Dallas Mavericks: Examining defensive woes and how to fix them

Dallas Mavericks need Josh Richardson and Dorian Finney-Smith to step up

The Mavs traded Seth Curry for Richardson and a second-round pick on draft night. They gave up one of the best shooters in the NBA and a key component to last year’s historic offense to upgrade their perimeter defense. The Mavericks have put JRich on the opposition’s top playmaker, but the results have been mixed.

Devin Booker and Stephen Curry have both torched Dallas this season. Richardson was the primary defender as both guards went off. The Mavs have a defensive rating of 119.6 with the 6’5 wing on the floor this season and 112.7 when he is on the bench.

Dorian Finney-Smith is no stranger to guarding the opposition’s best scorer as he filled that role for the Mavericks last season. The 27-year-old remains a key piece to the team’s defense, but he is not getting it done this season. Dallas has a defensive rating of 118.8 with Doe-Doe on the floor versus 113.5 when he is on the bench.

Josh Richardson and Dorian Finney-Smith are the Dallas Mavericks’ two best perimeter defenders. Both missed nine games in the health and safety protocols, but now is the time to step up. Fans have seen flashes. JRich and Doe-Doe need to be more consistent.

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