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.
Unveiling the Hidden Potential of the Dallas Mavericks
Nov 25, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Despite a 10-8 record, there’s a palpable sense that this team is on the brink of greatness. The Mavericks have shown glimpses of their potential with significant wins against formidable opponents like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves. These victories are not just numbers on a scoreboard; they are indicators of a team ready to rise.
Signs of a Strong Team
One of the most compelling signs of the Mavericks’ potential is their ability to secure big wins. These victories mean more than the occasional frustrating loss. Winning on the road against top-tier teams, especially without key players like Luka Doncic, speaks volumes about the team’s depth and resilience. The Denver game, in particular, stood out as a testament to their determination, showcasing their ability to fight through adversity and emerge victorious.
The Mavericks have also demonstrated versatility in their gameplay. They’ve won games in various ways, whether it’s through Luka’s triple-doubles, Kyrie Irving’s fourth-quarter heroics, or the contributions of role players like Naji Marshall. This adaptability is crucial for a team aiming for consistency and success in the long run.
Luka Doncic: The Key to Unlocking Greatness
Luka Doncic remains the cornerstone of the Mavericks’ aspirations. Despite not playing at his peak yet this season, his potential to elevate the team is undeniable. Historically, Doncic has excelled as a pick-and-roll ball handler, and once he regains his form, the Mavericks’ offense will reach new heights. His frustration with his current performance is a sign of his high standards and the potential for growth.
Having a superstar like Doncic is essential for any team with championship ambitions. His presence alone gives the Mavericks a competitive edge, and his ability to perform in clutch moments is well-documented. With Doncic leading the charge, the Mavericks are poised to make a significant impact.
The Mavericks’ close losses also highlight their potential. With seven clutch losses, tied for the most in the NBA, these games have been decided by narrow margins. This indicates that the team is not far from turning these close contests into victories. The fact that they have only one double-digit loss further underscores their competitiveness.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Mavericks’ journey, tune into the Locked On Mavericks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Mavericks Podcast:
- The impact of Kyrie Irving’s performance on the team’s success
- Analysis of the Mavericks’ clutch game struggles
- The role of Naji Marshall and other role players in the team’s dynamics
- Upcoming challenges and opportunities for the Mavericks
- A look at the Mavericks’ roster depth and potential lineup changes
Nov 26, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) shoots the basketball over Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro/Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Here’s the thing, Scary Terry has hops. At 30-years-old and with a decade of play under his belt, Terry Rozier can cut like a knife, shake loose defenders, deflect, drive, and kick the ball out to the wing on a layup with the court vision still 20/20. He shoots, too. Tidy jumpers, deep and swooning corner threes, tricky little one-handed layups, fastbreak two-handed deliveries, Rozier runs through them like a personal rolodex.
Perhaps it’s a good reminder, for you as much as me, that age really doesn’t have anything to do with it. For one, despite what we’re led to believe by watching NBA basketball and listening to people talk about it, 30 isn’t old. Besides age, there’s a more important personal factor: whether an athlete keeps up. NBA basketball gets pushed in new directions every season as competitive teams break the mold and not yet competitive teams try to keep up.
Optimization is an unfortunate word in our modern and decidedly capitalist lexicon, but it’s what good athletes do. If there’s a skill to develop, they figure out what it is. Giannis Antetokounmpo in the mid-range this season is a perfect and very successful example. The bigger thing these smaller improvements add up to are teams with a depth of different weapons to pull out against the seemingly unbeatable juggernauts at the top. Occasionally, front offices identify what their unique skillset or style of play can be — think the decidedly big Cleveland Cavaliers, or the micro, play-every-position, Thunder — and build toward it.
For an athlete like Rozier, who many were quick to call a Kyle Lowry 2.0 when he arrived in Miami, the improvisation he’s shown with the Heat was born out of necessity but also an aptitude for reading the room. The Heat are a workaholic organization with a next-man-up mentality they don’t just talk about as an inspirational soundbite, but is twined through the fibre of all that they do.
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 Mark Cuban has some strong words for the NBA, calling it “petty” amid discussions of his Mavericks sale and his return to Shark Tank. (Mavs Moneyball)
Must Read Discover the unique stories behind the Dallas Mavericks’ jersey numbers and their significance to the players and fans. (Dallas Morning News)
Preview The Mavericks host the Knicks tonight at 7:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Analysis The point guard position is in good hands. Shaun Powell takes stock of the position and what the future looks like. (NBA)
Opinion The NBA can tinker with the All-Star Game format all it wants, but there’s only one fix. (The Athletic, subscription required)
Feel Good What happens with the money collected from fines? How the league turns bad moments into good deeds. (SB Nation)
Ticket Booth
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Knicks @ Mavericks
Wednesday, Nov. 27 | 6:30 p.m. | American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX | Get Tickets
Mavericks @ Jazz
Saturday, Nov. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT | Get Tickets
Mavericks @ Trail Blazers
Sunday, Dec. 1 | 6:00 p.m. | Moda Center, Portland, OR | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Another Lauri Markkanen Injury For Fantasy Basketball Managers To Digest
Nov 26, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward/center Lauri Markkanen (23) on the floor after a collision with San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images | Christopher Creveling/Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
Injury Concerns and Player Updates
Joel Embiid’s ongoing knee issues are another significant concern. With a history of multiple meniscus surgeries, Embiid’s situation remains precarious. His recent absences highlight the risks associated with drafting him early in fantasy leagues. The high failure rate of such surgeries suggests that Embiid’s availability might be limited, making him a risky trade target.
Donovan Clingan’s grade 2 MCL sprain is also noteworthy. The Portland Trail Blazers plan to reevaluate him in two weeks, but this type of injury typically requires a longer recovery period. With Clingan sidelined, players like Ayton and Rob Williams are expected to see increased playing time, making Williams a valuable addition to fantasy rosters.
Lauri Markkanen’s Injury Impact
Lauri Markkanen’s recent knee injury adds another layer of complexity to fantasy basketball strategies. Markkanen, who has been dealing with back and knee issues, was helped off the court after a knee knock. While the injury doesn’t appear to be a severe ACL or MCL tear, it could sideline him for at least a week, if not longer. This development opens up opportunities for players like John Collins to step up and fill the void, potentially increasing their fantasy value.
The Dallas Mavericks secured a thrilling victory against the Atlanta Hawks, showcasing the incredible talents of Kyrie Irving and the resilience of the Mavs. With Luka Doncic out, Kyrie Irving stepped up, delivering a stellar fourth-quarter performance that highlighted why he’s a key player for the Dallas Mavericks.
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.
