Mavs vs. Suns: Coach Jason Kidd Compliments Ayton, Jabs Jazz' Gobert & Whiteside

DALLAS – The Utah Jazz are now an afterthought for the Dallas Mavericks as their focus is on the reigning Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns. Among the key factors in their next matchup is Deandre Ayton, who presents a different type of challenge than Rudy Gobert and Hassan Whiteside.”We have to adapt,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “Our game plan against Utah is not going to work against the Suns. We’ve already changed that mindset because we’re not playing the Jazz. … (Ayton and company) can hurt you in the paint … “This isn’t Gobert or Whiteside. These guys can put the ball in the basket.”When evaluating the Jazz as a matchup, it doesn’t take long for the paint protection of Gobert to become a focus. He anchors a unit riddled with underwhelming on-ball defenders and for as great as he is in that regard, a team going small and getting hot from deep can counter. Early in their series against the Jazz, the Mavericks made it a priority to deploy Maxi Kleber at the center position in plug-and-play lineups. The offense understood they could get by their man out in space and that Gobert was going to favor sagging off to protect…
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