3 Factors to Dictate Suns vs Mavericks Second Round Playoff Series

Phoenix Suns. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Phoenix Suns. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
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Phoenix Suns, JaVale McGee
Phoenix Suns, JaVale McGee. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

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.

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.