Luka Doncic's Confident Mavericks Shooting Will Improve as NBA Finals Move to Dallas

DALLAS – Against a tough defense like the Boston Celtics, backed by a high-volume perimeter shooting attack, being able to produce on 3-point attempts is vital. Outside of Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks have failed to get the job done. With an output of 100.0 points per 100 possessions, the Mavs' overall offensive results are not up to par.

In the series, Doncic shot 8 of 21 (38.1%) from 3-point range, while his teammates shot 5 of 32 (15.6%), including Irving, who missed all eight of his attempts. Doncic stressed the importance of believing those shots will fall, considering that's what helped the team advance to the NBA Finals.

“Just one thing: Keep shooting. We all believe in these shots,” Doncic said. “That's how we got to the Finals. That's how we played all season. We believe in these guys. Everybody believes in them. If you're open, keep shooting. You will bring it down at some point.”

The Celtics don't make it easy on the opposition by often using a basic defensive approach focused on cross matchups in the frontcourt and then relying heavily on switching against screens. It's much easier for their defense to stay home on corner shooters. Meanwhile, a non-shooting big man is often excluded from traditional chances to drive to the rim.

The Mavericks were unable to create the consistent sprays in the corner that they are accustomed to producing at high volume. However, they were successful in the restricted area as Boston had to live with giving up those shots in this scheme.

In the playoffs leading up to the NBA Finals, the Mavericks averaged 11.6 corner attempts per game while converting at a rate of 39.4%. They were shooting 22.0 3-pointers above the break per game and shooting 36.4% on those particular attempts. These numbers changed dramatically during the NBA Finals. Dallas is taking just 4.0 corner shots in two games while taking 27.5 3-pointers above the break.

After the first game, Doncic put into context how rarely Boston sends help to the weak side in a way that leads to passes to open shooters. “They mostly play one-on-one. They haven't sent a lot of help,” he said. “So that’s why.” Given the circumstances, he finished with just one assist as the shooters were neutralized or missing while the bigs were unable to finish the play.

Doncic mentioned after Game 2 that the Celtics seemed to be sending more help. “They try to defend one-on-one. I think today they tried to help more,” he said. “I managed to open the door for some teammates.” He was able to attack the paint and create advantages for his teammates on rolls and cuts, leading to a total of 11 assists.

Ideally, Dallas wants Boston to move more toward blitzing so the offense can play in 4-on-3 situations, taking advantage of the wing personnel's ability to put the ball on the floor and make plays. games. Kristaps Porzingis' injury status plays a significant role in this, as the potential loss of a rim protector could further jeopardize the Celtics' plan.

Regardless of where the perimeter shots are coming from on the court, the Mavericks have struggled even when left open. Dallas went 11-47 (23.4%) combined on open and wide-open 3-pointers in the two-game NBA Finals. In the playoffs leading up to this series, the team shot 183 of 493 (37.1%) on those attempts.

“I think it’s just about taking good shots, taking open shots,” PJ Washington said. “Obviously we didn't make any shots. We feel pretty good going home. It's just about making open shots, taking open shots. We feel good making them, so I think the guys are in a good mood.”

One of the human elements of playing in the NBA Finals is the magnitude of this stage, which potentially impacts execution, especially for players reaching this level for the first time. Josh Green made it clear that the team needed to get past the point of nervousness and return to their previous form.

“We shot really well throughout the playoffs. I think it's an adjustment. A little nervousness in the first game. It's one of those things now, it's that or it's going to die,” Green said. “We have to make these shots. It is what it is.”

There is still a lot that can be improved outside of 3-point shooting for the Mavericks. Doncic needs to cut down on turnovers after an eight-point performance in Game 2, as well as a team-wide need to improve free throws. There may be better execution on his part when it contains drives, but the team needs to be more precise in that regard, as well as execution and extra effort for the shooters.

“Offensively, we were horrible. We know we have to be better,” Green said. “We know what we have to do. It's just about doing it.”

Doncic needs more help offensively, period. One option would be for open shots to start falling from deep. Another solution would be for Irving to have the expected impact as a superstar. He averaged just 14.0 points and 4.0 assists while shooting 35.1% from the floor. Irving described his level of play in Boston as “frustrating” and admits he needs to get back to his level of play in addition to leading.

“The first thing is to accept that I didn't play well or up to my standards, as well as I
would have liked. Back in Boston, I really want to play well. I wanted to be there for my teammates. As a competitor, it's frustrating. But I don't want to let that seep or carry over into other decisions I have to make as a player.

“Keep building the confidence of my teammates. I've been down 0-2 before – I've lost a series, I've won a series,” Irving said. “I know what it takes. Also, how do you prepare for something, like this, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, physically. It's about first respecting your opponent, and then, more importantly, doing your better when we go there. It's that simple.”

Irving found success using his speed to get out of the pick-and-roll in Game 2, whether he was introducing a big like Porzingis into the action or using a guard-to-guard screen. He struggled immensely to make shots playing out of isolation while being reluctant to take transition 3-point shots. Overall, he needs to find a rhythm as a shot creator and get to the rim to relieve Doncic.

The Mavericks are running out of time to turn the series around. A loss in Game 3 would put them in a 3-0 series deficit, as unlikely a position as possible. Managing to win would make the score 2-1 with a chance to tie in Game 4 while Boston failed to deal with Porzingis' new injury.

Stay with MavericksGameday for more coverage of the Dallas Mavericks throughout the NBA Finals.

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