P.J. Washington Sparks Mavericks, But Depth is Key
P.J. Washington made two 3-pointers and scored eight points as the Mavericks went on a 22-2 run. Despite this burst, Dallas needed more scoring beyond Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
The Celtics, throughout the series, have consistently showcased multiple leading scorers, highlighting the contrast in their strategies and depth compared to Dallas.
Dallas's Struggles with Boston's Strategy
Dallas has struggled mightily against Boston's defensive strategy of not doubling Doncic. The Celtics implemented single coverage on both Doncic and Irving, effectively curbing the effectiveness of Dallas's role players. Typically, Dallas’s role players thrive off the opportunities generated by their superstar ball-handlers, but in this series, they have faltered.
Boston’s Depth vs. Dallas’s Reliance on Stars
One of the key advantages for Boston has been their bench depth, outmatching the Mavericks' supporting cast. The Celtics have devised a balanced team approach that contrasts sharply with Dallas's heavy reliance on their star players. Boston's role players are asked to stay within their strengths, whereas Dallas’s supporting cast struggles when their superstars are neutralized.
Tim Hardaway Jr.'s decline and Jaden Hardy's inexperience have further disrupted Dallas's offensive rhythm. The Mavericks' system does not seem to foster a consistent scoring rhythm for their role players, exacerbating the problem when their lead scorers are contained.
Quotes Illustrating the Series Dynamics
The dynamics of this series are illustrated by key moments and statistics. "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," capturing the dependency on the top two scorers. Remarkably, "Four of the top six scorers in the series thus far are Celtics," underscoring Boston's balanced offensive contributions.
The Mavericks "averaged more than 16 corner 3-point attempts per game," a volume that previously proved devastating against the Thunder. However, the Celtics have flipped the script. "By taking away those two shots, the Celtics have all but disarmed every Maverick except for Doncic and Irving."
"If Jones wants to fire from the top of the arc, or if Washington wants to post someone up? The Celtics can live with that," suggests Boston's level of comfort with non-primary threats taking over. "Perhaps a third true shot-creator could solve some of these issues for the Mavericks," indicating a potential shortcoming in Dallas's roster construction.
Additionally, the timing might have just worked out poorly for Dallas: "It's a year too early for Hardy and a year too late for Hardaway." These circumstances have further highlighted the team’s reliance on their superstars and the vulnerability that comes with it.
Boston's Balanced Approach
While the Celtics might not have a player who ranks in the top five like Doncic, they possess at least five—or perhaps six—players who could credibly be considered among the top 50 in the league. Players like Sam Hauser have stepped up impressively. Hauser alone has made more 3-pointers in the series (five) than every Mavericks reserve combined (four).
This points to an underlying strength: "They ask less of their supporting players, so they are able to thrive in roles that suit their strengths." The Celtics have successfully devised a roster and scheme where no one is asked to do more than they are capable of, allowing each player to excel within their defined roles.
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. This has left them vulnerable when their stars are effectively contained.
In summary, Boston's depth and balanced approach have allowed them to flourish, whereas Dallas's heavy reliance on their superstars has exposed their weaknesses. It is a classic case of a well-rounded team versus a team heavily dependent on a few stars, with the former proving more effective in this series.
As the series unfolds, the eventual outcome seems to hinge on whether Dallas can find a way to get more from their supporting cast or if Boston's balanced attack continues to dominate. It’s a battle of contrasting philosophies, with Boston’s depth currently overshadowing Dallas's star power.