Mavericks veteran magically turns into reliable option in playoffs

The Dallas Mavericks are one win away from advancing to the next round of the playoffs. The team pulled off a 30-point win against the LA Clippers on Wednesday. Luka Doncic poured in a double-double with 35 points and 10 rebounds.

Other players such as Kyrie Irving and Derrick Jones Jr. also stepped up. Irving did well defensively, as he had two steals. The Mavs star averages 1.8 steals per game in the playoffs.

Jones Jr. has stepped up on both ends of the court. He is averaging 9.4 points per game and 1.6 blocks in the series. He performed well in Game 5 as he had 12 points and three blocks.

Maxi Kleber magically turns into reliable option in playoffs

Another player who stepped on Wednesday was Maxi Kleber. The 6-foot-10 forward did his part in helping the Mavs pull ahead in the first half.

Kleber scored 15 points in 19 minutes, knocking down 71.4 percent of his attempted 3-pointers. The German forward also contributed with 12 points in the first half, all being threes.

He spoke about his performance on Wednesday. Kleber attributed part of his success to the gap between games.

"I think a little break helped, I was able to just get into the gym, get reps up..... The good thing about the playoffs is you go game-to-game. Today, I made my shots and I know I'm going to get those shots, so I just have to keep shooting."

- Maxi Kleber

Kleber's shooting performance can be well noted on the court. He is shooting 55.6 percent from the court this series, knocking down 60 percent of his 3-point attempts.

His performance is an upgrade from Game 1, when he went 0-3 from the 3-point line and 1-5 from the field.

He has also done a great job defensively guarding multiple positions and playing small with the Mavs. Coach Jason Kidd has been utilizing him as a stretch forward who can shoot the ball.

Many fans questioned Kleber's usage in Game 4. They felt the Mavs were better equipped with a big like Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II closing out the game. They reasoned that the team allowed the Clippers to score 46 points inside the paint, and shot 53.6 percent from the field.

All-Star James Harden also had his way inside. He attacked the paint constantly, converting floaters down low in the fourth quarter with no resistance.

If Kleber can continue converting his shots from long range, it's possible the Mavs could deep in the playoffs. Kleber consistently takes his play to the next level in the playoffs, and his end-of-season shooting slump is long gone.

His ability to get going in the postseason regardless of how ineffective as a shooter he was during the regular season is outstanding, and the Mavs need him to keep cconverting his open looks.

Stay tuned for all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks and the impressive shot selection from Maxi Kleber.