Nick Angstadt and Isaac Harris here, the hosts 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.
Late-Game Possessions Kill Mavs in Denver
Nov 10, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) awaits to come into second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.|Ron Chenoy/Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Dallas Mavericks faced another heart-wrenching defeat against the Denver Nuggets, losing 122-120. This game highlighted ongoing issues with late-game execution. The Mavericks now stand at 1-4 in clutch games, a statistic that underscores the need for better decision-making in critical moments.
Late-Game Execution Woes
In the final minutes, the Mavericks held a slim lead, yet faltered due to questionable decisions. With 1:39 left, Luka Dončić opted for a deep three-pointer instead of a more strategic play, a choice that seemed to reflect a lack of confidence. This decision allowed Nikola Jokić to capitalize on the other end, tying the game and setting the stage for the Nuggets’ victory. The absence of structured offensive sets in these crucial moments was glaring. Unlike Denver, which showcased effective ball movement, the Mavericks relied heavily on isolation plays. While Dončić and Kyrie Irving are exceptional in one-on-one situations, this approach proved ineffective against a well-organized Nuggets defense.
Kyrie Irving’s Stellar Performance
Despite the loss, Irving’s performance was a bright spot. Scoring 43 points, he demonstrated his offensive prowess and ability to take over games. His shooting efficiency was remarkable, hitting 17 of 22 from the field. Irving’s ability to create space and make difficult shots was on full display, reminding fans of his elite status. However, the Mavericks’ reliance on Irving’s individual brilliance highlights a broader issue: the need for a more cohesive team strategy. While Irving’s heroics kept the Mavericks competitive, the lack of support from other players, particularly in three-point shooting, was evident. The team shot poorly from beyond the arc, a trend that has plagued them throughout the season.
The Need for Strategic Adjustments
The Mavericks’ struggles are not solely due to player performance. Coaching decisions, particularly in terms of rotations and play-calling, have come under scrutiny. The absence of Quentin Grimes in defensive matchups against key opponents like Jamal Murray raises questions about the team’s strategic approach. Additionally, the Mavericks’ offensive strategy needs refinement. While isolation plays are a strength, incorporating more ball movement and set plays could enhance their effectiveness in clutch situations. The team’s current approach often plays into the hands of opponents, as seen in the game against Denver.
The Mavericks’ season is still young, and there is ample time to address these issues. With players like Irving performing at a high level, the potential for success is there. However, it will require a concerted effort from both the players and coaching staff to make the necessary adjustments.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Mavericks’ strategies and performances, tune into the Locked On Mavericks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Mavericks Podcast:
- Analysis of Luka Dončić's role and performance this season
- The impact of injuries on the Mavericks’ lineup
- Coaching strategies and their effectiveness
- A look at upcoming games and what to expect
- Player development and potential rotation changes
37 points, 18 rebounds, 15 assists. The first NBA player to reach these numbers in a game, and Nikola Jokic did it on a Sunday night in Denver, snowy pockets of flurries settling over the city. I wish I’d been collecting these stat lines all along, or had thought to make a note on the calendar when they happened. I’d like to see if there’s a pattern, though I’ve got a hunch that the dates would come to mean less than what the volume of them proves: in Jokic’s hands, the unprecedented becomes routine.
It starts with his skill, we know this. But let’s zero in on how he carries himself around the floor, how he moves. Jokic lopes, jogs, shuffles, occasionally bops, tends to move laterally more than he does in a direct line. It all serves to create an illusion that he’s slow and behind the pace. It’s why so many have a difficult time categorizing what it is he’s doing — he doesn’t work the way a basketball player does, tends to be the refrain. It’s because he looks, most of the time, relaxed
He can also appear pressed, like there’s someplace else he’d rather be. This is not the kind of approach we like to see from our stars. If they don’t look dialled in, if it doesn’t look strenuous at least some of the time, we tend to distrust their effort and skill. But Jokic’s arduousness is some of my favourite in the league, because it presents at our expense. And indeed, it must be exhausting to prove nearly every night that you can manipulate the game at every level.
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.
Analysis Check out these five key numbers from the Mavericks’ narrow 122-120 loss to the Denver Nuggets. It’s a deep dive into what went right and wrong. (Mavs Moneyball) [Nov 10, 2024]
Hired Mark Cuban reflects on how Nico Harrison’s hire has positively shaped the Mavericks, emphasizing the importance of building relationships. (Dallas News) [Nov 10, 2024]
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Chet Holmgren’s Injury: What It Means for the Thunder and Fantasy Basketball Managers
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) holds his leg after a hard following a play against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter at Paycom Center.|Photo by Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Chet Holmgren’s Injury: What It Means for the Thunder and Fantasy Managers
Sunday’s NBA action took a concerning turn for the Oklahoma City Thunder as Chet Holmgren, their promising young centre, suffered a hip injury just five minutes into the game against the Golden State Warriors. This incident has left both the team and fantasy managers in a state of uncertainty, as Holmgren’s presence on the court has been pivotal.
The Impact of Holmgren’s Injury
Holmgren’s injury occurred during an attempt to contest a dunk, resulting in a hard fall that left him limping off the court. The Thunder have since reported it as a hip injury, but the full extent and severity remain unclear. Given Holmgren’s importance to the Thunder’s lineup, any absence could significantly impact their performance, especially considering their current lack of depth at the centre position.
Potential Replacements and Adjustments
In the wake of Holmgren’s injury, the Thunder may need to rely on a smaller lineup, as they did against the Warriors. This could mean increased minutes for players like Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace, who might see more court time and opportunities to contribute. In deeper leagues, Ousmane Dieng could also be considered for a temporary boost, though none are likely to replicate Holmgren’s production. Fantasy managers might consider these short-term pickups, but it’s crucial to temper expectations, as the Thunder’s rotation could remain fluid.
Join Nick Angstadt and Slightly Biased as they break down the game, discussing key players like Dereck Lively II, PJ Washington, and Naji Marshall. The episode also touches on the challenges faced by the Pelicans, who were missing several key players. Tune in to hear insights on the Mavs’ strategy and how they can maintain their momentum in upcoming games.
The Dallas Mavericks secured a significant victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, showcasing their potential even without Luka Doncic. This episode explores the dynamics of the Mavs’ gameplay, focusing on key players like Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and the overall NBA landscape.
Join Nick Angstadt and his co-host as they break down the game, discussing the impact of players like Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, and Naji Marshall. The episode delves into the strategies that led to the Mavs’ success and highlights the challenges faced the Thunder. Tune in to hear insights on how the Dallas Mavericks managed to pull off this impressive win.
