SAN FRANCISCO — Coach Jason Kidd attributed the blame to Dallas MavericksFor blowing a 19-point advantage in Friday’s loss to the 126-117, he used a one-dimensional offensive method Golden State WarriorsHe criticised his team’s reliance on the 3-point shot in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.
The Mavs made 21 of 45 3-point attempts in the game, matching the third-most 3s made during a playoff loss in NBA history, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Kidd specifically pointed out Dallas’ poor shot selection during the third quarter. The Mavs were held down to 13 points, and only went 2-of-13 with 3s.
After the Warriors had taken a 2-0 series lead, Kidd stated that “When you go 2-for-13 but you rely upon the 3, you can’t die by the 3.” “And we lost the third quarter because we shot so many 3s and came up with two.”
Their 3-point shooting was a major reason the Mavericks reached the Western Conference finals. They are blessed with a star guard. Luka DoncicA five-out offensive attack with catch-and shoot reserve. Maxi KleberPlaying significantly longer than the starter Dwight PowellThe postseason was played at the center. Dallas leads the league with 15.6 3-pointers and 41.1 attempts during the playoffs. They also shot 37.9% beyond the arc.
The Mavs lost Game 1 to the Warriors by shooting 11-of-48 (3 point range) but Kidd encouraged them to continue to take open looks. On Friday night, the Mavs built a huge lead at Chase Center. They were 15-of-25 from 3-point range in halftime. The Mavs lost the lead in the second quarter when they were only 15-of-27 from 3-point range. In the third quarter, however, the Warriors outscored them by a margin of 25-13.
“I mean we were getting great looks,” stated Mavs guard. Jalen BrunsonThe 31-year-old scored 31 points on 11 of 19 shooting, including 5-of-7 at 3-point range. “When we’re open we’re going shoot. There are many men who are capable of taking shots and getting them down. As long as we are open to shooting the right shots, making extra passes, and doing the things we do, I believe we can all have confidence in each other to make it happen.
Kidd, however, decided not to call a break as the Warriors made their run during the third quarter. Kidd felt that the Mavs had to be more aggressive on the dribble once their jumpers stopped dropping. Dallas made 3-of-6 2-point attempts in quarter three, while the Mavs attempted just four free throws, despite being in the bonus period for six minutes.
“If you make [3s]Kidd stated, “That’s fantastic, but you have to realize that if you miss four consecutively, you can’t take a fifth.” You have to do it. It puts too many stress levels on yourself and your team.
At the end of the third quarter, the Warriors were still two points behind. Golden State did not take the lead until reserve forward Otto Porter Jr.’s 3-pointer on the first possession in the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Dallas defense was unable to defend the Warriors’ score of 43 points on 15-of-19 shots.
Kidd stated, “We play defense when it’s offensive and no defense when it can’t score.” “That’s something we must improve at this point in the year.”
Golden State had six double-digit scorers, led by Stephen CurryDallas was dominated by Doncic’s 32 points. Dallas won the paint scoring contest by a 62-30 margin. Doncic finished with 42 points, eight assists, and went 12-of-23 from 3-point range.
It was the seventh consecutive 40-point playoff performance by the 23-year old Doncic, equaling Dirk Nowitzki’s record for most franchise history. Doncic’s 40-plus score is enough to make the Mavs 2-5.
Doncic after two losses to the Phoenix SunsIn the previous series, the Mavs were accused of making a mistake in not driving more frequently.
Doncic said that they didn’t attack the paint as often. “But, we got to attack paint more, as they did. They were relentless in their attack on the paint. They still have two of the most skilled shooters in the country, but they still attack the paint. We need to put less emphasis on the 3.