3 Factors to Dictate Suns vs Mavericks Second Round Playoff Series
Phoenix Suns Key Factors vs Dallas Mavericks: Small Ball Play
The Suns found themselves playing two bigs at a time against the Pelicans, trying to match their lineup of Jonas Valančiūnas and Larry Nance Jr. That might not be the case next round versus the Mavs. Dallas starts center Dwight Powell each game, but he only averages about 19 minutes.
Da and Javale just tried to post up on the same block I love it
— Tyler (@tlstevens80) April 27, 2022
They run a smaller lineup out there, which means Deandre Ayton and JaVale McGee should score at will. It will be a nice change of pace compared to round one, but expect Phoenix to stay big and continue to play their centers for normal stretches in the game.
Monty might match their small ball at the end of games or in short spurts in quarters, but the way Ayton is playing, expect Dallas to be the one who makes the change first. From there, it should be all cat and mouse.