Dallas' lack of interior scoring is actually a plus this series and negates one of the Wolves strongest parts. Taking Gobert, Towns, and Reid out of the paint will be huge. And it isn't like Doncic or Irving score a whole bunch in the paint either. Towns having to guard Washington on the perimeter all game will be interesting. Just really fascinated to see what the Wolves do defensively and lineup wise, as I don't think they can scheme anywhere close to the same way they schemed the Nuggets. On the other end, I'm really curious to see if Jones can stay with Edwards defensively.
The Wolves smoked the Suns, a perimeter team, giving up just 103 ppg in a 4-game sweep.
I think Dallas's defense is the key to the series. If they are getting stops and boards they'll have an easier time getting down the court and generating shots before Minnesota's defense is set, creating chaos by making Minny's bigs having to make quick decisions on the perimeter.
Minny reminds me a lot of the Celtics from 2 years ago. They feed on defense and momentum. Play tough defense against them and protect the basketball and you steal a lot of their mojo.
IMO this is why the Suns and other bad defensive teams usually underperform in the playoffs. The 2 phases of the game feed off of one another. The jury is still out on Dallas. I'm not sure I fully believe in their role players just yet. Kyrie and Luka are not exactly physical dynamos; covering up for their defensive deficiencies will put a lot of pressure on the Mavs supporting cast.