Who should surround Luka Doncic in the Mavericks closing lineup?

Defense

This unit is not the Dallas Mavericks’ best defensive lineup, but it gives them options against almost any team. Let me explain.

Kristaps Porzingis is the anchor in the middle. He alters shots on the inside and makes life difficult when scoring at the rim. Even when teams go small, KP holds his own. The Mavericks would prefer him in the paint, though.

The other four players can switch everything. Coach Carlisle is smart about his defense. Luka Doncic has a high basketball IQ but is not the best defender. The Mavericks do a fantastic job of hiding him on a secondary option and letting him use his smarts to play well on that end of the floor.

Dorian Finney-Smith will draw the top offensive option on most nights. Tim Hardaway Jr. checks the next best. Curry is an underrated defender in his own right. This defense allows Dallas to matchup on anyone. They can switch on the perimeter and funnel shots into the paint where Porzingis is waiting.

Expect Coach Carlisle and the Dallas Mavericks to continue using this as their crunch time lineup down the stretch and into the playoffs. It gives them a fantastic chance to make a deep run. Stay tuned for the wild ride.