Should the Dallas Mavericks start Christian Wood after 2 stellar games?

Christian Wood is exploiting the advantages of coming off the bench for the Dallas Mavericks

The biggest advantage to coming off the bench is facing opposing second units for significant stretches. Wood currently subs in at the midway point of the opening quarter just as the starters are getting a little tired and other bench players are starting to be cycled into the contest.

The 6’10 forward is fresh and ready to feast. He normally plays about 12 straight minutes before needing a breather at the midway point in the second quarter. Whether he gets back on the floor depends on the game, and what the Mavs need. Coach Kidd rinses and repeats that rotation pattern in the second half.

Bringing Wood off the bench allows Dallas to have two of their three best scorers and playmakers on the floor at all times. Spencer Dinwiddie replaced Jalen Brunson in the starting five, and C-Wood has taken over Dinwiddie’s role as the top scorer and shot creator off the bench. Dallas has more depth with Tim Hardaway Jr. healthy, but they want to stagger their top scoring options to give each the best opportunity to get buckets.

Luka has started fast in each of the first two games, including having the first 20-point quarter of the season in the blowout win over Memphis. It does not maximize Wood’s playing time to have him watching number 77 go off. When C-Wood gets into the game, he quickly becomes a focal point of the offense and he takes things to another level.

Should the Mavs have Christian Wood in their closing lineup?