Are the Dallas Mavericks a real threat in the playoffs?
By Ashton Nicks
After getting a bigger sample size of the Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving duo, are the Dallas Mavericks a real threat in the playoffs?
It’s no surprise that the Dallas Mavericks offense is firing on all cylinders. We were all excited to see what kind of numbers this team could put up with two bona fide superstars on the roster and Luka finally getting the help he needed.
Honestly, it would be hard to find anyone who can say that 10 games in, this duo doesn’t work together offensively. Since Kyrie joined the Dallas Mavericks last month they have averaged 122 points per game, a great scoring number in even today’s NBA. The problem is their record is a disappointing 4-6 in those 10 games.
Dallas Mavericks have not been considered a great defensive group all season. In the quest to improve their roster to championship contention, they traded away what little defense they had to land Kyrie Irving. In this same 10-game span with Kyrie, the Mavericks have allowed 120 points per game, one of the worst runs in the NBA.
Jason Kidd has gotten a lot of flack for the defensive effort. Kidd has even talked about the lack of defense and rebounding in past press conferences.
Last year Kidd was able to get Luka and the Mavs to step up their defensive effort against the Suns in the second round of the playoffs where they were able to come back down 2-0 to win the series in 7 games.
The Dallas Mavericks are currently in the playoff picture and are expected to remain there. However, their chances of making it past the first round remain uncertain. A lot will depend on how well they can perform against other playoff contenders in the Western Conference. The Mavericks have a strong roster and could be a genuine threat to make a deep run into the NBA Playoffs.
Many think that given their potential for offensive explosions, the Dallas Mavericks have the roster to beat just about anyone in a 7-game series. This would depend, however, on the Mavs not only staying healthy, but being able to play decent enough defense to hold big leads. Something that has proven difficult so far this season.
If they can clean up defense and rebounding, the Dallas Mavericks have a chance to make this a big year. However, as bad as it’s been for the Mavs to close out games, they haven’t lost a game by double digits since January 22nd, a 112-98 loss to the Clippers.
The West is wide open and a 4-game swing in the standings could move them up to the 3 spot or even throw them out of the playoffs.