Dallas Mavericks: Can they stop Ivica Zubac in the playoffs?

Dallas Mavericks must keep an eye on Ivica Zubac

Zubac is a smart and energetic player. He plays his role and capitalizes on the opposition’s mistakes. The 24-year-old has taken the Mavericks to cleaners when they have focused too much attention on Kawhi Leonard. See an example below.

Zubac makes a smart cut and finishes it off with an easy dunk. Teams have to make tough decisions against the Clippers. LA shot a league-leading 41.1 percent from 3-point range this season. Doubling on Kawhi could lead to an open 3-pointer, which the Clippers convert at an elite rate. Leaving the basket open for Zubac to score could be the best of many bad options.

The seven-footer shot 17 of 21 from the field against the Mavericks in the three meetings this season. He feasts at the rim, but mostly off misses and smart cuts. When the Clippers use Zubac in the pick and roll, Dallas has to attempt to keep him from rolling all the way to the rim.

The Dallas Mavericks need to be aware of where Ivica Zubac is at all times. He is looking to punish them on the glass and at the rim. The Mavs must box out and keep away from the basket.

Next: How can Mavs stop Zubac?