Summary
P.J. Washington made two 3-pointers and scored eight points as the Mavericks went on a 22-2 run against the Celtics. However, Dallas needs more support beyond Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to be competitive.
Throughout the series, the Celtics have consistently showcased multiple leading scorers, contrasting sharply with Dallas's reliance on their stars.
Dallas's Struggles with Boston's Strategy
Dallas struggled against Boston's strategy of not doubling Doncic. Instead, the Celtics implemented single coverage on both Doncic and Irving, effectively limiting the effectiveness of Dallas's role players. Dallas’s supporting cast usually thrives on the opportunities generated by their superstar ball-handlers, but this series has seen them falter under Boston's disciplined defensive approach.
The Mavericks have found it difficult to generate scoring opportunities for their role players, who have not stepped up to the occasion. P.J. Washington's 3-pointer with 1:04 remaining in the third quarter was the first 3-pointer made by any non-Doncic or non-Irving Maverick all night. This highlights the problem Dallas faces: their offense becomes one-dimensional when their superstars are neutralized.
Boston’s Depth vs. Dallas’s Reliance on Stars
Boston's bench players have been more successful than those of Dallas, and this depth has proven to be a significant advantage. Boston’s balanced team approach contrasts sharply with Dallas's over-reliance on their star players. While Boston's role players are not asked to do too much and can thus stay within their strengths, Dallas’s supporting cast struggles when their superstars encounter effective defensive schemes.
Tim Hardaway Jr.'s decline and Jaden Hardy's inexperience have further disrupted Dallas’s offensive rhythm. The Mavericks' system does not seem to support a consistent scoring rhythm for the role players, exacerbating their struggles throughout the series.
Quotes Illustrating the Series Dynamics
Several observations and statistics underscore the dynamics of the series:
- "Washington's 3-pointer with 1:04 remaining in the third quarter was the first any non-Doncic or Irving Maverick had made all night."
- "Four of the top six scorers in the series thus far are Celtics."
- "The Mavericks averaged more than 16 corner 3-point attempts per game."
- "By taking away those two shots (corner 3-pointers), the Celtics have all but disarmed every Maverick except for Doncic and Irving."
Boston effectively disarms the Mavericks by focusing on taking away corner 3-point shots and applying single coverage on Doncic and Irving. This strategy allows the Celtics to neutralize the Mavericks' role players, who are not shot-creators.
Boston's Balanced Approach
The Celtics may not have a top-five player like Doncic, but they boast at least five—and perhaps six—players who could credibly be considered among the top 50 in the league. Players like Sam Hauser have made significant contributions, with Hauser having made more 3-pointers in the series (five) than all Mavericks reserves combined (four).
The Celtics succeed because they ask less of their supporting players, allowing these players to thrive in roles that suit their strengths. The roster and scheme are designed so that nobody is asked to do more than they are capable of, creating a well-rounded and effective team.
Dallas's Shortcomings
Conversely, the Mavericks are on the verge of losing the series because their supporting cast of specialists can be neutralized so easily. The need for a reliable third shot-creator for Dallas is evident, but the current roster does not seem up to the challenge.
It is a classic case of a well-rounded team versus a team dependent on a few superstars. Boston's depth and balanced approach have allowed them to flourish, while Dallas's heavy reliance on their superstars has left them vulnerable when those stars are neutralized.
In summary, the Celtics' strategic defense, depth, and balanced playing style have given them a significant advantage over the Mavericks, who have struggled to find a consistent rhythm beyond their top stars. As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see whether Dallas can make adjustments or if Boston’s well-rounded team will prevail.