5 outside the box strategies Mavericks coach Jason Kidd could try in the playoffs

Strategy Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd could try in playoffs: 1. Put Luka at the five

Fans have seen coach Kidd and the Mavs experimenting with this look some during the regular season, and it will appear more in the playoffs. Putting Luka Doncic at center in their small ball look frees Dorian Finney-Smith to continue guarding on the perimeter. Dallas matches up better, and it allows Luka to use his size and strength as a deterrent in the paint.

Putting number 77 at the five on the defensive end makes the Mavericks nearly impossible to guard. Doncic will play any traditional big man off the floor and force the opposition into a small ball look. In that alignment, Luka is the best rebounder on the floor as he allows Dallas to hold their own in that facet of the game.

The Mavericks have Spencer Dinwiddie and Jalen Brunson to handle the ball and take the pressure off Doncic. He will look to post up smaller players and score easy buckets. When he’s playing the five, Luka will force big men onto the perimeter and use his deadly step back to score at will.

The Dallas Mavericks have more depth in 2022, and it will allow head coach Jason Kidd to tinker with his lineup and rotation throughout the postseason. Can he find the right matchups in each series that help the Mavs go on a deep run? Stay tuned to find out.