5 adjustments Dallas Mavericks need to make in playoff Game 2 vs. Suns

The Dallas Mavericks were dominated by the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series. Dallas never led, and the contest never felt in doubt, despite a fourth-quarter run by the Mavs to make a 121-114 final. Superstar Luka Doncic had a 45-point double-double, but not much else went right for Dallas in Game 1.

The Suns are the reigning Western Conference champions, and they had the best regular-season record in the league with 64 victories. This series is going to be no easy task for Dallas, but it is far from over. The Mavericks lost the series opener to the Utah Jazz before winning four of the next five. Yes, Phoenix is a better team than Utah, but losing one game does not end a playoff series.

The Mavs need to bounce back in Game 2 or things could get out of hand quickly. They must make adjustments or the Suns will win another blowout on Wednesday night, and here are five for head coach Jason Kidd and the Mavericks to make in Game 2.

5 adjustments Dallas Mavericks need to make in playoff Game 2 versus Suns

Deandre Ayton was the Suns leading scorer in Game 1 with 25 points, and the Mavericks have no answer for him inside. Going deeper into their bench to play Marquese Chriss or Boban Marjanovic will not help. The Mavs need to accept that Ayton is going to get some easy points, and just play their game.

Phoenix is also going to win the rebounding battle, but Dallas cannot allow the Suns to grab 13 offensive rebounds again. The Mavericks need to make a team effort to attack the glass in Game 2 as they look to even out the offensive rebound battle.

Here are five key adjustments the Dallas Mavericks must make if they want to have a chance to win in Phoenix on May 4.