DAL vs ORL, NBA 2020-21
Dallas, TX
Sunday, January 10, 2021 07:00 AM
It’s unknown whether the Mavericks will still rack up historic numbers on offense in Doncic’s third season, but it’s almost guaranteed the defense are going to be better in 2020-21 once you check out all the training camp time and resources put into improvement therein area. a far better defense should end in a second-straight trip to the postseason if Porzingis’ recovery goes as planned. The boost in collective toughness should reap benefits that send Dallas beyond just the opening round of the playoffs, as this team is now on the verge of becoming a significant title contender.
There’s little within the way of plug-and-play help that was acquired. Rookie guard Cole Anthony are going to be inserted into the backcourt mix after D.J. Augustin left for Milwaukee in representation . Forward Chuma Okeke — the Magic’s first-round pick within the 2019 Draft who missed all of last season recovering from a torn ACL — is additionally set to fight for a spot within the rotation. Dwayne Bacon should figure prominently also .
But that’s the extent of the talent infusion Clifford has got to work with. That puts the bullseye on Vucevic, who was spectacular during the restart. He averaged 20.4 points per game and shot 53% overall and 40% on 3-pointers within the seeding games. He took his game up a notch against the Bucks, averaging 28 ppg, 11 rpg and 4 apg during a first-round series loss. The elevation of the prevailing talent, starting with Vucevic, is that the only real hope for something new for Clifford to figure with in 2020-21.
Dallas Mavericks: W – 3, L – 2
Orlando Magic: W – 3, L – 2