Mavericks expanding role of Dorian Finney-Smith is leading to a breakout

Dorian Finney-Smith is making plays off the dribble for the Dallas Mavericks

In coach Carlisle’s system, Finney-Smith was a spot-up shooter that would occasionally attack a closeout to create a bucket. This season, he is averaging a career-high in points, assists, steals, and blocks per game. Doe-Doe has tied his career-high with 3.4 2-point field goal attempts per game.

Since Dec. 1, Finney-Smith has taken his game to another level. He is still nailing those 3-pointers, but the assists are up. Over those 27 contests, Doe-Doe is averaging 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.0 steal in 32.8 minutes per game. He is dishing off drives like this one in the team’s win over the Grizzlies on Jan. 23.

Finney-Smith is attacking closeouts with a new confidence too. The 6’7 wing does not hesitate when he sees the rim open. Watch him throw down a monster dunk against Memphis in their Jan. 14 victory.

Luka Doncic is one of the best ball-handlers in the league, so all the Mavericks need is a few options to relieve the pressure when teams sell out to stop him in the postseason. Dorian Finney-Smith is stepping up his ball-handling and taking his game to another level. It has been fantastic to watch, and he should only continue improving in his new role down the stretch. The added skill could be massive in the playoffs.

The Dallas Mavericks are playing their best basketball of the season as they attempt to continue climbing the standings. Fans won’t want to miss a second of the action, and please check back to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest news, rumors, and analysis on the team.