Congratulations: Dorian Finney-Smith is a finalist for an NBA award ahead of.

Congratulations: Dorian Finney-Smith is a Finalist for an NBA Award Ahead of 2025 Postseason

As the NBA season heads into its final stretch and teams prepare for the postseason, individual accolades are also becoming a focal point for players who have demonstrated exceptional skills and contributions throughout the regular season. One such player who has seen his efforts recognized by both fans and analysts is Dorian Finney-Smith, the versatile forward for the Dallas Mavericks. Finney-Smith has recently been named a finalist for a prestigious NBA award ahead of the 2025 postseason, marking a significant career achievement.

Known for his gritty defense, high basketball IQ, and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor, Finney-Smith has been an integral part of the Mavericks’ success over the past few seasons. His recognition as a finalist for an NBA award highlights not only his individual improvement but also his growing importance to the Mavericks’ championship aspirations.

This article will explore why Dorian Finney-Smith has earned this honor, the award for which he is a finalist, his contributions to the Mavericks, and what this recognition means for his future in the NBA.

Dorian Finney-Smith: A Brief Overview

Before diving into the specifics of the award, it’s important to understand why Dorian Finney-Smith is considered one of the most valuable players on the Dallas Mavericks’ roster. Finney-Smith, a 6-foot-7 forward, entered the NBA as an undrafted player in 2016 after a standout college career at the University of Florida. He was known for his defense, work ethic, and willingness to contribute in any way needed by his team.

Finney-Smith’s role with the Mavericks evolved over time, but his commitment to defense and all-around hustle quickly made him a fan favorite. While he may not be a prolific scorer or flashy playmaker, his ability to guard multiple positions, stretch the floor, and contribute to the team’s overall chemistry made him an essential piece of the Mavericks’ puzzle.

In recent years, Finney-Smith has been lauded for his defensive prowess, particularly his ability to match up against some of the league’s best wings and forwards. Additionally, he has improved his outside shooting, providing much-needed spacing for star players like Luka Dončić. As the Mavericks have continued to push toward contention, Finney-Smith’s contributions have only grown, and his role within the team has expanded.

The Award: Finalist for NBA All-Defensive Team

Dorian Finney-Smith has been named a finalist for the NBA All-Defensive Team, one of the most prestigious individual honors in the league. The All-Defensive Team is awarded annually to the league’s best defenders, with two teams—First and Second Team—being selected. These rosters are chosen by a panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters, who vote on players based on their defensive impact throughout the season.

As a finalist for this award, Finney-Smith joins a highly competitive group of players who have made a name for themselves on the defensive end. The honor recognizes his ability to lock down opposing players, disrupt passing lanes, and provide a consistent defensive presence for the Mavericks. For a player like Finney-Smith, whose value often doesn’t appear in the box score, this recognition is particularly significant, as it acknowledges the impact of his work on the defensive end.

Why Dorian Finney-Smith Deserves This Recognition

The fact that Dorian Finney-Smith has made it as a finalist for the NBA All-Defensive Team speaks volumes about his growth as a player and his importance to the Mavericks’ success. Over the course of the 2024-2025 season, Finney-Smith has consistently demonstrated elite defensive abilities that have made him one of the best perimeter defenders in the league.

Versatility on Defense

One of the key aspects of Finney-Smith’s defensive prowess is his ability to guard multiple positions. Standing at 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot wingspan, Finney-Smith has the length, speed, and agility to defend players at virtually every position on the floor. Whether it’s guarding opposing wings, chasing around point guards on the perimeter, or defending bigger forwards in the post, Finney-Smith has shown an uncanny ability to stay in front of his assignment and contest shots.

His versatility makes him invaluable in the Mavericks’ defensive schemes, which often require players to switch on screens or cover a wide range of offensive threats. Finney-Smith’s ability to guard everyone from shooting guards to power forwards has been crucial to the Mavericks’ defensive schemes. His defensive versatility allows Dallas to keep its best defenders on the floor for longer stretches, maintaining a high level of intensity throughout games.

