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

How can Dallas Mavericks make the Western Conference Finals? 2. Win clutch games

The overtime win against the Bucks on Aug. 8 was impressive. It also helped relieve the pressure on the Mavs after already blowing two close games in the bubble. Before the contest on Saturday night, the Mavericks were 2-10 this season in games decided by one possession. In a tough playoff series, a clutch loss is a difference between moving on and going home.

The Mavs have experimented with different rotations in almost every game. Hopefully, coach Carlisle finds the one that keeps Luka and KP fresh for the end of games. Doncic has the fourth-highest usage rating in the league at 35.5 percent. Keeping Luka energized to drive to the basket and create will be key for the Mavericks.

Some of the losses are attributed to youth. The Mavs can learn from those experiences. In order to take the next step, that can no longer be the excuse. Coach Carlisle has inserted J.J. Barea to calm things down numerous times this season. He could be too much of a defensive liability to do it against the Clippers, though.

Also, the Mavericks are 16-23 in clutch games according to NBA Stats. That is 18th best in the league. Their potential first opponent sits ninth at 18-13. If the Mavs want to advance, they cannot give away clutch games.