The Mavericks have more freedom to call plays, even during critical moments of games, than do most teams.

"We don't talk to the team very often about shot selection because it's a veteran group and they've had a good feel for good shots," coach Rick Carlisle said. "There's a balance you have to strike between what's an open shot and what's an opportunity to be aggressive, to maybe get the ball in the paint, possibly draw a foul, get a little closer to the goal."