Photo Courtesy: Dominic Ceraldi
Records
Dallas Mavericks (52-30, 23-18 Away)
Golden State Warriors (53-29, 31-10 Home)
Dallas is on the verge of being swept in the Western Conference Finals. Dallas has had many chance to fight through adversity and extend the series. Golden State has been on a tear, thrashing Dallas by winning two games at home and Game 3 on the road. Here it is Game 4 in Dallas tonight and Warriors fans are bringing out the brooms. Dallas will need to protect the rim and use players that will allow them to create turnovers. Back up center Boban Marjanovic will be the key to Dallas’ struggles in the paint. One would think that Dallas would have this series in hand at this point. Dallas had the edge over Golden State in the regular this year but not in the playoffs. Luka Doncic is the face of the franchise but he’s a bit green. He has to play defense and help the team out. He’s the best player and the weakest link at the same time. He has to be the x-factor and his leadership is needed at this time. Dallas has to do two things to win Game 4.
Defense, Defense, Defense
Dallas has given up an average of 120.3 points per game, 68 of those points are in the paint. Golden State has found a way to extend runs by shooting .61% percent in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Here’s the crazy thing about it, Dallas was a better team in the regular season because the team took pride in getting key stops by creating turnovers. Turnovers will be key for the Mavericks. They need to create some miscues for the Warriors early and often. It all starts with Luka guarding his man. Guards Spencer Dinwiddie and Jaylen Bronson have played terrific on both ends of the floor. Dallas is averaging 15 turnovers a game. It’s difficult for any team to win games giving the ball away. Golden State has scored on an average of 21 points on turnovers.
Key Players
Dallas will need to use players that haven’t seen very much playing time in the first 3 games. Like I stated before, center Boban Marjanovic who is 7’3″, 290 pounds needs to get some playing time. He will be a huge help around the around the rim. PF Dorian Finney-Smith will need to play more defense instead of hoisting three point shots every time he touches the ball. SF Reggie Bullock needs to take the lead on the defensive end. PG Jalen Bronson needs to have the ball in his hands to facilitate the offense. Luka’s struggling to get the ball in the hands of the shooters in a timely manner.
Tonight’s Game Info
Golden State Warriors vs Dallas Mavericks
Tuesday – May 24 – 8:00 p.m.
TV: TNT
American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX
This will be the game of the year for the Mavericks. It’s Game 4 and Dallas is facing elimination. Everyone is looking for Luka to do some magic and will this team to victory. Keep an eye on PG Jalen Bronson, he will be the key for the Mavericks tonight. I’m Dallas by 4!
Final Score
Mavericks – 121
Warriors – 117
