Dallas Mavericks: 5 things the team needs to make the Western Conference Finals

Dallas Mavericks: 5 things the team needs to make the Western Conference Finals

The Dallas Mavericks have won two straight games inside the bubble including an overtime victory over the league-leading Milwaukee Bucks. Dallas only has a glimmer of hope of moving out of the seventh seed. That means the most likely scenario is a first round playoff matchup against the LA Clippers.

The Mavs have not been to the Western Conference Finals since they won the title in 2011. That was the franchise’s lone championship in their 40-year history.

The Mavericks may not be ready for another title yet, but can they make it to the Western Conference Finals? The Mavs might not be expected to last seven games in the first round, but they are going to get a chance.

Can Dallas Mavericks get past the first round?

If the Mavericks face the Clippers, they’ll have to defend Kawhi Leonard and Paul George plus dealing with their physical defense. The Mavs have trusted Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, and Tim Hardaway Jr. with many tough defensive assignments this season. There is no stopping the Clippers two stars, but do the Mavs have enough to slow them down?

Rick Carlisle has also spoken about the physical play style of the Clippers. Luka Doncic will adapt and be able to create his offense. The assumption is that KP will as well, but do they have enough playmakers outside of Luka to make it work?

As a seventh-seed, the Mavericks road to a deep playoff run would not be easy. They will need to defeat multiple tough teams. Regardless of expectations, here are five things that need to happen for the Dallas Mavericks to make it to the Western Conference Finals.