Is the Dallas Mavericks recent success the real deal or Fool’s Gold?

The Dallas Mavericks have one of the best records to start the calendar year. Since January 1st the Mavs have gone 23-8 and only trail the Phoenix Suns for the best record in 2022.

Some of their losses include defeats to teams such as the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz. However two of those deficits came against the New York Knicks. Look back to the game on March 9th this week and you can see the team suffered an embarrassing 30 point loss to the Knicks.

So the question remains:

Is the Dallas Mavericks success in 2022 the real deal?

Over the past ten game’s the team has gone 7-3. Some key wins included victories against the #1 Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors (twice) and Utah Jazz. All three teams were healthy for the most part and I can not see a reason why those wouldn’t be considered real wins.

Contrast that to the Mavs’ past three loses and not everything adds up.

Two of their struggles were loses by five points or less. Back on February 12 the team fell to the Los Angeles Clippers by two and on February 25th they lost to the Jazz by five.

However, the one lost that stands out is the recent 30 points deficit to the Knicks.

Could this actually mean something?

Honestly if you look at the schedule, the team has struggled mightily against New York this season.

The only other time Dallas played the Knicks was on January 12. The Mavs lost that game 108 to 85. This also was a lopsided affair, as the team struggled to contain the trio of RJ Barrett, Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson. Not to mention the Mavs made 21 percent of their field goals.

Fast forward to two nights ago and the same trend took place. The three Knicks players listed above put on another show against Dallas. It also does not help when the team only makes 31 percent of their shots.

Honestly I think the poor shooting and variety of big men become a lot for Luka Doncic and friends to handle.

Contrast this lost to the other wins and this is just one team that has Jason Kidd’s number.

I still believe Dallas is on the right path and has a real chance and making a small playoff run.

Now don’t get me wrong, I do think the two Knicks games have exposed the team in key areas. For example on Wednesday’s games the Mavericks were out rebounded by 18 and knocked in 13 percent on their threes.

The lack of a big man down low and missing an extra shooter like Tim Hardaway Jr are just some of the areas Dallas must address.

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There is 16 games left for the Dallas Mavericks. It is too early to let two of the team’s eight loses this 2022 year define their identity as a whole.

One set back is always followed up with a big comeback.