3 takeaways from Dallas Mavericks Game 4 playoff loss to Jazz in Utah

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks Game 4 playoff loss to Jazz: 3. Bench

Luka Doncic returning to the lineup should have improved their bench production, but the Mavs got virtually nothing from that group on Saturday afternoon. Foul trouble and poor shooting hurt Dallas all night, but especially in the second unit.

Maxi Kleber was part of the closing lineup in each of the first three games, and his defense and 3-point shooting have been keys to the team’s success, but he was a non-factor in Game 4. The 6’10 forward played just 18 minutes because of foul trouble and could never get on track. He fouled out with 4:20 remaining, and it hurt the Mavericks' spacing down the stretch as he finished with just three points on one of four shooting from the field.

Spencer Dinwiddie had a rough game, and he was limited to just 24 minutes. The 6’5 guard made two of his nine field goals, including one of five from 3-point range in just a five-point performance. The Mavericks need that third ball-handler to keep the offense rolling when Luka or Jalen Brunson needs a rest, but Dinwiddie struggled in Game 4 as Dallas was outscored by 14 points when he was on the floor.

The Utah Jazz won the bench scoring 35 to 13 on April 23 as they walked away with a narrow victory over the Mavericks to even the series. Dallas needs more from Dinwiddie and Kleber moving forward if they want to advance to the second round of the playoffs.