There is nothing enjoyable about trying to slow down one of the greatest scorers in postseason history. RohanNadkarni spoke to the Suns about defending Luka Dončić
Phoenix has fallen victim to that strategy as well this series. The Mavs shot nearly 41 threes a night through the first four games of the series, including 44 in their Game 4 win. Whether the Suns were in drop or switching all screens, their attempts to stop Dončić opened up opportunities on the perimeter, because whoever was off the ball was shaded in his direction.
“Dončić does a great job of reading the game and knowing where all his teammates are on the court. We’re playing chess right now.”mano a mano McGee mentions that, against Dallas, Phoenix’s bigs have to think like a guard, particularly when the Mavs go to their five-wide look and bring in Maxi Kleber for Dwight Powell. Through the first four games of the series, the Luka-Kleber–Jalen Brunson–Reggie Bullock–Dorian Finney-Smith five-man group posted an 18.8 net rating, including a blistering 121.9 offensive efficiency.
“When they’re set they’re one of, if not the best defensive team in the NBA,” Dončić said postgame. Mavs coach Jason Kidd added the Suns did a good job preventing the Mavs from getting into the paint, which forced Dallas to settle for isolations as opposed to kickouts.
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