Nick Angstadt here, the host of the daily Locked On Mavericks podcast, with your daily Locked On Mavericks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Mavericks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Dallas Mavericks: A Surprising Defensive Powerhouse?!
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) tries to steal the ball from Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the second half at American Airlines Center. |Kevin Jairaj/Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
As the Dallas Mavericks kick off their season, the team has already shown some unexpected strengths and areas for improvement. With just eight games in, the Mavericks have demonstrated a surprising defensive prowess, ranking third in the NBA with a defensive rating of 106.2. This defensive strength is a continuation from last season, where they ended as one of the top defensive teams, a key factor in their journey to the NBA Finals.
Offensive Challenges and Defensive Strengths
Despite the defensive success, the Mavericks’ offense has been less impressive, sitting at an average 15th in the league with a 114.2 offensive rating. The offense, led by stars Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson, hasn’t yet reached its full potential. The trio’s offensive rating stands at 117.4, which, while good, falls short of the explosive numbers expected from such a talented lineup.
One of the main issues is the lack of wide-open three-point opportunities. Currently, the Mavericks rank 28th in the NBA for generating these shots, a significant drop from previous seasons. This decline is partly due to opposing teams’ strategies, which focus on limiting open shots and forcing Doncic to take on defenders one-on-one. As a result, Doncic’s passing out of drives has decreased, impacting the team’s ability to create open looks.
Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities
Looking ahead, the Mavericks face a challenging schedule with games against top teams like the Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, and Golden State Warriors. These matchups will test the Mavericks’ ability to maintain their defensive intensity while finding ways to enhance their offensive output. The team has shown they can handle business against less formidable opponents, but these upcoming games will be crucial in assessing their true potential.
The Mavericks are also attempting to play at a faster pace, ranking 11th in the league for pace and third for transition frequency. However, they have yet to fully capitalize on this strategy, often struggling to find rhythm in transition. Chemistry and lineup adjustments will be key as they continue to refine their approach.
Derek Lively’s role in the team’s success cannot be overstated. His presence on the court significantly boosts the Mavericks’ performance, making him an essential part of their defensive strategy. As the season progresses, his development and health will be critical factors in the team’s overall success.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Mavericks’ season, tune into the Locked On Mavericks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Mavericks Podcast:
- The impact of Luka Doncic’s early-season performance
- Kyrie Irving’s role and lineup challenges
- The significance of Klay Thompson’s integration into the team
- Upcoming matchups and what they mean for the Mavericks’ season
- Analysis of the Mavericks’ pace and transition game
The Nuggets did it (Nikola Jokic did it), the Warriors did it (the death lineup and defensive efficiency), the Celtics did it (switching one through five, pre-switching, neutralizing open lanes), and now the Thunder are doing it.
It’s been described as pestering, smothering, swarming, but I‘d like to put “car wash” into consideration. That’s the set up awaiting opponents. The car (the opposing team) gets locked into those self-driving tracks and the gauntlet begins. Lu Dort and Alex Caruso appear as those cylindrical spinning brushes, stripping the ball outright and early or else funnelling players into the next wave of guards. Pressure continues from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaylen Williams but it becomes more targeted, thinking of the jet streams of water now being directed at the car from every angle — and those spinning whirlwinds of Caruso and Dort haven’t relented.
If, somehow, an opposing player finds a sliver of daylight in the so-small-its-micro-ball switching scheme the Thunder are playing, if they manage to get out from the many hands reaching in, pressuring, forcing turnovers, then they will meet Chet Holmgren at the rim. Holmgren is like those long, slapping shammy tentacles that come down on the hood, sides and roof of the car from every angle, though his reach and hands are much more expertly deployed. The Thunder have a defensive rating of 96.5 (for context the Warriors, at second best, seem light-years behind with a respectable 103.8) and lead the league in steals (13.4) and blocks (7.3). The cars are coming out spotless, utterly worked.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Watch Defense wins games? Here’s an insightful breakdown of OKC’s defensive schemes. (Thinking Basketball)
Must Read The Influence of Sedona Price: Take a fascinating look at the domino effect of NIL on college athletics, women’s sports, social media and athlete health. (The New Yorker)
Preview The Mavericks face the Suns with key players out. Dallas’s depth will be tested in an early season matchup. (Mavs Moneyball)
Fantasy Basketball Impact of Miles Bridges’ Injury
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) holds his knee after a collision at the basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Spectrum Center.|Photo by Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
With only three games on Thursday, there was ample time to delve into the latest injury news and its implications for fantasy managers.
Injury Updates and Their Impact
Miles Bridges’ knee injury is a significant concern. After initially returning to play, he’s now sidelined for at least two weeks with a knee bone bruise. This situation opens up opportunities for other players. With Nick Richards and Mark Williams also out, Taj Gibson steps in as the starting centre. Grant Williams, who has been getting centre minutes, will likely shift to playing more at the four, alongside Tidjane Salaun. This reshuffling could push Williams into a more prominent role, making him a potential pick-up in 12-team leagues.
The absence of Bridges also means increased usage for Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball. Tre Mann is another player to watch; holding onto him could be beneficial as the team adjusts to these injuries.
Ja Morant’s hamstring injury is another blow, with expectations of a two-week absence. Memphis’ injury reporting is notoriously vague, so fantasy managers should prepare for an extended period without Morant. Tyrese Maxey’s situation is similar, with the Sixers indicating a reevaluation in a week, but realistically, it could be longer. Kyle Lowry is a suitable replacement in the meantime.
The Dallas Mavericks secured a victory against the Chicago Bulls, showcasing a strong defensive performance and early offensive contributions from Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. The Mavs, led by their star duo, demonstrated why they are a force in the NBA, with notable performances from players like Klay Thompson. Fans of the Dallas Mavericks, Mavs, Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and the NBA won’t want to miss this breakdown of the game.
Nick Angstadt & Slightly Biased discuss the defensive challenges faced by the Mavs, the impact of Lively’s injury, and the performances of players like Naji Marshall and P.J. Washington. The episode also touches on the contributions of Quentin Grimes and Daniel Gafford, providing a comprehensive analysis of the team’s current state.
Join hosts Nick Angstadt and Isaac Harris, along with guest Slightly Biased, as they break down the Mavs’ win and discuss the impact of players like Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. The conversation also touches on the absence of Paolo Banchero for the Magic and how the Mavs capitalized on this advantage. Tune in to hear insights on the Dallas Mavericks’ gameplay and what it means for their NBA season