The Dallas Mavericks might be the most entertaining team in the NBA right now.
There are certain teams that bring passion, flair, and a confident swag every time they touch the floor. Some teams are just well worth the price of admission and give their fans something to watch for on every single play in fear that they may miss something spectacular. As of late, the Dallas Mavericks have been the team everyone's been raving about, and rightfully so.
They have just been a fun team to watch as they have gone 9-1 in their last 10 games and are playing a brand of basketball that is keeping fans tuned in. Taking a deeper look at their recent play, it's evident that the Mavs are evolving into one of the most entertaining teams in the league.
Luka Doncic works his magic
The real reason the Mavs are emerging into one of the most entertaining teams in the NBA is because they have MVP candidate Luka Doncic. Currently, Doncic leads the league in scoring at 34.1 points per game, 4th in 3-pointers per game at 3.9, and is currently 3rd in assists averaging an astounding 9.8 per game.
Not only is he stuffing the stat sheet but Doncic has really developed chemistry with his teammates as the Mavs' recent style of play has been one to behold. He makes greatness look easy and does it all with consistency. He has been one of the NBA's main attractions as we never know what he is capable of accomplishing next.
Doncic averages a triple-double, has scored 73 points in a single game which is the highest total for any player this season, and is leading the charge for a team that could become a problem for any opponent in the playoffs.
One exciting aspect of Doncic's game is how he is able to control and dictate the pace. He doesn't blow by defenders with a quick first step and he doesn't have a quick release on his jump shot but Doncic is one of the craftiest players in the league and is difficult to contain no matter what pace he plays at. He is just one of those intriguing players who just makes their game look easy and is always a joy to watch.
Kyrie Irving sells as a perfect complement to Luka Doncic
Already having earned a reputation as one of the most electrifying players in the league, Kyrie Irving is definitely a player to keep an eye on. Now that he is in the same backcourt with Doncic, we can expect the unexpected as this duo is sure to have some tricks up their sleeves.
There is the debate that Irving is the best ball handler to ever play and rightfully so. Critics oftentimes call him a showboat and express that Irving is "too flashy" at times but if we take a closer look at how he breaks down elite-level defenders, Irving usually does it with three dribbles or less most of the time.
One of the most entertaining players over the past decade, Irving is the total package offensively. First and foremost, opponents don't want the ball in his hands in the clutch because he possesses that killer instinct that is rare. Irving is a magician with the ball, he can get in the lane and finish with either hand, he can shoot it from midrange and from downtown efficiently and he just amazes on the fast break.
Also considering the fact that he was the number one option in the clutch as a teammate of LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Doncic speaks volumes and shows how much confidence coaches have in him. Irving's been a walking highlight reel his entire career and he's still producing jaw-dropping moments from game to game.
Years from now, Irving's game from his footwork to the way he finishes at the rim will be studied, analyzed, and taught by coaches in the future as Irving has already left an indelible mark on the game of basketball with more entertainment and excitement to come.
The Dallas Mavericks' supporting cast has been stellar
Since Luka Doncic has arrived in Dallas the front office has been searching for players they can surround him with that complements his style of play. I believe they finally have that supporting cast they wanted as the Mavs have been excelling as of late.
With Doncic and Irving running the show, the supporting cast compliments the 2 stars perfectly. The way head coach Jason Kidd does things may seem a bit unconventional but everyone on the team understands their role. The trade for Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington was a genius move by general manager Nico Harrison as he was able to acquire 2 good players on underachieving teams with enormous potential.
Gafford and Washington appear to be happy to be in Dallas now that they will have the opportunity to play for something. Gafford has fit in seamlessly on both ends of the floor as Doncic has been making him look good on the offensive end. His energy and ability to protect the paint have made the Mavs one of the most dangerous teams in the West.
Now, with 2 legit playmakers who can set him up for success, we can expect Gafford to be highly motivated as the Mavs have found numerous ways to utilize him. He dunks almost everything he touches, he can run the floor well for a big man, he's mobile, athletic, and seems to be content in his role and comfortable with his skill set. The Wizards staff could've done a better job when it came to Gafford's development but now that he's on a different team that is willing to utilize his strengths and talent, we could be seeing a completely different player.
The acquisition of Gafford should be good for Mavs rookie Derek Lively as he could serve as a mentor. The two have similar styles of play and both could help each other improve. Lobs and putbacks are the sources of most of his points and with a playmaker like Doncic, Lively will continue to get looks for easy baskets. Just to give an idea of the effect that Doncic has had on his 2 big men, Lively and Gafford are currently first and second respectively in effective field goal percentage and true shooting percentage with both players over 70 percent in both categories.
Tim Hardaway Jr. has also been a key player and has excelled in his 6th man role. He has become a player the Mavs can depend on when the stars go to the bench. Hardaway Jr. can get hot in an instant and his name should be mentioned among the 6th Man of the Year candidates.