Dallas Mavericks: What to expect from Dorian Finney-Smith when he returns

The Dallas Mavericks were just starting to find their footing on Jan. 7. They topped the Nuggets for their first winning streak of the season. Luka Doncic was rebounding from a slow start. Dorian Finney-Smith found his 3-point stroke. The Mavs were integrating Josh Richardson, James Johnson, and the rookies, while Kristaps Porzingis was nearing a return from offseason knee surgery. In a moment, the script filled.

The Mavs were forced to leave Finney-Smith, Richardson, and Jalen Brunson in Denver because of the league’s health and safety protocols. Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell joined them on the sidelines just days later. The Mavericks have played nine straight games with multiple rotation players out of the lineup.

There appears to be light at the end of the tunnel, though. Finney-Smith, Richardson, and Powell sat on the bench in Monday’s game against the Nuggets and all were upgraded to questionable to face the Jazz on Wednesday. Fans knew JRich was close to returning, but getting the other two back with him will be a massive boost. What should fans expect from Doe-Doe?

What to expect from Dallas Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith

Since Jan. 7, the Mavs have ranked 21st in defensive rating, and they have allowed at least 112 points in seven straight games. Their defense has been a massive issue but will improve with the returns of Richardson and Finney-Smith. They are their two best perimeter defenders.

Fans should not expect too much too soon. DFS missed two weeks of action and his conditioning could be limited. Expect coach Rick Carlisle to ease him in slowly. Finney-Smith will be guarding one of the opposition’s best scorers every night. The Mavericks need his defense and shot-making. Expect Finney-Smith to be in the running for the belt too.

Doe-Doe needs to prove that his 37.6 percent 3-point shooting from last season was no fluke. He is a career 33.0 percent from downtown. The Mavs need him spacing the floor and knocking down open looks. The offense has stagnated at times during his absence because Wesley Iwundu and Josh Green have not been able to knock down jumpers.

Fans know what to expect from Dorian Finney-Smith. He will be back playing at that level after a few games to ramp up. Hopefully, he can return on Jan. 27 against the Jazz and help the Dallas Mavericks get back on track. Stay tuned.