Dallas Mavericks establish themselves as dark horse contenders

The Dallas Mavericks will be back in the NBA playoffs this year after a disappointing start last season with Kyrie Irving in the team. In hindsight, the 2022-23 Mavericks will not only be strategizing for a more competitive run next year, but also value rookie big man Derrick Lively II. Wisely ended the season by retaining their first-round draft pick.

This year's Mavericks showed clear improvement from the jump, as evidenced by the team's 9-3 start, but the team's identity for the first half of the season remained largely the same. While Dallas was often buoyed by the offensive heroics of Irving and MVP candidate Luka Doncic, it got inconsistent contributions from most of the team's role players.

Until mid-January, the Mavericks' average play looked like the team was poised to do more of the same. Despite boasting one of the most explosive backcourts in the league, Dallas' offense could not overcome the team's lack of consistency or defense. Forward Grant Williams, the Mavericks' most valuable offseason addition, did little to address either of these issues in his short tenure.

It was clear at this point that the franchise needed to rebuild itself around its star, establish an inside presence on both sides of the ball, and add a versatile contributor who could offer more than Williams. Ta. Doncic's sixth season as head coach was another disappointing season, but the Mavericks responded after the All-Star break with perhaps the biggest internal improvement of any team.

Mavericks' hot second half looked justified.

Dallas posted an 18-9 record after the All-Star break.

The Mavericks looked like a team destined to make the play-in tournament midway through this season, but surrounding the team's star players with valuable, consistent contributors that would transform them from a mediocre team to a true postseason threat. was struggling again.

Dallas made minimal improvements in the offseason, including bringing Dante Exum back to the NBA and providing the team's playmakers with legitimate lob threats in Lively II and Derrick Jones Jr., but these three All of the players have achieved success without having the ball in their hands often. A must-have for playing alongside Irving and Doncic.

However, it became clear that signing Williams was having a negative impact on the Mavericks on and off the court. Despite earning a reputation as a defensive nuisance during his time with the Boston Celtics, the 25-year-old struggled in a starting role and performed as one of the team's worst defenders.

Dallas knew changes were still needed to avoid missing the postseason for the second year in a row. As a result, an argument could be made that the turning point in Dallas' season came at this year's trade deadline, February 8th. The Mavericks moved on from Williams and acquired Charlotte Hornets forward P.J. Washington to fill the role, and had one of the league's busiest days. Dallas also acquired center Daniel Gafford, bringing vertical athleticism to a roster that was largely lacking in that department.

The Mavericks really started to take off after these acquisitions, even though Washington's shots didn't fall after changing teams. Gafford shot an incredible 78 percent from the field in his brief stint with Dallas thus far, setting a remarkable record for consecutive field goals made with 29. With a slightly more offensive repertoire than Lively II, Gafford proved to be a dream fit as Dallas' starting center.

But what the Mavericks' second-half performance has made them a real playoff threat is their newfound defensive identity. Washington and Gafford proved to be solid defenders, while Exum and Jones Jr. lived up to their reputations as perimeter stoppers. Together, these first-year Mavericks were able to transform the team's defense from one of the worst units in the league to an above-average defense.

The Mavericks, who are on track to win 50 games, up 12 games from last year, have proven they not only have a strong offense led by two of the league's biggest stars, but also a defensive line that can get some key stops. With a familiar postseason foe looming, Dallas will need to embrace a newfound balance moving forward.

Is third time the charm in Dallas?

The Mavericks will face the Los Angeles Clippers for the third time in five seasons.

In what will be the biggest postseason of many players' careers, the Mavericks will once again face the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

Although the Clippers have won their last two games, the rest of the playoffs haven't been smooth sailing for Los Angeles, which has undergone some restructuring this summer. The franchise has yet to reach its elusive first NBA Finals after appearing in the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 2021.

These teams' recent playoff struggles culminate in their third matchup, with both franchises featuring more talented and cohesive squads than their previous matchup. Already poised to be one of the most competitive playoff series in the league as a No. 4 seed vs. No. 5 seed matchup, the Mavericks are especially primed to defeat the Clippers, who have never faced Irving's team in the playoffs. will get a chance.

All-Stars Paul George, James Harden and Russell Westbrook have yet to win a championship, providing an interesting perspective on this series as they enter the twilight of their careers. Meanwhile, Doncic has accomplished more in six seasons than most players do in their careers, but the perennial MVP candidate is also chasing his first ring.

With an improved scheme and supporting cast, Doncic has a unique opportunity to advance in a crowded Western Conference while eliminating a lineup of future Hall of Famers. Now is the time for both franchises, but the Mavericks have the best players in the series. And more importantly, a roster is being built to win.

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