Dallas Mavericks: 5 reasons why the Mavs still look like contenders

Even at 1-3 the Dallas Mavericks are showing signs of good things to come.

Dallas Mavericks are without their big man Kristaps Porzingis but they are still showing signs of great things to come. The addition of shoot guard Josh Richardson has been a success early in the regular season. It has only been three games but here are five good signs the Mavericks are going in the right direction.

5. Maxi Kleber is producing solid minutes for the Dallas Mavericks

Maxi Kleber has played 21.3 minutes in the first three games for the Dallas Mavericks. In those 21.3 minutes, the third year power forward is shooting 100% from the free throw line. Kleber is also averaging 6.7 points per game and 4.3 rebounds per game for the Mavericks.

The third year power forward is also shooting 36.4% from behind the three point line. Maxi Kleber is showing good things in the first three games of the 2020-2021 NBA Season. Dallas Mavericks could use more scoring from Kleber but for now the minutes he is recording will work.

4. Trey Burke is giving the Dallas Mavericks a boost off the bench

In the first three games of the 2020-2021 NBA Season, Trey Burke has logged 20.7 minutes per game. In those 20.7 minutes, Burke has averaged 9.4 points per game in the first three games. Trey Burke would have his best game so far against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Burke recorded 17 points and shot 57% from behind the three point line and shot 75% from the free throw line. Through three games Trey Burke has shot 60% from three and 52.6% from the field. Dallas Mavericks signed the guard over the off-season because of his contributions in the NBA Bubble. Burke is looking to show why it was a good idea for the Mavericks to sign him.

3. Tim Hardaway Jr. has been playing great basketball for Dallas

Tim Hardaway Jr. has recorded double-digit points in each of the first three games for the Dallas Mavericks. Hardaway Jr. would record his best game of the young 2020-2021 NBA Season in the Mavericks 50 point victory over the Clippers. Tim Hardaway Jr. would rack up 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals against the Los Angeles Clippers.

His performance was a key contribution to the Mavericks big first win of the season. Dallas Mavericks are hoping that this is a sign that this season will be a great one for Tim Hardaway Jr. Entering his ninth season in the NBA, Tim Hardaway Jr. has found a home in Dallas and if he keeps playing like this he will get the extension he wants.

2. Trading for Josh Richardson is looking like a good deal

Josh Richardson has averaged 16.7 points per game for the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Doncic and Josh Richardson seem to be building great chemistry on the court. Richardson is shooting 40% from behind the three point line.

Dallas Mavericks have been playing Josh Richardson on average 30 minutes a game and in those 30 minutes he has produced great numbers. He would play 27 minutes against the Los Angeles Clippers and would record 21 points. Dallas will need Richardson to cut back on the fouls that he commits. Richardson has committed 11 fouls in three games. Luka Doncic and Tim Hardaway Jr. need Josh Richardson out there for the Mavericks to win basketball games.

1. Luka Doncic is picking up where he left off

Luka Doncic is currently sixth in the NBA in points per game averaging 27.7 points per game. Doncic is the face of the Dallas Mavericks franchise and he carries that role with respect on and off the court. In the 2020-2021 NBA Season, Luka Doncic has flirted with a triple-double twice this season.

The second year guard has had 20 or more points in each of the first three games. Doncic will look to fight until Kristaps Porzingis returns. He is getting help from the Dallas Mavericks role players. Doncic is also working well with newly acquired guard Josh Richardson.

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If the Dallas Mavericks want to make a good run in the 2020-2021 NBA Season they will need Porzingis, Doncic and Richardson healthy.

Published on 12/31/2020 at 12:01 PM
Last updated at 12/31/2020 at 08:40 AM

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