Why Dallas Mavericks should be favored over Warriors in Western Conference Finals

Why Dallas Mavericks should be favored over Warriors: 2. Small ball edge

Golden State won three NBA championships by going small and shooting threes. Stephen Curry and the Warriors took shooting to another level, and they literally changed the game forever. All the credit to the Dubs, but the Mavericks have been better at their game so far this postseason.

Dallas is taking 40.3 3-pointers per game in the playoffs, which leads the league, and they are connecting on 38.5 percent. The Warriors are attempting 37.9 a night and have hit on just 37.6 percent. Can the Mavs out small ball Golden State?

Dallas has the edge because Draymond Green has become a reluctant shooter. He is arguably the best defender in the league, but the 6’6 forward attempts just 5.9 field goals per game and is shooting 23.5 percent from 3-point range in the playoffs. The Warriors are going to play him significant minutes, and it should allow Dallas to create their math edge.

The rebounding and turnovers could decide the series. Both teams are going to shoot a ton of 3-pointers and will make them at a high clip. If both decide to go small, who wins the battle on the boards? Luka Doncic is the best rebounder on the floor at that point and gives the edge to Dallas. Golden State has committed 15.8 turnovers per game this postseason compared to the Mavs' 10.3. All signs point to Dallas.