Former Mavericks HC Avery Johnson says Mavs can “sneak into the Finals”

Featured earlier today on CBS Sports HQ, Avery Johnson said that the one-two punch of Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis was not only one of the best in the league, but also one that could lead a team to the Finals. “When you have the pick and roll combination with Porzingis and Luka Doncic, it’s hard to game plan for, especially in a 7 game series,” Johnson explained. He also touched on Tim Hardaway Jr.’s three point accuracy as another weapon in the offense.

Johnson was with the Mavericks as an assistant from 2004-2005, when he was promoted to head coach in mid-March after Don Nelson stepped down. He led the Mavs to the their first Finals appearance in 2006 which was also his first full season as a head coach. Johnson is credited with pushing Dirk Nowitzki to develop his back-to-the-basket game which would vault Dirk to a Most Valuable Player award in 2007 and help cement his legacy as one of the most versatile offensive players of all time.

After his 2006 Finals appearance, Johnson would lead the Mavericks to the playoffs for back-to-back first round exits. He would later be replaced by current coach Rick Carlisle.

It’s a welcome endorsement as the Mavericks resume this unique 2019-2020 season.