Mavericks rookie's breakout exposes a deepening shooting crisis they can't ignore

Dallas Mavericks rookie sharpshooter John Poulakidas' 23-point performance against the Phoenix Suns exposed exactly why the team must add more shooting in the offseason, as his 3-point shooting alone nearly won them the game. Dallas only lost by five despite blatantly tanking this game at the end of the fourth quarter, and the aftershock of Poulakidas' performance underscores a deeper problem within the Mavericks' identity.

Dallas has to add more shooting if they expect to win

When they traded Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, they vowed that size, rebounding, and defense would be their identity. They expected to dominate teams inside while being one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, but sacrificed far too much 3-point shooting and offense to build the frontcourt-loaded team that Nico Harrison envisioned.

Three of Dallas' top players all played center (Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford), and none of them could effectively knock down threes. This was a costly proposition, and the Mavericks' bet on "defense wins championships" has been one of their worst decisions all season.

They're currently the second-worst team in the NBA in 3-pointers made per game at 10.8, and third-worst in 3-point percentage at 34.1. Not adding more shooting around Cooper Flagg this summer would be a recipe for disaster, and Poulakidas proved how just one shooter can change everything about a game.

Why perimeter shooting is as crucial as ever

In 29 minutes against the Suns, the 3-point marksman shot 8-12 from the field, 5-8 from long range, and 2-2 from the free throw line. All eight of his made field goals were jumpers, and his ability to hit contested shots, move off the ball, and score off the dribble provided the Mavericks' offense with a release valve that they desperately needed.

Flagg couldn't get anything going offensively, as he shot 4-18 from the field and 0-4 from downtown, and players like Poulakidas and Max Christie had to step up to give Dallas a chance of winning. They made a combined nine 3-pointers, while all other Mavericks players only drained four total threes.

Shooting is one of the only things that can turn the tide of a game in an instant. Players like Poulakidas or Klay Thompson can drain three unanswered 3-pointers in a row, and a five-point Mavericks lead can quickly swing to a 14-point lead.

Teams that can't shoot threes get run off the floor in the playoffs, and Poulakidas' performance alone proved that they must be serious about adding more shooters to their roster.

Nico Harrison's vision needs to be burned ASAP

Poulakidas, Thompson, and Christie are the only three players on the roster who average at least 1.5 made 3-pointers per game, and this is a major issue. They have to better balance their roster by giving up some of their size and strength down low and on the wing to add more shot-making, and their first chance at doing this will be through the 2026 NBA Draft.

Dallas has to completely throw away that Harrison created for them just over a year ago, and ensuring their shooting is a positive needs to be step one to this plan.