5 Ways the Mavericks can turn the tide of NBA Finals against Celtics

1. Dallas' role players have to knock down open shots

As mentioned above, the Dallas Mavericks have to slow down the Boston Celtics' shooters, but they also have to start hitting some shots of their own. The Mavs have shot below 30 percent from downtown in both of the first two games in the NBA Finals, and that's unacceptable considering how they play.

Luka Doncic has knocked down eight threes over the first two games, but nobody else is stepping up. Kyrie Irving has shot 0-8 from downtown over the first two games, and P.J. Washington has shot 1-8. Both of those players have been players who the Mavs rely upon for threes, but they haven't been able to contribute in that way during the Finals.

Another player who has struggled from downtown is Derrick Jones Jr., as he has shot 1-5 from three in the first two games. He is getting some good looks just like the rest of his teammates, but they just aren't going down. Jones Jr. followed up his rough Game 1 with a more impactful Game 2, and playing at home could ignite some confidence into him and Washington as shooters.

Playing at home typically helps role players, and the Mavs need everyone to be at their best to avoid going down 0-3 in the series to the Celtics.

For all the latest on P.J. Washington, Derrick Jones Jr., and the Dallas Mavericks throughout the 2024 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, stay tuned as we'll have you covered with all the latest.