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Surprise! The Dallas Mavericks are a legit top-4 team in the West

By Reid Hanson

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 01: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 01, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 01: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 01, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /
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With Sunday’s win over the Western Conference leading L.A. Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks have moved into the top-4 and proven to be more than just a playoff contender

If the first 19 games have taught us anything, it’s that the Dallas Mavericks are legit. Considered by most as a fringe playoff team at the start of the season, the Mavs have vaulted into the Western Conference’s top-4 and established themselves as a real contender this season.

The Dallas Mavericks have gone 3-1 over the past four games, pulling off convincing victories against the likes of the Rockets and Lakers (two of the West’s elite). These aren’t isolated wins either. Earlier in the month the Mavs beat Denver, San Antonio, and Toronto. Dallas is for real, folks.

The question at hand is – is this sustainable? 

Well, given what they’ve done and how they’ve done it, I’d have to say “yes”.

While the play of Luka Doncic has been of MVP level, the Mavs have found ways to win a variety of different ways. Last night Luka was kept under 30 points and Kristaps Porzingis under 16. If you would have told me before the game Dallas’ top two stars would only contribute a combined 42 points, I’d say the best offensive team in the NBA is probably going to lose.

But as we know, that was not the case. Delon Wright stepped up to be the No. 2 scorer in arguably his best all-around game of his short Mavs career. Dwight Powell , Justin Jackson and KP each put up 15 points as well.

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This season multiple Dallas Mavericks have stepped up when needed. The team-building strategy of building a deep roster rather than “reaching” on a third star seems to be paying off. When one of the top-2 go cold, any number of players has the ability to step up and pick up the slack.

Clearly, this team cannot survive a bad game from Luka. Not until Zingis regains his All-Pro level of play, that is. But this deep roster is proving they don’t need Luka to be elite every night in order to beat the NBA’s elite. That’s a pretty significant discovery.

The Dallas Mavericks may not finish the season in the West’s top-4 but they’ve proven they belong in top echelon of teams this season and they’ve proven they can beat absolutely anyone.

Before the season began, I felt the Mavs had a shot at claiming that seventh or eighth seed. But after seeing them play I’d be surprised if they finished that low.

Next. 5 Things all Mavs fans should be thankful for. dark

We need to adjust our expectations for these Dallas Mavericks because they have shown they can beat the best teams a variety of different ways. They’ve proven they’re not just a playoff contender but possibly a title contender.

  • Published on 12/02/2019 at 12:26 PM
  • Last updated at 12/02/2019 at 12:26 PM
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