NBA Playoffs 2012: Complete Guide to Beating the Dallas Mavericks

Heading into the 2010-11 playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks were long known as a team that was successful in the regular season but failed to live up to expectations in the postseason. That all changed last year when the Mavericks coasted through the playoffs and beat the Miami Heat to capture their first NBA Championship.

Because of their success last year, it was thought that the Mavericks would come into this season and contend for their second championship, but the Mavericks have been a disappointment all season.

Now with the playoffs upon us, some fans think that the Mavs will elevate their game for the playoffs in order to make another run at the championship. But this is a flawed team. Here's a guide to knocking off the Mavericks in the playoffs.

Utilize Home-Court Advantage

The Mavericks have not played well on the road this season. They're 13-19 in games away from the American Airlines Center.

With the Mavericks currently seeded seventh in the Western Conference, not only will they have to take on a superior opponent, they'll also have to do it while playing without home-court advantage.

Given their struggles on the road throughout the season, it's hard to imagine the Mavericks suddenly turning it around during the playoffs.

Hold a Lead Entering the 4th Quarter

A big part of success in the NBA playoffs is the ability to come from behind and steal games in the fourth quarter. That's something the Mavericks were able to do countless times during their run to the title during last postseason. However, it's something the Mavericks have not been able to do this regular season.

This year, the Mavericks have a record of 4-25 when trailing after three quarters. Since the Mavericks haven't shown an ability to come from behind, one way to beat them is to have a lead entering the fourth quarter.

Keep the Mavericks Under 100 Points

This one is easier said than done because the Mavericks are a team with some good scorers. But they haven't been as efficient on offense as in years past, so holding them under 100 points isn't impossible.

When the Mavericks have scored 100 points during the 2011-12 regular season, they have a record of 20-3. That's the third-best winning percentage in the NBA when scoring 100 points—trailing only the Chicago Bulls (21-0) and San Antonio Spurs (30-4).

Force Dallas to Work on Offense

This goes in line with holding the Mavericks under 100 points. The Mavericks aren't as good on offense as they've been in the past. They rank 20th in offensive efficiency at 100.5.

It will be key to force them into a position where they have to consistently trade baskets or come from behind, as they don't have the offensive efficiency to do so.

Push the Tempo

Opponents should try and force the Mavericks into playing at a breakneck pace.

For one, the Mavericks are middle of the pack (tied for 15th) in pace factor. That indicates they prefer not to play an uptempo game.

Secondly, the Mavs have eight players on their roster who are at least 30 years old. Their opponents should use that to their advantage by utilizing their younger, fresher legs.

Attack the Basket

Last season, the Mavericks had Tyson Chandler roaming the paint. Chandler's defensive prowess deterred opposing teams from attacking the rim. With Chandler gone to the Knicks, the Mavericks don't have a defensive presence to shut down the paint.

Opposing teams shouldn't be content to shoot jump shots against the Mavericks. Without somebody to guard the basket, teams can get high-percentage shots by attacking the rim.