5 keys to Dallas Mavericks defeating Utah Jazz in 2022 NBA Playoffs

Dallas Mavericks key to defeating Utah Jazz in playoffs: 3. 3-point shooting

The Jazz were second in the league in 3-pointers attempted with 40.3 per game during the regular season, and the Mavericks finished eight by trying 37.4. Utah finished 11th in 3-point percentage with Dallas coming in 19th. Both teams love to shoot threes, but neither was stellar at knocking down their attempts.

Utah won just 17 of their 40 clutch games this season as defined by NBA Stats as their offense has a tendency to bog down in close contests. The Jazz rely on Donovan Mitchell to create everything, and things stagnate when he cannot find an open look.

The Dallas Mavericks will likely increase their 3-point attempts without Luka Doncic and their shot quality will decrease. The 6’7 superstar is one of the best creators in the league, and Dallas will miss his ability to draw a crowd and kick to an open shooter.

The series could be defined by 3-point shooting. If Dallas can run the Jazz off the 3-point line and force them out of their game plan, the Mavericks will be in a prime position to advance even without Luka Doncic.

Dallas needs to knock down their jumpers, especially when they are left wide open. The LA Clippers knocked out the Jazz in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs by going small and spreading the floor. The Mavericks will do the same, but the strategy only works when open jumpers are converted into points.