The Dallas Mavericks are at a crossroads halfway through the NBA season. After a tough loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, marred by a controversial non-call, it’s time to assess where the team stands and what lies ahead.
The NBA’s Last Two-Minute Report confirmed what Mavs fans already knew – the block by Trey Murphy on Spencer Dinwiddie’s shot should have been called a goaltend. While this validation doesn’t change the outcome, it adds to the frustration of a season plagued by injuries and close losses.
Despite the setbacks, there’s reason for optimism. The Mavericks’ core players – Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively, and PJ Washington – are not out for the season. This is crucial, as these four are the pillars around which the team’s success is built. The vibes within the team remain positive, with no reports of internal strife or discontent.
Looking at the Western Conference, outside of the Oklahoma City Thunder, no team seems particularly intimidating. If the Mavericks can get healthy, they have a legitimate shot at making noise in the playoffs.
It’s important to remember that this team is built around Luka Doncic’s unique talents. The supporting cast was assembled to complement his heliocentric style of play. When Doncic and Irving are out, it’s unfair to expect role players to suddenly become primary playmakers and scorers.
As we enter the second half of the season, I’m in a “hold” pattern with my expectations for the Mavericks. I’m not folding on this team’s potential, but I’m also not going all-in on championship predictions. The key will be getting healthy and finding rhythm before the playoffs.
The Mavericks have a tough test coming up against the red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder. How they perform in this game could be a good indicator of where they stand among the West’s elite.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Mavericks’ midseason outlook, tune into the Locked On Mavericks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Mavericks Podcast:
• Analysis of the NBA’s Last Two-Minute Report system
• Comparison of the Mavericks’ supporting cast to other contenders
• Discussion on Jason Kidd’s coaching strengths and weaknesses
