Dallas Mavericks: Kristaps Porzingis is the key to defeating the LA Clippers
By Tyler Watts
Why Kristaps Porzingis is key for Dallas Mavericks to top Clippers: 2. 3-point shooting
This has been the biggest issue for KP when the Mavs match up against the Clippers. 23 of his 49 field goal attempts are 3-pointers. Porzingis has connected on just seven of them. That is 30.4 percent. All but one has been classified as open or wide open by NBA Stats too.
It sheds light on a bigger issue in KP’s game this season. He is 58 of 193 on open 3-pointers per NBA Stats. That means when the defender is four to six feet away, the Unicorn struggles mightily. It is a bit odd. Porzingis hit 37.5 percent on those shots during his All-Star season.
The Clippers are going to give him open looks from 3-point range. They have done it in all three meetings this season. KP needs to hit those shots. LA doubled team Luka a bit in the bubble meeting leaving attempts like this for Porzingis.
https://videos.nba.com/nba/pbp/media/2020/08/06/0021901271/382/1c9ab82b-49b5-33c9-2dbe-e803b306581c_1280x720.mp4He needs to connect on those. Porzingis missed multiple ones in that last matchup.
The 25-year-old has also gone to a step back off the dribble a few times against the Clippers. That is not his shot, especially against a team that stands out on defense like LA. KP needs to pick his spots and make his open 3-pointers for the Dallas Mavericks to steal games.
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