The Dallas Mavericks are finally starting to show their strength that many predicted heading into the season. Luka Doncic is a triple-double machine, Kristaps Porzingis is back to full strength, and Josh Richardson is proving himself as a solid third star.
After what was a disastrous start to the season with an 8-13 record while being in 14th in the western conference, the Mavericks have turned it around as of late. In their last 17 games, the Mavs are 12-5 thanks to fantastic team basketball.
Many point to the wonder-boy Luka Doncic for the Mavericks’ success, and while it’s a team effort, they aren’t wrong. Doncic started the season far below his standards with an atrocious three-point field goal percentage, but it’s now jumped to 35 per cent which is a career high. Doncic has been playing the best basketball in his career in recent games and game in and game out he is making phenomenal passes that are all over social media.
Despite the team having more success recently, the bulk of the questions surrounding the Mavericks are the pieces around Doncic.
We’ve seen flashes of Porzingis’ brilliance, like in the NBA bubble last season where he averaged 30 points per game before getting injured. His biggest issue is not being able to stay healthy, and when he does return from injury, it takes him a lot of time to get back to his best on the court. So far since returning earlier this season, we have seen glimpses of his talent but also many rough games. Due to his inconsistencies, the possibility of the Mavs shopping him before the deadline are possible, even though owner Mark Cuban has said he is here to stay.
As for the rest of the team, there have been plenty of bright spots up to this point in the season.
Josh Richardson, who was acquired via a trade for Seth Curry has certainly lived up to expectations. His defensive effort alone has made the trade worthwhile, but his ability to spark up the offense has been a bonus.
Tim Hardaway Jr. has been playing some of the best basketball of his career, with career highs in field goal percentage and three pointers made per game. Despite playing the sixth man role coming off the bench, he has produced even better and his defensive effort has been the best of his career.
Jalen Brunson is currently the steal of the 2019 draft. Playing the backup point guard role behind Doncic, Brunson has career highs in nearly every stat and is proving his point that he is part of the future of this Dallas Mavericks team.
Even though the Mavericks are currently only two games above .500, there are plenty of positives, especially of late, for Mavs fans to look forward to. Luka Doncic is having the best season of his career, Kristaps Porzingis is starting to find his form, and the rest of the starters and bench mob are really picking up the slack and playing quality team basketball. Shoutout to Maxi Kleber for being in the top five of the leagues three point shooting percentage as well. If the Dallas Mavericks can keep up their recent performances, they should have no problem making the NBA postseason.
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