Have the Dallas Mavericks finally found their X-Factor?

Don’t look now!! The Dallas Mavericks are finally rolling on all cylinders! Over the past six games, they have gone 5-1 and their only loss included a five point deficit to the 4th seed Utah Jazz. Some of the team’s recent victories include wins against the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors (twice).

Luka Doncic has been on a tear as he has been averaging 34 points. In five of the recent six he has also averaged a double double.

We all know that kid is something special, but could there be someone else stealing the show?

The Dallas Mavericks may have finally found their new X-Factor in a recent trade asset.

When Kristaps Porzingis was traded, it was near expected that guard Jalen Brunson would become the number two scoring option. While this may still be the case at times, there seems to be a new sheriff in town.

Recently acquired Spencer Dinwiddie has evolved into the team’s missing six man and one of the squad’s top scorers.

You see before the season started Jalen Brunson was the team’s six man, but  his recent resurgence allowed him to find a spot in the starting lineup.

Then came Tim Hardaway Jr. The injured guard came off the bench in 22 games and proved to be a productive at times. However some issues included his inconsistency and a dip within shooting numbers. In one season he went from hitting .447 percent of his shots to .394.

In comparison, Spencer Dinwiddie’s number have been going up since arriving in Dallas.

In his first two games with the Dallas Mavericks, the former Wizards guard scored four and eight points.

He would soon let his game do the talking and bring his real talents to D-Town.

On February 25th against the Jazz, Dinwiddie made 75 percent of his threes and dropped 20 points. Fast forward to two days later and he knocked in 24 points on 71.4 percent shooting. He was the main reason Dallas overcame a 21 point deficit Sunday night to beat the Golden State Warriors.

And he does not seem to be stopping anytime soon.

During the early month of March he is averaging 14 points on 45 percent shooting, while also moderating 9 assists. Oh and who can forget his 40 percent shooting numbers from three.

When playing for the Wizards he was scoring 16 points for every 40 minutes, contrast to his time with Dallas the veteran guard is knocking in 20 points.

If you remember the new Mav once averaged 20 points a game during the 2019-2020 season. I mean who could forget his miraculous playoff performance with the Brooklyn Nets.

Some of his highlights with the Dallas Mavericks include: creating his own shots, being an extra scorer and helping control the tempo on offense.

When it is all said and done Dinwiddie may not be in consideration for the six man award, however he is going to be a huge asset for the team come playoff time.

Now just imagine an effective/healthy Hardaway Jr. with Doncic and Dinwiddie.

• Published on 03/04/2022 at 13:12 PM
• Last updated at 03/04/2022 at 13:12 PM