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.
Missing Luka, Mavs Keep Winning
Nov 27, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) makes a jump shot over New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) and forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron/Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Dallas Mavericks recently showcased an impressive performance against the New York Knicks, securing a significant win even in the absence of their star player, Luka Doncic. This victory was a testament to the collective effort and rising confidence within the team, as various players stepped up to fill the void left by Doncic.
Team Effort and Rising Confidence
The Mavericks have been on a roll, winning six out of their last seven games, including victories over formidable opponents like the Denver Nuggets and the Oklahoma City Thunder. This streak has been marked by a newfound confidence and synergy among the players. Spencer Dinwiddie, for instance, has been a standout performer, delivering two consecutive strong games. His ability to stabilize the team during crucial moments has been invaluable, especially when Kyrie Irving takes a backseat in terms of ball handling.
Irving, while not dominating the scoreboard, has been instrumental in guiding the team. His ability to step in and score when needed, particularly during the Knicks’ runs, has been crucial. This approach allows the game to flow naturally, with Irving stepping up as the “bus driver,” orchestrating plays and ensuring everyone contributes effectively.
P.J. Washington and Naji Marshall’s Impact
P.J. Washington’s performance against the Knicks was a revelation. Scoring 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, Washington displayed a level of confidence that has been building over recent games. His ability to hit contested threes, especially against a defender like OG Anunoby, highlights his growing self-assurance and the trust the team places in him.
Naji Marshall has also been a key contributor, matching his career total of 20-point games this season alone. His offensive creativity and ability to act as a secondary playmaker have been crucial for the Mavericks. Marshall’s knack for hitting multiple threes in a game, a phenomenon dubbed “Marshall Law,” has added a new dimension to the team’s offense.
The Mavericks’ defense has been another highlight, particularly in the first half against the Knicks. The starting lineup, featuring Quentin Grimes, Marshall, Washington, and Dereck Lively, has been effective in stifling opponents. This defensive prowess, combined with improved three-point shooting, has made the Mavericks a formidable force.
The Mavericks’ recent success without Doncic underscores the depth and versatility of the team. With players like Dinwiddie, Washington, and Marshall stepping up, the Mavericks are proving they can compete at a high level, even without their star player. This collective effort and rising confidence bode well for the team’s future, as they continue to build on their recent successes.
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 the Mavericks’ defensive strategies
- The impact of Kyrie Irving’s leadership on the team’s performance
- Spencer Dinwiddie’s role and contributions in recent games
- P.J. Tucker’s evolving confidence and its effect on the team
- Naji Marshall’s offensive creativity and “Marshall Law” phenomenon
Giving thanks for a better-than-expected rookie class
Happy Thanksgiving! To give you something to talk about with your undoubtedly NBA-fluent families and friends, here are some rookie rankings to chew over.
1. Jared McCain, Philadelphia 76ers
Over his last ten games, McCain has averaged 23 points per game (top 25 in the league in that span) on solid efficiency, including 39% from deep on crazy volume. Philly hasn’t had much to cheer about this season, but McCain’s surprising on-ball creation and superb off-ball movement have Philly fans seeing a future star (wait, maybe that’s just their court). I’m obsessed with this little moonwalk he uses to shake OG Anunoby juuuust enough to bury a shuriken in his eye:
McCain moonwalks into a three over OG Anunoby
McCain likely won’t score like this when the team’s fully healthy (and he’s cooled off the last two games), but the fact that he can is a great sign for the team’s present and future.
2. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
Castle has risen to second place thanks to an excellent recent stretch. Since becoming a starter, Castle’s averaged 15 points, three boards, and five assists while playing ferocious defense.
Castle is incredibly versatile. At nearly 6’6” pre-shoes and pre-hair, he has the size and speed to fill any number of roles. As I wrote about at length here, he’s quickly becoming the perfect amorphous fit next to Victor Wembanyama.
Although his three-point accuracy is still developing, Castle’s confidence in his shot is the skeleton key that unlocks the rest of his offensive game. And the more effective he is on offense, the more opportunity he’s given to create absolute havoc on defense.
I’m particularly intrigued by his ability to be a faux-big man in the screen and roll:
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
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Stat Several key statistics emerged from the Mavericks’ 129-114 win over the Knicks, highlighting the team’s offensive and defensive prowess. (Mavs Moneyball)
Fans In a fun twist, Tom Brady’s appearance at the Cowboys-Giants game was a hot topic among Mavericks fans, adding excitement to the Thanksgiving festivities. (Dallas News)
Feel Good Kyrie Irving made a halftime sneaker swap and snapped out of his slump, leading the Mavericks to victory. (Dallas News)
Must Read LaMelo’s proclivity for fouls, how many wins Philadelphia needs for the play-in, examining OKC’s defense, and more. (ESPN+)
Feel Good The Pistons’ willingness to spend, the Nets’ and Lakers’ new coach, and more things for each NBA team to be thankful for. (CBS Sports)
Analysis A roundtable of experts discusses the league’s biggest storylines after the first month of the season. (Fansided)
Ticket Booth
Presented by
Mavericks @ Jazz
Saturday, Nov. 30 | 7:30 PM | Delta Center (Salt Lake City, UT) | Get Tickets
Mavericks @ Trail Blazers
Sunday, Dec. 01 | 6:00 PM | Moda Center (Portland, OR) | Get Tickets
NBA Cup: Grizzlies @ Mavericks
Tuesday, Dec. 03 | 7:30 PM | American Airlines Center (Dallas, TX) | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
In case you missed it...
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
Another Lauri Markkanen Injury For Fantasy Basketball Managers To Digest | Lauri Markkanen’s recent knee injury could sideline him for at least a week, impacting fantasy basketball strategies. This opens opportunities for players like John Collins, Keyonte George, and Brice Sensabaugh to increase their roles and fantasy value.
Ja Morant Is Set To Return And Impact Fantasy Basketball Leagues | Monday’s NBA action saw significant fantasy basketball impacts, with Gary Harris and Jalen Suggs suffering hamstring injuries, potentially increasing roles for Cole Anthony and Anthony Black.
The Dallas Mavericks secured a significant victory against the New York Knicks, showcasing their depth even without Luka Doncic. With standout performances from players like Kyrie Irving and contributions from the entire team, the Mavs demonstrated their potential in the NBA. Key players such as Klay Thompson, Dereck Lively II, and Quentin Grimes were pivotal in this game, highlighting the team’s versatility and strength.
The Dallas Mavericks are showing signs of being a formidable team this NBA season. With stars like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving leading the charge, the Mavs have demonstrated their potential through key victories against top teams. The presence of Klay Thompson adds depth to the roster, making the Dallas Mavericks a team to watch closely.
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.
