The Dallas Mavericks have ignited the 2023-24 NBA season with a fervor that's turning heads across the league. After a bitter taste from last year's letdown, Luka Doncic and the Mavs are off to a solid 16-9 start, securing the third spot in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.
Luka Doncic is the maestro orchestrating this symphony of success, playing at a level even he hasn't reached before. Averaging a career-high 32.7 points per game with newfound efficiency, his recent 40-point triple-double against Portland showcased a dazzling array of skills. From dribble-jumper 3s to midrange floaters, Doncic is leaving defenders in the dust, making an astonishing 82.1 percent of unassisted shots in the restricted area.
Doncic's transformation isn't just about his on-court prowess. He's invested in his physical well-being, hiring a nutritionist and a physical therapist in the offseason. The result? A rejuvenated Doncic, exhibiting a springier step that enhances his game on both ends of the court. And yet with a career-best 37.9 percent from beyond the arc, defenders still can't afford to ignore his lethal deep-range scoring ability.
Adding to the Mavericks' arsenal is the resurgent Kyrie Irving. Despite a previous season marred by trade requests, Irving is now a force to be reckoned with, averaging 23.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. Shooting with precision - 47.1% from the field, 38.4% from downtown, and an impressive 90.3% from the free-throw line - Irving's impact on the team this season has been undeniable.
The Mavericks' front office made a savvy move by re-signing Irving to a three-year, $126 million contract, and the payoff is evident. With its last championship over a decade ago in 2011, Dallas is shaping up as a legitimate title contender.
At the time of writing, most legal betting sites sites which offer future bets have given the Mavs the eighth-highest odds of winning the championship (+2500). This is behind only the Celtics, Bucks, Nuggets, Suns, 76ers, Clippers and Lakers, the latter of which they’ve already defeated twice this season.
But it's not just the Doncic-Irving show. The addition of rookie center Dereck Lively II has given the team a dominant lob threat. Lively's rim-running skills and backline defense are crucial, making the Mavericks over 10 points better when he's on the court.
The supporting cast is also stepping up. Derrick Jones Jr., Grant Williams, and Dante Exum, acquired in the offseason, are proving their worth. Jones Jr. has become a 3-and-D asset, Williams provides spacing with over 40% shooting from downtown, and Exum leads the team in plus/minus, elevating the Mavericks by a staggering 20.6 points per game.
Despite preseason doubters, Dallas has already far surpassed expectations. The Doncic-Irving partnership is flourishing, role players are delivering, and there's still room for improvement from emerging talents like Lively II and Exum. As second-year player Jaden Hardy continues to develop, the Mavericks are poised for a deep playoff run and, come April, might just be contenders for the NBA title.
Keep a close eye on Dallas; they're on the verge of something special.
