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Dallas Mavericks: An important upcoming 5 game stretch

By Adithya Prabakaran

DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 26: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks takes a shot against the Los Angeles Clippers at American Airlines Center on November 26, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 26: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks takes a shot against the Los Angeles Clippers at American Airlines Center on November 26, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 26: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after drawing a foul in the second half against the Washington Wizards at State Farm Arena on January 26, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 26: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after drawing a foul in the second half against the Washington Wizards at State Farm Arena on January 26, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Hawks (13-36)

The Mavericks will always have a connection to the Hawks because of the 2018 draft. This entire season the Trae Young-Luka Doncic trade has been constantly brought up by the media and rightfully so. Young and Doncic have been named All-Star starters this season.

While the individuals have been electric, the same isn’t necessarily applicable to their teams. While Doncic has led his Mavericks to a 29-18 record, the Hawks stand at… 13-36. Young’s fantastic play hasn’t resulted in many wins for the team, but that was the expectation heading into the season.

With young players like Cam Reddish, Deandre Hunter, Kevin Huerter and the suspension of forward John Collins, the Hawks weren’t expected to make much noise. But now that we are past midseason, how are they doing?

Atlanta has won 3 of their last 5 games and by sizable margins. Their wins came in a 152-133 game against the Washington Wizards, a 102-95 game against the Los Angeles Clippers, and a 127-117 game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Three high scoring games against three competent teams.

Against the Wizards and 76ers, Young averaged 42 points on roughly 46 percent shooting and in their three wins John Collins has averaged over 20 points. The duo of Young and Collins is scoring at will, which should pose an issue for a Mavs team that hasn’t been the most efficient as of late.

With Luka Doncic out and Dwight Powell already out to a season-ending ruptured Achilles, the scoring efficiency of the team is taking a big hit. (Doncic’s three point shooting isn’t particularly efficient but he averages over 60 percent near the basket)

Kristaps Porzingis looked unstoppable against the Houston Rockets, but Houston also didn’t play any big men the entire game due to various injuries. Seth Curry has filled in nicely as a starter, but even with his recent contributions, a lineup of Young, Collins, Hunter, Reddish, and Huerter could provide some serious problems.

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