3 things the Dallas Mavericks can learn from ‘The Last Dance’

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Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. Luka needs to learn how to thrive in the clutch

Episode four delved into Phil Jackson replacing Doug Collins as Bulls’ head coach and the impact that had on Michael Jordan winning titles. Over the three seasons with Collins as the head man, he averaged 34.9 points per game, but the Bulls lost in the playoffs each season. Jackson came in and instituted the triangle offense. It allowed everyone to touch and share the ball.

MJ needed to learn to trust his teammates. He also had to realize when to take over and the time to pass to open teammates especially in clutch situations. John Paxson stepping up to win game five of the 1991 NBA Finals is a shining example. Paxson also hit the game-winner in game six of the 1993 finals. Trusting your teammates is key to winning it all.

Read. Examining Luka Doncic's fourth quarter struggles

Luka Doncic is struggling with that problem in his second season. His shooting efficiency drops significantly in the fourth quarter. The entire defense is keying on him. They are trying to force the ball out of Luka’s hands. The 21-year-old needs to learn when to score and the time to dish in the clutch.

That is never easy. It remains all about creating open looks. Luka Doncic does it routinely. He needs to start making those clutch shots and trusting his uncovered teammates to make them for the Dallas Mavericks to take that step into title contention. That will come with a little more experience and time in the NBA.

Next: No. 1

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