Step Back, 4 Weaknesses of the Conference Finalists: Episode 11
he eleventh episode of the new Dunkest series: this time we will talk about Anthony Edwards, the Mavs, the Boston Celtics, and Tyrese Haliburton
It’s Monday, so of course, we’re publishing a new episode of Step Back. This time it’s focused on the weaknesses of the Conference finalists in the 2024 NBA Playoffs: the Mavs, T’Wolves, Celtics, and Pacers.
Minnesota – Anthony Edwards’ Shooting Percentages
Despite improving his aim somewhat in Game 3, Anthony Edwards’ shooting percentages in this first Conference Finals experience remain decidedly low: 38.6% from the field and 33% from beyond the arc. This lack of contribution has only been partially compensated by McDaniels, Reid, and others. Without Ant-Man, it’s hard to imagine winning.
Dallas – Consistency in Three-Point Shooting
The Mavs haven’t needed three-point shooting to win so far – although the 50% from beyond the arc in Game 3 against the T’Wolves was helpful. Against Boston in the Finals, that might not be the case: two out of three three-point attempts come from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, but it’s the supporting cast (Washington, Jones, Green) that must not miss.
Boston – Protecting the Paint (Against Opposing Bigs)
Everything has been easy for the Celtics against the Pacers, who “see” the Finals by leveraging the depth of their rotation, superior talent, and experience – which matter on both offense and defense. However, in their own half-court, recovering Porzingis is crucial: without his height, the matchups with the Mavs (or the T’Wolves) can create problems in the paint.
Indiana – Excessive Ball Movement Isn’t Always Beneficial
The Pacers average 400 passes in 24 minutes in these Conference Finals – compared to the Celtics’ 276 – without gaining the expected advantage: the overall result is 14 more turnovers, 36 fewer free throw attempts, and (most importantly) the 24 total points that put Boston ahead 3-0 in the series.
Video of the Week
It has happened multiple times in interviews throughout the season: in a matter of seconds, Haliburton’s voice changes tone and pitch – without the Pacers’ All-Star realizing it. The videos are amusing and haven’t gone unnoticed: he doesn’t know why it happens, but experts talk about stress. We all need a vacation.