5 adjustments Dallas Mavericks must make in playoff Game 3 vs. Suns

Adjustment Dallas Mavericks must make in Game 3 vs. Suns: 5. No fouls

The Mavs were taken out of the game by foul trouble on Wednesday night. Dorian Finney-Smith had not sat for more than eight minutes and 13 seconds in any of the team’s first seven playoff games before being limited to just 20 minutes on the floor in Game 2 because of foul issues.

Jalen Brunson went to the bench early in the first and second quarters because of foul trouble as the Mavericks committed 26 personals in the contest. It was the second straight game that JB dealt with foul problems, and it has taken him out of his rhythm each time.

The Dallas Mavericks have to defend without fouling and be aware of what they are doing on the offensive end in Game 3. They cannot afford to get in foul trouble on Friday night, even if that means dialing back the aggression. Dallas needs Brunson and Finney-Smith on the floor more than they need a contest that leads to a foul early in the game.

Jalen Brunson needs to dial back his aggression on Friday night. The Mavs should put him on Mikal Bridges and try to avoid switches early in Game 3. Do not be surprised to see head coach Jason Kidd pull out some tricks on the defensive end, but he will need his best personnel on the floor for Dallas to have a chance to defeat the best team in the league.