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

Adjustment Dallas Mavericks need to make in Game 2 vs. Suns: 4. Pace and paint

During the regular season, the Mavericks played at the slowest pace in the NBA creating just 95.64 possessions per game. The Suns had the eighth-highest pace at 100.26. Both teams played slower in the first round, but Phoenix still averaged 3.5 more possessions per game than the Mavericks. The Suns want to play faster, and they got Dallas playing into their hand in Game 1.

The Mavs need to dictate the pace in Game 2 because the more they can slow things down and force the Suns into difficult looks, the easier it will be to pull the upset. Expect Dallas to limit their turnovers and defend full court in spots to attempt to slow the pace down on Wednesday night.

The Mavericks will also be focused on getting into the paint in Game 2. They are at their best when Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson, or Spencer Dinwiddie is attacking the defense and getting inside. Dallas can then spray to shooters or collect easy points at the rim. They had success when they got inside in Game 1, but it did not happen enough.

The Dallas Mavericks need to control the pace and get into the paint if they want to pull the upset in Game 2.