DALLAS, TEXAS — Oh what a relief it is. The Mavericks snapped their 3 game losing skid in a win against the Pacers, but this win was much different from the previous six. Dallas displayed that they have multiple levels to their game. A heavy Luka scoring night was not required, an exceptional night from the three point line didn’t hinder them, but hustle on defense and making the easy shots mattered and that’s what allowed them to separate.
Simply put, good teams don’t win the exact same way every time, they have multiple ways of defeating their opponents, and the Mavs did just that in their win last night.
You’re probably sitting back and wondering, “Well, what is that they do well?”, and it’s not about what they do well 100% of the time, it’s about how effective and efficient this team is when they are doing those things well. This team hasn’t been consistent in their approach, but they should be applauded for the strides they’ve made in specific areas.
The “D” in Triple D Stands for Defense
The main emphasis for this team this season was defense. Embodying and adopting a new culture is important to their championship hopes this season, and it could be the actual area that can take Dallas over the hump. Currently the Mavericks are one of the top defenses in the NBA, and what Rick Carlisle has done culturally this season is nothing short of amazing. The Mavericks have a defensive player of the game belt that is styled like a WWE championship belt, and Willie Cauley-Stein was presented the belt for the first time this season after notching 2 blocks and 2 steals and held his man to 18% shooting from the field. Players buy in when there are incentives and it doesn’t have to be direct compensation, it can be similar to a “turnover chain” we saw in college football or players being a part of a culture that is fun. It can make a difference and it attributes to how well the Mavericks have played on defense.
Distribution
The Mavericks last win was all about distribution of the basketball. Don’t get me wrong Luka has been phenomenal while missing some of the Mavericks supporting cast, but the Mavericks are a much better team when Luka has the option to pass and get his teammates involved. Dallas is ranked 6th best in assisting the basketball this season and is 6-2 when they out assist the opposing team. When the Mavs are great distributors of the ball they win.
Next Man Up Mentality
Superstars are the faces of franchises but the rotational players are the body and bones of a successful organization. Now, it’s no secret that the Mavericks have dealt with players missing action due to the NBA’s Covid 19 protocol since their win against the Nuggets, but the Mavericks were able to hold their own in the two games that followed. During the Mavericks 4 game winning streak their bench outscored their opponents averaging close to 40 points. Players like Trey Burke, Jalen Brunson, James Johnson stepped up when the team needed their services most.
How well the Mavericks have played in these areas has helped them overcome early obstacles of the season. All things considered the Mavericks are missing 4 of their veteran players and the team grabbed a win without Luka Doncic scoring more than 20 points. This team doesn’t have one way to win, they have multiple ways to win and that is a trait of a championship team, and should be an encouraging sign for the team moving forward.