Defensive Impact and Statistics

Beyond his ability to guard multiple positions, Finney-Smith’s defensive statistics paint a picture of a player who consistently impacts the game. Over the course of the 2024-2025 season, Finney-Smith has averaged 1.4 steals and 0.8 blocks per game. These numbers may not jump off the page compared to other elite defenders, but they tell only part of the story.

The real impact comes in the intangible ways Finney-Smith alters the course of games. His quick hands and ability to read passing lanes make him a constant threat to opposing offenses, and his physicality can wear down even the most skilled scorers. Moreover, his defensive IQ is off the charts. Finney-Smith is known for making the right rotations, positioning himself effectively to help his teammates, and recognizing when to gamble for steals or when to stay disciplined.

His on-ball defense has been especially impressive. Whether he is guarding the perimeter against a quick guard or contesting a shot from a larger forward, Finney-Smith is rarely out of position. This consistency has earned him the respect of his peers and coaches alike. His ability to disrupt offensive flow and make life difficult for opponents is one of the key reasons the Mavericks are consistently ranked among the top teams in defensive efficiency.

Improved Offensive Game

While Finney-Smith’s primary value lies in his defense, it’s worth noting that he has made strides as an offensive player, further increasing his importance to the Mavericks. His ability to knock down the three-ball has provided the Mavericks with much-needed floor spacing, allowing Luka Dončić to operate more freely. Finney-Smith’s 39% shooting from three-point range has made him a reliable spot-up shooter, and his improved offensive game makes him even more valuable in the modern NBA, where players are expected to contribute on both ends of the floor.

Although he may not be the primary scorer for the Mavericks, Finney-Smith’s offensive contributions complement the team’s stars, and his improved shooting has allowed him to stay on the floor in crunch-time situations. This well-rounded game makes Finney-Smith an even more integral part of Dallas’ success.

The Impact on the Dallas Mavericks

Dorian Finney-Smith’s nomination as a finalist for the All-Defensive Team highlights his significance to the Mavericks both on and off the court. As a two-way player, he has helped the Mavericks become one of the league’s most formidable teams defensively, and his presence has allowed the franchise to compete at a high level even against some of the best offenses in the NBA.

In a season where the Mavericks are aiming for a deep postseason run, having a player like Finney-Smith—someone who can defend multiple positions, knock down shots, and contribute in various ways—is invaluable. His defensive versatility has been crucial in limiting some of the top wings and forwards in the Western Conference, which is loaded with talent. With players like Stephen Curry, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George in the West, having a defender who can match up with these stars is essential for Dallas’ postseason aspirations.

What Does This Recognition Mean for Finney-Smith?

Being named a finalist for the All-Defensive Team is a major recognition for Dorian Finney-Smith, especially considering that his journey to this point has been unconventional. As an undrafted player, Finney-Smith had to work his way into the league and prove himself at every step. His dedication to defense, his work ethic, and his commitment to improving each season have made him one of the best players in his position.

This recognition puts him on a national stage and further solidifies his reputation as one of the premier defensive players in the NBA. While individual awards may not always define a player’s career, they do serve as a testament to the impact a player has had over the course of the season. For Finney-Smith, being named a finalist for the All-Defensive Team is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his hard work and determination.

Looking Ahead: Finney-Smith’s Future and the Mavericks’ Championship Pursuit

As the Mavericks look to solidify their standing in the postseason and make a deep run, Dorian Finney-Smith’s role will be more important than ever. His defensive contributions will be critical in every playoff series, where matchups become even more intense and every possession counts. Additionally, his continued growth as a two-way player will provide the Mavericks with the depth and versatility needed to compete for an NBA championship.

For Finney-Smith, this recognition may just be the beginning. As he continues to improve and earn the respect of his peers, his future in the NBA looks incredibly bright. Whether he ultimately makes the All-Defensive Team or not, this recognition is a clear indication that Dorian Finney-Smith is one of the top defenders in the league—a status that will only increase as his career progresses.