The Mavericks are 3-1 in their last four games over the past two weeks. That period included the All-Star break, where Luka Doncic and Derek Lively showcased Dallas on a national stage. Dallas' 33-24 record puts them in eighth place in the West, but they were within the top five with half to go. Dante Exum has been sidelined for a long time, but there are hopes that he could return as early as this week.
Class A-
It's no exaggeration to say that Dallas is now a new team. It was a season in which expectations for 2019 were more bleak, but expectations have changed dramatically since the trade deadline. The Mavericks have looked like championship favorites and played like championship favorites. Over the last eight games, Dallas ranks second in record (7-1), fourth in defensive rating, fifth in offensive rating, and allows opponents to shoot just 44 percent from the field.
Luka Doncic is playing at an MVP level, and so is Kyrie Irving. Together, they are the highest scoring duo in the league, averaging a combined 60 points per game. Their offense is far superior to Dallas' and they only need an average defense to win games. The defense is well above average, and the Mavericks are doing well because of it.
Straight A: Create roster
If there was any doubt about Nico Harrison's perception of what the team needed, it was silenced. The team is almost perfectly constructed, and the identity of the roster has completely changed. Dallas is big, long, and athletic enough to keep up with even the highest flyers. The trade deadline was just what the doctor ordered, giving the Mavericks new life and new hopes of making the playoffs.
Currently Failing: Tim Hardaway Jr.
It can't be helped, Hardaway is in a major slump right now. It's nothing he hasn't experienced before, but it's highlighted in contrast to how well the rest of the team is playing. His defense was poor, his decision making was questionable and his jump shot was missed. He has shot 50 percent just once in his past 10 games and has yet to score 20 points in any game. Despite his struggles, he's worth playing because his shooting can change the course of a game. But it's baffling that Jason Kidd decided to play him to the end instead of Josh Green or Jaden Hardy, even though it's clearly hurting the team. If Dallas wants to get serious, Hardaway needs to get better or play less, but he can't continue to play as bad as he has.
Additional Credit: PJ Washington
Washington is a player Dallas has been missing for a long time. Not only is he big, athletic, and a good defender, he impacts the game even when his shot is off. He shot just 37 percent from the field as a Maverick, but he's been a starter and his impact has been felt. Despite not having much time to learn the offense and defense, Dallas finished +45 with him on the floor and lost only one game. Over time, he will get more comfortable and his shots will come back, but even if it takes time, he can still contribute and the Mavericks will continue to win the time he is on the floor. Dew.
