This series breaks down the Dallas Mavericks performance this season in eight chapters, with analysis at the end of each section. The chapters will be broken down in eight ranges of games. It helps break down the 82-game season into chapters. For example, you would like to see Mavs get a minimum of six wins in each chapter, which would ultimately lead to a minimum of 48 wins for the season.
- Chapter One (Games 1-10): 5-5 record, 4-3 at home, 1-2 on the road
- Chapter Two (Games 11-20) 7-3 record, 3-0 at home, 4-3 on the road
- Chapter Three (Games 21-30): TBD
- Chapter Four (Games 31-40): TBD
- Chapter Five (Games 41-50): TBD
- Chapter Six (Games 51-60): TBD
- Chapter Seven (Games 61-70): TBD
- Chapter Eight (Games 71-82): TBD
The Mavericks bounced back in their second stretch of games and look to sustain the recent production. Mavs are 12-8 overall, 7-1 in their last eight games. Luka Dončić has missed six of the last 10 games due to injury and his teammates have rised to the occasion in his absence as they recorded five wins in that timeframe. The three key areas Mavs found success in the second chapter of games are the role players stepping up, an uptick in energy and Kyrie Irving’s consistent production.
Role players stepping up
PJ Washington has made his mark as the glue guy for the Mavericks since he has arrived in Dallas. His ability to defend, tenacious desire to go after rebounds and the forward’s ability to score in the paint while improving his three point shot since returning from a knee injury. Washington’s rebounding has been a key improvement this season, helping Mavs control the boards and create second chance points. Washington is averaging 2.7 more rebounds this season, compared to last season with Mavericks. Washington has recorded a double-double in his last five games. His five-game streak with a double-double is a career-best for Washington. Washington has averaged 17.8 points (50 FG% 46.7 3PT%), 10.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists in those games.
Naji Marshall is another forward who has made an impact for the Mavericks. Marshall is settling into his role for the team, finding his rhythm as a playmaker and defensive anchor on this team. After a slow start to the season while adjusting to his new environment, Marshall, like Washington, has quickly become a scorer in the paint and beyond the arc while being another key ball handler setting up the Mavs offense. Marshall has averaged 16.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in the last 10 games. He is gradually becoming a fan favorite and important piece to the Mavs rotation.
Quentin Grimes is making the most of his increased playing time. In the second chapter of games, Grimes averaged 12.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 27.1 minutes per game. The first chapter of games, Grimes averaged 3.3 points, 2.1 rebounds and 0.4 steals in 12 minutes per game. The trust shown in him by his teammates and coaching staff has grown over the season. With more minutes on the court, Grimes has been able to showcase his ability to defend and reliable shooting. His confidence is growing as he has been aggressive shooting the ball, taking 5.6 more shot attempts each contest during the second chapter of games. Grimes has averaged 14.2 points (50 FG%, 45.5 3PT%), 5.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists in the last six games and has secured his spot in the Mavs rotation.
Daniel Gafford’s transition to the bench has been a seamless move for the Mavs big man. Gafford has provided an aggressive mentality each game with his rebounding, efficient scoring points in the paint and creating second chance points. Gafford has been a key in the resurgence of bench points. If he can sustain his production over the course of the season, he could find himself in contention for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, he is holding himself accountable on being aggressive and providing the team with energy. Gafford has averaged 12.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in seven games off the bench this season.
Spencer Dinwiddie has played a part in the team’s recent success as well, he is due for his flowers. In the last three games, Dinwiddie has averaged 16.7 points (51.6 FG%, 50.0 3PT%), 7.7 assists and 2.7 rebounds. He has provided additional playmaking and the ability to make tough shots to increase leads.
Energy
The energy level has dramatically changed for the Mavs in the last 10 games. Compared to the start of the season. In the last 10 games, the Mavs have increased their energy output on the court as they are ranked sixth in rebounds, seventh in blocks, third in second chance points and 16th in steals. In comparison to the first 10 games, where the Mavs ranked 12th in rebounds, 23rd in blocks, 13th in second chance points and 18th in steals. The team held a team meeting after the disappointing loss to the Utah Jazz on November 14th and it aligns to the turn of events in effort displayed on the court. The Mavs appeared flat at times to begin the season, but since that meeting, the team has shown a persistent, physical Dallas squad.
Prior to November 15th
- 5-7
- Net Rating: 11th
- Rebounds: 21st
- Steals: 18th
- Blocks: 20th
- Second Chance Points: 19th
Since November 15th
- 7-1
- Net Rating: 2nd
- Rebounds: 2nd
- Steals: 14th
- Blocks: 6th
- Second Chance Points: 2nd
Washington and Gafford have both acknowledged the team woes to start the season and have vowed to make a difference, which they have been two key factors in the positive change.
Kyrie Irving’s Consistency
Irving has averaged 23.9 points (46.8 FG%, 39.7 3PT%), 6.4 assists and 4.9 rebounds in the Mavs last 10 games, playing in nine games. Irving’s leadership and consistent production has led the Mavs recent success in Dončić’s absence, who has missed the last five games due to a wrist sprain. With Dončić out, Irving has set the tone for the team with his efficent scoring, creating for others and rebounding. Irving’s leadership has been crucial for this team as well by helping teammates when mistakes are made, staying calm under pressure moments, being a mentor and sharing knowledge to the younger players on the team. Irving is a key to the recent success as the Mavs climb up the Western Conference standings.
Team Stats
Through the first 20 games, here are the Mavs rankings below.
- Net Rating: 6th
- Offensive Rating: 5th
- Defensive Rating: 7th
- Points: 7th
- Rebounds: 8th
- Assists: 15th
- Steals: 18th
- Blocks: 11th
- Second Chance Points: 6th
- Points in the Paint: 4th
Mavs have a prime opportunity to keep climbing up the standings with the next four games on their schedule. They play the Portland Trail Blazers on the second night of a back-to-back, which Dončić is expected to make his return. Mavs fly back home to take on the Memphis Grizzlies, with a chance to advance in the NBA Cup Knockout Rounds in Las Vegas. Then finish on the road against the Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors. Mavericks currently sit 3.5 games behind the first seed Oklahoma City Thunder and 2.0 games behind second seed Houston Rockets.
In order for the Mavericks to succeed in the next chapter of games, Dončić and Klay Thompson will have to find him rhythm shooting the ball, Kyrie to sustain his consistency and role players continuing to be aggressive offensively when healthy.