How the Suns defend Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic is the key to Game 5

How should the Suns try to defend Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic

Phoenix could hope the Mavs shooting does not travel, but that seems dangerous. Dallas proved that strategy favors them, and they have all the momentum as the series shifts back to Arizona. Do the Suns want to gamble that the Mavericks miss open looks in a pivotal game with their season virtually on the line?

Monty Williams has to switch it up, and the obvious answer is letting Luka Doncic cook, and trying to stop everybody else. Mavs head coach Jason Kidd confirmed that strategy could work when he talked about others producing more after the first two games in this series. Dallas cannot win with just Luka at the party.

The Suns are one of the best defensive teams in the league. They have size, length, and plenty of skill. Phoenix is the more talented team in this series, but the Mavericks have the best player. It forces the Suns to play differently, and they should let Doncic go off to try to slow down the rest of the Mavs. Force Luka to score 40-plus to win the game at the Footprint Center.

The strategy means staying home on 3-point shooters, especially in the corners. The Suns want to limit Doncic’s passing outlets when he drives into the paint as they try to force Jalen Brunson and Spencer Dinwiddie to create shots. Make Luka score inside repeatedly. In the past, he has worn down late in these games, and fans know the Suns are the best clutch team in the NBA.

No strategy is full proof, and the Dallas Mavericks have proven they are capable of winning this series. Here is a look at how Dallas wins if the Suns decide to let him go one-on-one on Tuesday night.