed late in games. Expect the 20-year-old to return to that level from here on out.

Luka Doncic has led the team to four straight wins without Kristaps Porzingis. He continues to play at an unprecedented level. Expect him to only improve too. Coming through in the clutch will only make Doncic more feared. The rest of the NBA should be on notice.