Four paths the Dallas Mavericks should take to win NBA Finals – NBA Special Report
Dallas Mavericks ended the regular season on a 57-25 record and remained at number third seed in the Western Conference.
The Mavs wrapped the quarterfinal series against the Portland Trail Blazers with 4-2 lead. However, no one was expecting them to be so terrific against the Los Angeles Lakers in the semifinals. The Mavericks have been amazing,
sweeping the two-time defending champions 4-0. No doubt, it was sad end to the coaching career of an 11-time NBA champion head coach Phil Jackson.
After a defeat in first game of the conference finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Mavericks never looked behind and won four consecutive games of the series, qualifying for the NBA finals. Dallas will now take on the Miami
Heat in the finals.
Centre Tyson Chandler has been pivotal in shoring up the Mavs defence this season. Dirk Nowitzki, on the other hand, has hit a purple patch in his career and is averaging 28.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game during the NBA playoffs.
So going into the Finals, they should be confident in containing the mighty Miami Heat.
Here is the four points what Dallas needs to do in order to fulfil their dream to win the NBA Championship:
Step 1: Don’t be dependent on Nowitzki only
Like the Chicago Bulls, the Mavericks also have just one prominent player in the squad and he is none other than the German seven-footer, Nowitzki. The condition of the Mavericks is a bit different from that of Chicago. When the
leading scorer of Chicago Derrick Rose was been grabbed by the defence of Miami every time, then there were no consistent shooters around him to score in those moments.
However, the Mavs have been much better at it as they have dazzling shooters in the line-up - Jason Terry, Peja Stojakovic, Jason Kidd. If the defensive strategy of Miami remains the same against Nowitzki, then rest of the players
have to score.
Step 2: Zone Defence
The defence of Dallas has been mediocre during the playoffs and they really have to improve it at they are about to take on one of the best teams of NBA they have faced. Forward Chris Bosh possesses different capabilities that
can keep Chandler away from the scoring. Therefore, the Mavs are required to stick to their typical matchup zone at the crucial moments during the games.
The Big Two of the Heat, forward LeBron James, and guard Dwyane Wade have been struggling against the zone defence of Dallas during the regular season.
Step 3: Do not foul
Dallas have to stay out of the foul line against Heat. They were horrible against Thunder in the conference finals. Mavericks, especially Chandler, have to stay out of foul trouble. It would be very tough for Dallas if Miami got
opportunities to score points easily.
Step 4: Strong defensive rebounding
Strong defensive rebounding is always the main factor when playing against a strong shooting team like Miami. The second chance opportunities are limited with such strategy. In addition to that, it provides opportunities for fast
break points in transition. The shooting of Dallas is no doubt very strong as they grabbed eighth highest percentage of defensive rebounds in the NBA during the regular season. The Mavs have to dominate the glass in order to give Miami a tough time.
These strategies work hand-in-hand in the Mavericks’ favour.
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