You can pinpoint a lot of different things that have gone wrong for Dallas in this series, but its biggest problem might be the simplest. The Mavericks aren’t scoring enough.
They averaged 117.9 points in the regular season and 107.9 through the first three rounds. They’ve yet to crack triple-digits in this series, averaging just 95.3 points on 44.4/28.2/71.2.
Luka Dončić has averaged a series-leading 29.7 points, but the Celtics have made him work for every last one of them. His shooting touch hasn’t reached three-point range (32.1) or the free-throw line (58.8), and he’s almost averaging as many turnovers (five) as assists (six). His backcourt mate, Kyrie Irving, is averaging more shots (21.7) than points (21), and he isn’t moving the needle as a passer either (3.3 assists against 2.3 turnovers).
The supporting cast has failed to produce a high-end third option—P.J. Washington is the only other Maverick averaging double-figures (14.7), but his 42.4/28.6/75 slash line underwhelms at every level—or virtually shot-making. At this point, it’s hard to tell whether Dallas just needs its stars to go ridiculous or its role players to step up. Honestly, both might be needed to extend this series.