How Luka Doncic inspired Dorian Finney-Smith's career night / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports Credit David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

While Luka Doncic was struggling against the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 with a feeble 1/10 from beyond the arc, he still managed to influence the hot shooting night of Dallas Mavericks teammate Dorian Finney-Smith.

Player of the Game EFF 27 Dorian Finney-Smith Points 24 Accuracy 8-13 Rebounds 8 Assists 1

The floor-spacing forward tallied eight triples, the most in his career, regular season or playoffs, to go with a playoff-high 24 points. It was the first time he eclipsed the 20-point mark in 23 playoff games in a Mavs uniform.

Finney-Smith had five three-pointers at the half, which was already the most in his playoff career. Four of them were assisted by Luka Doncic. He revealed what the Mavs star told him at the half that led to the most significant performance of his postseason career.

"When I had 5 threes, Luka said, 'You’re about to get some more.' When LD says you’re going to get more threes, I figure you’re going to get them," said the Mavs forward.

"It's amazing man...Amazing, I don't have other words. But I'm not surprised, he's capable of doing this." Luka Doncic said on Finney-Smith's career-high.

An empowered performance from a Mavs role player is just the kind of impact Luka Doncic has on the team. Even when he isn't making his shots, going 9/25 from the field, he can dish out 11 assists and contribute to winning all the same.

Monty Williams said Suns' defense can’t spread out as much in Game 4 if they want to better guard Luka Doncic in the post:

"I'm not quite sure anybody’s put a guy on Luka that's totally shut him down. He knows how to pick his spots. He's got really good footwork," Williams commented.

After a 101-111 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 4, Luka Doncic called the Mavs 'a special team' and noted he has a lot of faith in his team heading to Game 5.

"If we have 1 percent chance, we’re going to believe. This team is special. This bond is special," Doncic said.

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