Behind the Bucks Pass
Fansided

Milwaukee Bucks: Preseason Preview – Oct. 2 at Dallas Mavericks

By Ti Windisch

MILWAUKEE, WI - JANUARY 08: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks attempts a three pointer with Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 defending during the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center on January 08, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - JANUARY 08: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks attempts a three pointer with Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 defending during the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center on January 08, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
DALLAS, TX – MARCH 21: (Photo by Danny Bollinger/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – MARCH 21: (Photo by Danny Bollinger/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Major key for Dallas – Attack from the perimeter

If the Bucks have one horrible weakness on the defensive end, it’s their three-point defense. Over and over again Milwaukee allows talented shooters to find space out on the perimeter — especially on the corners — and get off fairly open threes.

That could be especially costly against the Mavericks. Dallas might not be known for shooting, but Rick Carlisle‘s squad took plenty of triples last season. Just five teams attempted more three-pointers than the Mavs last season, and only four teams made more threes than Dallas. Dirk helps, but he’s far from the only legitimate threat from outside.

Wesley Matthews, Yogi Ferrell, Seth Curry and J.J. Barea all took more than four threes per game with Dallas last season, and they’re all back this time around. Dirk just missed the cut at 3.9 attempted threes per game himself, although he missed 30 games last season.

Ferrell and Curry were Dallas’ most dangerous marksmen, as both of them shot comfortably over 40 percent from deep. Collegiate statistics don’t always translate the best, but for what it’s worth Dennis Smith Jr. took more than four threes per game at North Carolina State and sank more than 35 percent of them.

If the Mavericks can get going from outside, they might be able to build a lead that Milwaukee finds insurmountable without Giannis or Jabari.

Home/Bucks News