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

How Dallas Mavericks forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist played against the Blazers

The Mavs were struggling on the defensive end against Portland. The Trail Blazers put up 98 points in the first three quarters. Damian Lillard had 39 entering the fourth. He was on fire all night. Carmelo Anthony was giving Dallas fits too. He had 20 points with 12 minutes remaining.

Coach Carlisle decided to start the fourth quarter with Kidd-Gilchrist on Melo. The Blazers immediately went to Anthony in the post. It was the same spot where he was dominating Dallas all night. Here is the result.

MKG held his ground and forced Melo into a difficult fadeaway shot. They went to Melo on the next possession too. Kidd-Gilchrist forced another miss. No other Maverick was making that happen.

The Mavericks started the quarter down three but grabbed a two-point lead with 9:23 remaining when Portland brought Damian Lillard back on the floor.

Nobody could stop the Blazers star all night. He finished with 61 points. Still, the game was tied when MKG went back to the bench with 4:59 left in the fourth. He played good defense on CJ McCollum, Carmelo Anthony, and Zach Collins during his seven minutes of action.

Let us take a look at what that could mean going forward.

Next: Role in playoffs?