What to expect from Luka Doncic in Dallas Mavericks playoff series vs. Jazz

What to expect from Luka Doncic in Dallas Mavericks vs. Jazz: 3. Hunting mismatches

Doncic is a master at defeating drop coverage. As the big man sinks into the paint, he begins to pull the tricks out of his bag. Drop too far and he takes an easy mid-range pull-up or wide-open 3-pointer. Try to cut off the mid-range and he blows by the big man and gets to the rim. Luka is a master at making the defense pay for playing drop, and that is Utah’s preferred coverage when Rudy Gobert is on the floor.

Doncic will force the Jazz to switch or hedge on pick and rolls early in the game, and then he will truly go to work. Fans know the 6’7 guard is one of the best players in the league at hunting mismatches, and the Jazz will offer plenty of opportunities to feast.

Expect Luka to attack Mike Conley, Jordan Clarkson, Donovan Mitchell, and even Rudy Gobert if the Jazz are willing to switch. Utah’s three guards do not have the size to stop Doncic from getting into the paint, and pulling Gobert away from the basket will open up the rim for others to score.

The Jazz have struggled to defend the Mavericks in this series, and things will only get better for Dallas with Luka Doncic back in the lineup.