Dallas Mavericks: 3 players not named Luka Doncic that will dictate playoff success

Dallas Mavericks not named Luka Doncic that will dictate playoff success: 3. Brunson

The Mavs lack of playmaking ability behind Luka was on full display in the playoffs as the offense ground to a halt when the 22-year-old needed a rest. The 55 non-Luka minutes produced an 83.0 offensive rating and saw the Clippers outscore Dallas by 43 points. The Mavericks held a seven-point edge in the 281 minutes with Doncic running the show.

They have not done anything to address the issue to this point. The Goran Dragic rumors continue to come out, but no move has been made. If the Mavs stand pat, they have to believe Jalen Brunson is going to take a significant step forward in his second playoff experience.

JB had a breakout third NBA season that propelled him finish fourth in the Sixth Man of the Year voting. Still, Brunson averaged just 3.5 assists in 25.0 minutes per game during the regular season. He needs to take a step forward in commanding the offense and making plays for others for the Mavs to make a deep playoff run.

If Dallas just plays even basketball when Luka Doncic rests in the playoffs, they are going to go on a deep run. Jalen Brunson is the key to keeping their offense rolling, and he needs to prove he can make it happen in the postseason.