Mavericks: 5 things that must happen to finish the upset of the Clippers

Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic Tim Hardaway Jr. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic Tim Hardaway Jr. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dallas Mavericks, Kristaps Porzingis
Dallas Mavericks Kristaps Porzingis Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Mavericks need to get Kristaps Porzingis more involved to win Game 6

Porzingis has struggled in his second career playoff series. He finished with eight points and six rebounds in just under 30 minutes in Game 5. Dallas needs more from their second-best and highest-paid player if they are going to close out the series.

The Unicorn had a positive plus/minus in the Mavericks’ three wins and a negative one in their two losses so far in the series. When Dallas outscores the opposition during his play, they win. It often means they held their own in the minutes with Luka on the bench, which is a massive key for the Mavericks.

They need KP to active and engaged on both ends of the floor in Game 6. He held his own guarding on the perimeter and hit a clutch triple on Wednesday night to help Dallas win in Los Angeles. The Mavericks need 15 points and engaged defense from the Unicorn on Friday night. Porzingis will have to make a few key players for Dallas to win.

It will be interesting to see if coach Rick Carlisle tries to get Kristaps Porzingis going early in Game 6. That is a common theme after a game where he struggles. Hopefully, KP nails a few early shots and helps the Dallas Mavericks win on June 4.

Next: No. 1