February was a great month for the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs started the month 0-1, but have won seven straight games since then. The team's only loss this month was against the Milwaukee Bucks, where Kyrie Irving did not play.
Since February 5, the Mavs have defeated competing teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns. During the winning streak, Dallas has won all but one game (against Washington) by double digits.
Rookies PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford are the difference-makers for the team. The new Mavs acquired him at the trade deadline and he has become an integral part of their defense. For example, Washington grabbed five or more rebounds in every game he played with the Mavericks, most of them on the defensive end. Washington isn't afraid to put his body on the line defending the post and is also a good perimeter defender, making him a big presence down low.
Gafford, on the other hand, can do a mix of everything. He appeared in four games with the team, averaging 12.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and two blocks per game. Gafford also shot 54.9 percent from the field.
But they're not the only Mavs making a difference. All-Stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving also play their roles. During the team's winning streak, Doncic is averaging 31.3 points, 10 rebounds and 9.4 assists, nearing a triple-double. Needless to say, he took his defense to the next level.
As for Irving, he continues to put out fires. He made 46 percent of his 3-point attempts during the team's winning streak.
So, now that the team is firing on all cylinders, could this be their year? I mean, it's possible, right?
Let's take a closer look at why the Mavs are legitimate title contenders.
Josh Green's progression and improvement is one of the reasons the Dallas Mavericks have taken off this season. The fourth-year guard showed he can take his game to the next level.
One thing that worked well for Green was pairing him next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The Mavs' guard is a valuable offensive addition to the team, as he uses his quickness to attack the rim. Not to mention, he was also the team's deadly shooter.
Green is averaging nine points per game and shooting 49 percent from the field this season. His 3-point game has also improved, knocking down 41.8 percent of his attempts (a career high). He showed off his improved shooting Thursday against the Phoenix Suns, making 60 percent of his 3-point attempts and 42.9 percent of his shots.
His defense was also important during the team's winning streak. Green is averaging 1.3 steals per game in February. He has recorded two or more steals in three of the past four games.
If Green can continue to improve each season, he could be an important piece come playoff time.
We all know what Doncic and Irving are capable of, but what about Green? Could he be the team's X-factor in the postseason?
