Dallas Mavericks: Is Dallas too reliant on 3-point shooting?

Can the Dallas Mavericks win on a poor shooting night in the playoffs?

The Mavs are undefeated this season when they have the better 3-point percentage, but can they win in the playoffs if they do not shoot well? The answer so far this season has been no. They topped the Memphis Grizzlies shooting 32.5 percent from 3-point range, but it took a heroic shot from Luka Doncic to make it happen. They have not beaten another Western Conference playoff team shooting under 34 percent.

The team’s lack of shot creation is partially to blame. Luka is the only player that can consistently attack the rim off the dribble. The rest of the team is reliant on their jumpers or the ability to get open without the ball in their hands. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jalen Brunson can create, but struggle to get to the rim. The Mavericks will need to hit jumpers to win in the playoffs.

Teams will shift more attention to Luka. Expect some exotic defenses to try to stop the 22-year-old superstar when the games matter most. That should leave plenty of open shots for his teammates. Their ability to convert will determine how far Dallas goes in the postseason.

The Dallas Mavericks are going to keep shooting 3-pointers. Their connect percentage is one of the keys to winning when it matters most. Stay tuned to see how it all shakes out in what should be an exciting and wide-open 2021 postseason.