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

Dallas Mavericks not named Luka Doncic that will dictate playoff success: 1. KP

It is easy to forget that Kristaps Porzingis was second-team All-Bubble, and the Mavs were proving to be a difficult foe for the LA Clippers in the 2020 playoffs. KP had 23 points and seven rebounders in Dallas’ game two victory to even the series, and he followed it up with 34 and 13 in Game 3. Porzingis was just getting rolling and then, it was over.

A torn meniscus cost the Unicorn the remainder of the series and the start of the 2020-2021 regular season. KP struggled, especially on the defensive end last season with his lateral mobility. The blocked shots were not there and neither was the threat for Porzingis. The regular-season numbers were strong, but he played a minimal role in the 2021 playoffs as the Mavericks lost in the first round.

The Unicorn needs to reappear for Dallas to make a deep playoff run. New coach Jason Kidd needs to help KP get back to his All-Star form. When Porzingis is scoring 20 a night, spacing the floor, and protecting the rim, the Dallas Mavericks are difficult to defeat. They have to find ways to get him involved and making an impact in the playoffs if Dallas wants to go on a deep playoff run.

The Mavs need to support Luka Doncic in the postseason. Thriving in a role is all Dallas needs to break into the second round, so stay tuned to see if these three players can get it done in the playoffs.