Mavericks: Dorian Finney-Smith wins Defensive Belt in return vs. Blazers

The Dallas Mavericks missed Dorian Finney-Smith in Friday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Both Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum went off for 30-plus as they dominated the fourth quarter to sink the Mavs.

Dallas got revenge on Sunday night as they dominated the Blazers in Portland. Luka Doncic’s 3-point shooting stole the show, but the Mavericks had an impressive defensive performance against Portland’s high-powered offense. They held them to 92 points including just 15 in the third quarter to put the game on ice.

Finney-Smith led the way as he was tasked with defending Damian Lillard on Sunday night. His performance earned him the Defensive Player of the Game belt. Let us take a closer look and examine why Doe-Doe is a key piece for the Mavericks moving forward.

Dorian Finney-Smith wins Defensive Belt as Dallas Mavericks dominate Blazers

Finney-Smith did an outstanding job against Lillard. The Blazers superstar finished with 19 points and four assists. Dame was just seven of 16 from the field and missed all seven of his 3-point attempts. The Mavericks outscored Portland by 29 points during Lillard’s 30 minutes on the floor on Sunday night.

Credit to Doe-Doe for making it difficult on Dame. Holding him to 19 points is no easy feat. It made Finney-Smith the deserving recipient of the Defensive Player of the Game belt on March 21. See him celebrating with it below.

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1373857323278536709

The Dallas Mavericks need Dorian Finney-Smith playing his best defense in the playoffs. The 6’7 forward is the team’s top perimeter defender. Finney-Smith will be asked to guard an elite scorer in almost every series. If he can play as he did on Sunday night, the Mavs are a dangerous team.

Congratulations go out to Finney-Smith for winning the belt on March 21. It has been a massive week for the 27-year-old as he welcomed his third child into the world too. All the best to Mavs forward. Expect another key defensive performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Do not miss it.