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Dallas Mavericks: Despite uneven start, there’s reason for optimism

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts to an official wanting a foul called against the LA Clippers during the fourth quarter in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 30, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 30: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts to an official wanting a foul called against the LA Clippers during the fourth quarter in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 30, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

There’s a reason for optimism for the Dallas Mavericks

Luka Doncic is a basketball genius capable of playing the game at his own pace. One of the reasons he is so difficult to guard is because of his fundamentals and ability to get his defender off balance and draw fouls.

Doncic is also big enough at 6-foot-7 to see over defenses and pick out the correct pass anywhere on the court. The Dallas Mavericks have gotten off to an uneven start this season, going 3-4 to start the season. The Mavericks seem like a team that is either hot or cold and has yet to find any consistency game to game.

This can be illustrated by their losses to the Los Angeles Lakers (138-115) and the Charlotte Hornets (118-99). Their three wins over the LA Clippers (124-73), Miami Heat (93-83), and Houston Rockets (113-100) show what a great defensive team they can be.

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Last season the Mavericks had an elite offense but struggled to get stops defensively. This season the Mavericks look like a more competent defensive team partly due to the new roster additions of James Johnson and Josh Richardson. The returns of Willie Cauley-Stein (NBA Bubble opt-out) and Dwight Powell (injury) have really bolstered their rim protection and helped offset the loss of Kristaps Porzingis who could return from injury later on in January.

Doncic hasn’t gotten off to a terrific start, but his game lends itself to a long and successful career because he plays the angles on his drives to the basket expertly and has the geometry of the court mastered. Doncic doesn’t rely on athleticism or speed to win his matchups, instead, he utilizes his large frame and ball fakes to gain an advantage.

The NBA has already recognized Doncic’s star power by having the Mavericks play on Christmas day against the Lakers and having 13 of their next 30 games on national television. Doncic had his best game of this young season against the Houston Rockets, showing his all-around brilliance with 33 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 113-100 win. This type of stat line shows how Doncic has mastered every aspect of the game from rebounding to passing to scoring. Doncic’s 3-point shooting has not been accurate to start the season, making only 8-41 triples, but that should improve in the coming games as he continues to find his rhythm.

If the Mavericks can continue their upward trajectory, expect them to be a top 5 seed come the postseason. Early on, the Mavericks will be looking to find some consistency game to game and work Porzingis back into the fold upon his return to the starting lineup. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 30 points, making eight triples against the Rockets, and is playing well as a secondary scorer to Doncic, averaging 17 points to start the season. Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Richardson provide the team with some decent 3-point shooters that are plus defenders giving the Mavericks more toughness and defensive versatility.

The balance the Mavericks are showing on both sides of the ball bodes well for them as the season progresses and Doncic continues to play himself into better shape. Thus far, the Mavericks rank seventh defensively, allowing 106 points per game, and 24th offensively, averaging 106.83 points per game. Their offense should pick up and move up the rankings, but it’s a great sign for the team to have a top 10 defense early on in the season. The improvement in defense from this season to last has the Mavericks set up for long term success as the season continues.

Next up for the Mavericks is a matchup against the Denver Nuggets on TNT on Thursday. This game features two of the best Europeans in the game in Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic. Jokic is averaging a triple-double with 24.1 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 11.9 assists.

Jokic is leading the league in assists per game and the only time a center led the league in assists was during the 1967-68 season when Wilt Chamberlain averaged 8.56 assists per game. If Jokic can keep up these ridiculous passing numbers he would truly be making some unique NBA history. Jokic is great at finding cutters in the mid-post or kicking it out to the 3-point line. The Mavericks’ big men will have their hands full trying to mitigate Jokic’s all-around game. Tune in for a fun game on TNT.

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