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.
How Kyrie Irving Dug Deep for a Dallas Win vs Atlanta
Nov 25, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Reporter Lesley McCaslin interviews Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) after a victory over the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Mavericks’ Grit and Kyrie Irving’s Heroics: A Night to Remember
Kyrie Irving’s Stellar Performance
The Dallas Mavericks showcased their resilience with a thrilling victory over the Atlanta Hawks, largely thanks to Kyrie Irving’s outstanding performance. Despite battling an illness, Irving demonstrated why he’s a pivotal player for the Mavericks. Initially, he struggled, shooting just 3 of 13 in the first half and scoring 10 points. However, the fourth quarter was a different story. Irving exploded with 16 points, hitting 6 of 8 from the field and 4 of 5 from beyond the arc. His ability to make clutch shots under pressure was instrumental in securing the win.
Irving’s performance was a testament to his skill and determination. Even when faced with a tough defender like Dyson Daniels, who has been exceptional this season, Irving found his rhythm. Once he saw a few shots drop, it was game over for the Hawks. His ability to take over a game and refuse to let the Mavericks lose is what makes him a star.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Irving was the closer, the Mavericks’ supporting cast played a crucial role in setting the stage for his heroics. Spencer Dinwiddie, Jaden Hardy, and Naji Marshall were instrumental in keeping the team competitive. Dinwiddie, in particular, was a standout, scoring 22 points and hitting crucial three-pointers in the third quarter to help the Mavericks regain momentum. His ability to catch fire and make key plays was vital in the team’s comeback.
Hardy, despite some turnovers, contributed significantly with 23 points. His aggressive drives and impressive finishes through contact were exactly what the Mavericks needed. Although his decision-making is still a work in progress, Hardy’s potential is evident, and his contributions were crucial in this game.
Marshall, with another 20-point game, was a key player in the first quarter, helping the Mavericks close the gap with a 10-0 run. His unorthodox style and ability to make plays when needed make him an invaluable asset to the team.
Jason Kidd’s Strategic Decisions
Head coach Jason Kidd made some bold decisions that paid off. With the team plagued by injuries and illnesses, Kidd had to rely on unconventional lineups. His decision to play a big lineup with Dinwiddie, Marshall, and others in the first quarter helped the Mavericks stay in the game. Kidd’s ability to adapt and make the right calls under pressure was a significant factor in the team’s success.
The Mavericks’ victory over the Hawks was a testament to their grit and determination. Irving’s heroics, combined with the contributions of the supporting cast and Kidd’s strategic decisions, showcased the team’s potential. For more insights and a deeper dive into the Mavericks’ performance, tune into the Locked On Mavericks podcast for this and much more.
Giannis Antetokounmpo improves on greatness, again
Giannis, Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez lead the way for the Bucks in 2024
Our modern relationship with the concept of greatness is a strange thing. Certainly in NBA basketball, but even more broadly, we like to hold greatness up to its lack. Less readily do we accept greatness at face value, or allow for greatness to simply stand on its own. It needs a backdrop of failure, and maybe because of that, it is failure we’ve become better at discussing. When greatness persists, or proves to have staying power, it feels almost dull. We want greatness to come with persistent conflict, and we want our greats to prove it, again and again.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a prime modern example.
Over the weekend, Antetokounmpo made history. He became the NBA athlete to record the most 30-point games in a decade, beating out the obvious candidates of Steph Curry and LeBron James. That’s over 262 games with 30-plus-points. So far this season, he’s been averaging 32.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, and shooting field goals at a 60.8% accurate clip. These numbers are staggering and yet, at a glance around discussion on the season, you’d think they were hum-drum.
Truth be told, conversation about the Bucks and Antetokounmpo seemed more engaged when both struggled early in the season. Those favourite, swirling questions of will-he-or-won’t-he be traded, or force a trade, rose with aplomb. A championship calibre team doing badly is always news, sure, but when its championship calibre superstar pushes through the struggles to virtually carry the team, we tend to turn our attention elsewhere.
Maybe it’s because the thing that’s given Antetokounmpo another gear this season — rediscovering the mid-range — is a part of the floor not as exciting as the three-point range teams like the Celtics are bombing from, but the bump has been drastic. Last season Antetokounmpo shot 35.1% from the mid-range and thus far this season he’s converting 47.8% of his mid-range attempts (of which he’s doubled, 2.4 to 4.3).
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
Biz The NBA’s broadcast setup is causing frustration among fans. The system, described as a “confused, convoluted mess”, is being criticized for its inefficiencies and complications. (Mavs Moneyball)
Analysis We’re almost at the quarter mark of the season. How are the Mavericks’ free agent additions working out so far? (Fansided)
Preview Emirates NBA Cup play continues this week — here’s what lies ahead for all teams. (NBA)
Roster Before the 2025 NBA Draft, get familiar with 10 international prospects. (ESPN)
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Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Monday’s Fantasy Basketball Recap - Hamstrings Strike In Orlando
Nov 23, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) shoots during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters/Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Monday’s NBA action brought a whirlwind of performances, injuries, and strategic moves that could significantly impact your fantasy basketball lineup. Here are the major takeaways from the day, focusing on what’s most relevant for fantasy managers.
Injury Updates and Player Returns
- Devin Vassell is expected back on Wednesday, which is great news for those who have been patient with his knee issues. Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson is out for Utah, creating opportunities for players like Colin Sexton and Isaiah Collier to step up. Keep an eye on Johnny Juzang as a potential deep-league add.
- Gary Harris suffered a hamstring injury, which could open up more minutes for Cole Anthony and Anthony Black. With Jalen Suggs also dealing with a hamstring issue, these players could see increased roles.
Waiver Wire Trends
- Moussa Diabate has become a hot commodity following Grant Williams’ injury. While Diabate’s scoring is limited, his defensive stats make him a valuable short-term add.
- Malcolm Brogdon is worth considering for streaming, though his long-term value remains uncertain. Similarly, Ty Jerome had a standout performance, but his shooting percentages are unlikely to be sustainable.
- Naji Marshall and T.J. McConnell are sensible additions given the current absences in their respective teams. McConnell, in particular, could provide solid assists and steals with several key players out.
The Dallas Mavericks faced a tough loss against the Miami Heat, highlighting late-game errors and missed opportunities. Despite strong performances from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavs couldn’t secure the win, with key moments involving Klay Thompson and other players impacting the game’s outcome. This episode dives into the reasons behind the loss and what the Dallas Mavericks can learn moving forward in the NBA season.
The Dallas Mavericks secured a thrilling victory against the Denver Nuggets, showcasing their resilience even without Luka Doncic. Despite a challenging third quarter, the Mavs, led by Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, managed to close out the game strong. Key performances from players like Dereck Lively II, Naji Marshall, and PJ Washington were instrumental in the win, highlighting the depth of the team.
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.
