Dallas Mavericks: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist could play key role in the playoffs

Dallas Mavericks forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist could play a key role in the playoffs

The Dallas Mavericks signed Michael Kidd-Gilchrist back in February. He fell out of the Hornets rotation this season and agreed to a buyout. MKG has always been a plus defender, but he struggles on the offensive end. The 26-year-old never quite found his role in Dallas before the NBA suspended play in March because of the novel coronavirus.

Kidd-Gilchrist got a late start in the restart too. The Mavericks arrived in Orlando on July 8, but MKG did not get there until July 18. It caused him to be inactive for multiple games as he again worked his way back into shape. Kidd-Gilchrist did not play in his first game until Aug. 8. He earned less than four minutes in the win over the Milwaukee Bucks, though.

Over the last two games, Kidd-Gilchrist has shown how he could make a unique impact for Dallas moving forward.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist could play a key role for Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs

The 26-year-old forward played 18 minutes on Monday night against the Utah Jazz. The Mavs rested Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, and Dorian Finney-Smith on the first of a back-to-back. Kidd-Gilchrist’s defense was part of the Mavericks comeback win. They were down 17 when he came on the floor in the third quarter. The Mavs were up two when MKG exited with 5:29 left in the fourth.

Coach Carlisle decided to insert him again in the final quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers. Let us take a look at what happened, and how that could allow MKG to play a key role in the playoffs.

Next: MKG makes impact vs. Blazers