5 things we've learned about the Dallas Mavericks so far in 2024-25 NBA season
Coming off an NBA Finals run in the 2023-24 season, the Dallas Mavericks have kicked off their 2024-25 season with a 3-1 record. The Mavericks made various changes to their roster in the offseason, and while they are still building on their on-court chemistry, here's a list of what we've learned about the team so far.
5 things we've learned about the Dallas Mavericks so far in 2024-25 NBA season
#1 Doncic and Irving continue to be big-time finishers
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving picked up right from where they left off in the previous season as they continue to be big-time finishers for the Dallas Mavericks. The duo is arguably the best backcourt in the NBA and is amping up its output when the game is on the line.
Having had a terrific run in the last season together, it seems the duo is determined to match or outdo themselves this year.
#2 Klay Thompson's impact
While Klay Thompson is no longer the superstar he was during the prime of his career, he's proving to be an efficient third option for the Mavericks, behind Irving and Doncic.
The four-time NBA champion had a spectacular debut for the Mavs and seems to be connecting well with the team, averaging 16.5 points while shooting 45.1% from the field, including 42.5% from deep. Thompson's availability has undoubtedly bolstered the Mavs' offense and helped in taking some load off Doncic and Irving.
#3 Statement win against conference finals opponents
Despite going back-to-back to face their last season's conference finals opponent, the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 120-114 on the road on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves had three days to recuperate after their previous game.
The statement victory reassured Mavs fans that the team may be as good, if not better, compared to the previous season.
#4 Spencer Dinwiddie proves he can be a great spark plug
After parting ways with Spencer Dinwiddie in 2022, the Dallas Mavericks acquired the veteran guard for the season. While Dinwiddie couldn't get going early, he is proving to provide a spark off the bench.
During the Mavs matchup against the Utah Jaz on Monday, Dinwiddie dropped 11 points in the third quarter alone to help the team take the game over. Dinwiddie's performance against the Jazz eased a bit of Dallas' concern about its bench scoring.
#5 Improvement on the defensive end
One of Dallas' primary concerns in the 2023-24 season was its defense. Last season, the Mavericks ranked 19th in the league in defensive field goal percentage, allowing 47.5% shooting from opponents.
Comparatively, following the first four games of the 2024-25 season, the Mavs have improved to 10th in the league, holding opponents to 44.2% shooting. A big reason for the improvement may be the addition of elite defender Naji Marshall to their lineup following their parting with Derrick Jones Jr.
While it is still early to draw a conclusion, the stat is promising for the team as it works on its defensive concerns.