2021 NBA Playoffs: Contender or pretender with all 16 teams

2021 NBA Playoffs: Contender or Pretender – Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks were a popular dark horse title contender before the season, with prognosticators forecasting another step forward for Luka Doncic and a healthy season from Kristaps Porzingis. Doncic made marginal improvements and Porzingis dealt with frequent injuries, and as with many teams, COVID hit the Mavericks hard.

In the end, their struggles the first half of the season dealt them the fifth-seed and a matchup with the LA Clippers, statistically one of the season’s best teams. Last year the Mavericks and Clippers faced off in the NBA Bubble’s first round, with the Clippers winning in six games.

This season doesn’t scream differences, which suggests the outcome could be similar. What plays to the Mavericks’ favor is that their rotation seems to be healthy, including defensive options such as Josh Richardson and Maxi Kleber to help Dallas match up with the Clippers’ elite wing options. Doncic is playing some of his best basketball down the stretch as well.

The Mavericks’ rim protection is subpar, and the right opponent can take the ball out of Doncic’s hands while locking down behind the ball. If the Mavericks can upset the Clippers, that just means three more rounds of opponents who can find ways to shut down Doncic and attack the Mavericks’ average defense. Doncic is the kind of star player who will one day be a contender, but this year doesn’t quite look like the right one for this group.

Verdict: Pretender