Mavericks: The importance of Dwight Powell in the playoffs becomes clear

Mavericks pick and roll with Luka Doncic and Dwight Powell is unstoppable

Powell gives Dallas an unstoppable pick and roll combination. Only Trae Young runs more pick and roll possessions per game than Luka Doncic this season. The Mavs are the most efficient team in the league scoring 0.98 points per possession off that play type, per NBA Stats. Luka scores 0.99 without counting his countless assists.

Powell nets 1.32 points per possession as the roll man, which ranks in the top 17 percent in the league. Last season, it was 1.35. Remember, DP was a bit slow out of the blocks coming back from his injury. He looks healthy now and ready to return to being an elite roll man. Coach Carlisle had this to say about it after the Mavericks win over the Lakers on April 24.

"“Dwight is one of the best rollers I’ve ever seen in this league. He has great timing, a great feel, great hands. He’s not super tall, but he really gets up.”"

Powell and Luka have a connection too. The duo often produces alley-oops. DP has a way of being in the right place at the right time for Doncic to dish him a beauty.

Expect the Dallas Mavericks to use that strength down the stretch and when the playoffs roll around. Dwight Powell helps them win. Fans have been frustrated with the veteran’s play in the past, but what he does for the team does not always show up in the stat sheet.

The Mavs are a dangerous team that got a little more lethal with a healthy Dwight Powell being ready to pick defenses apart. Expect it to pay dividends going forward.