Dallas Mavericks finally won, but what’s next?
The Dallas Mavericks got their first win this past Sunday, beating the Milwaukee Bucks 86-75 in overtime. But, now that the team overcame their first hump what could be next?
The Mavs overcame their first hump of the season by finally winning. While this may not seem like much, it is a step in the right direction for a team battling through injuries and overcoming so much adversity.
This was a long time coming because the Mavericks just could not close out their past couple of games thus far. Against the Houston Rockets on October 30th, the team lost by one point in a controversial foul. The following game against the Utah Jazz on November 2nd, Dallas lost by just four points.
In a back and forth game against the Bucks, Harrison Barnes and company finally were able to close out a game. This will be something to look for going forward as the continues to develop.
Dallas Mavericks’ Player Production:
A key part of the Mavs being able to push to teams to the limit is the production of new-comer Harrison Barnes. This past off-season Marc Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks signed Barnes to a four year $95 million dollar contract.
The former Warrior has exceeded expectations for Dallas. So far this season, Barnes is averaging 20.8 points per game along with 6.5 rebounds a game. In the Mavs’ first win, Barnes had a career high 34 points. He was key down the stretch scoring the first basket in overtime to help give Dallas the edge.
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Another player who is having a great start to the season is Dallas veteran J.J. Barea. Like Barnes, Barea balled out against the Bucks scoring 21 points. The six foot fan favorite has been more than spectacular this season. Against the Portland Trail Blazers, the point guard from Puerto Rico had 23 points in a tough game for Dallas. He has started the season on such a high note. Look back to the teams’ first game of the season where Barea scored 22 points.
The back-up point guard is averaging 17.2 points a game thus far, along with 5.2 assists a games.
Looking down the road for the Mavs
After winning their first game of the season, the Dallas Mavericks can now move on with the rest of the season. The Dallas Mavericks upcoming schedule features playoff teams from last season and a young team that has been making some noise as of late.
Up next for Dallas, is Luke Walton‘s Los Angeles Lakers. As of late, the young guns in LA have been playing well rounded basketball. Just last week, Walton’s team beat the Warriors 117-97.
Do no underestimate the Golden State Warriors though as they will be on the Mavs’ radar following a game with LA. The Western Conference champs have plenty of weapons that can make plays down the stretch. A pair of match-ups between the Lakers and Warriors will be the first time this season Dallas will have games back to back.
After a couple of games in California, the Dallas Mavericks will travel to Boston and New York where they will take continue their stint of road games against the Eastern Conference.
Next: Mavericks Strengths and Weaknesses this Season
If Dallas plans to get back into the NBA conversation they must close out these brutal games and rely on the hot hand. If the team can go above.500 these next couple of games, they will be right back into the swing of things. And who knows, Dallas just might get some keep help down the road as Dirk Nowitzki, Deron Williams and Devin Harris all look get back onto the court.