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 the Dallas Mavericks Won 9 of last 10 Games & Jason Kidd Figured It Out
Dec 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) reacts after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj/Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Mavericks’ Resurgence: Empowering Players and Strategic Adjustments
The Dallas Mavericks have undergone a remarkable transformation, and it’s thrilling to witness. A key factor in this resurgence is the empowerment of players like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. By allowing Doncic to play his natural game, the Mavericks have unlocked his full potential. His ability to create opportunities for teammates such as Quintin Grimes, Naji Marshall, and Dereck Lively has been pivotal. Doncic’s confidence in passing has opened up the floor, making the team more cohesive.
Kyrie Irving’s Impact and Role Player Empowerment
Kyrie Irving’s presence alongside Doncic has been transformative. His elite scoring ability stretches defenses, forcing opponents to make tough choices. This dynamic duo has created numerous open shots for role players like P.J. Washington and Marshall. Irving’s return to form has been a game-changer, making the Mavericks a formidable offensive force.
The growth of Dereck Lively has also been crucial. His development as a rim protector and rebounder has added a new dimension to the team’s defense. Lively’s chemistry with Doncic has resulted in some spectacular plays, further solidifying the Mavericks’ competitive edge.
P.J. Washington’s emergence has been another highlight. With increased opportunities, Washington has stepped up, showcasing his scoring prowess and clutch playmaking. His ability to exploit mismatches and contribute in critical moments has been invaluable. Similarly, Marshall’s scoring surge has been impressive, transforming him into a reliable offensive creator. His knack for attacking defenses and scoring efficiently has added depth to the Mavericks’ lineup.
Strategic Adjustments and Clutch Performances
The Mavericks’ success isn’t just about individual performances; it’s also about strategic adjustments. The team has found a winning formula by empowering players and optimizing rotations. Coach Jason Kidd has figured out how to maximize the talents of his roster, leading to a significant turnaround.
Clutch plays have been a hallmark of the Mavericks’ recent success. From Washington’s timely shots to Lively’s defensive heroics, these moments have been instrumental in securing victories. The team’s ability to execute under pressure has been a testament to their growth and resilience.
The Mavericks’ journey from 12th to third in the Western Conference standings is a testament to their determination and adaptability. By empowering players and making strategic adjustments, they’ve become a force to be reckoned with. The road ahead is promising, and the Mavericks are poised to continue their ascent.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Mavericks’ strategies and player performances, tune into the Locked On Mavericks podcast for this and much more.
Christmas lights are springing up, you can’t go anywhere without hearing Mariah Carey, and football players are making snow angels in the end zone. That means, somehow, the first quarter of the 2024-25 NBA season has come and gone. Let’s hand out some hardware!
Note: these aren’t forward-looking projections for the year-end choices. These are merit-based awards for the first 20-ish games that every team has played so far.
Eastern Conference MVP: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
There isn’t a single superstar in the game as well-rounded as Tatum. His headline ability, scoring, is understated and mathematically elegant. He’s averaging 28.4 points per game by taking advantage of the most valuable areas on the floor: he’s finishing at career-best levels (74% shooting at the rim, the same number as Giannis and a smidge above Anthony Davis), launching a monstrous 10.6 three-pointers per game, and earning the second-most free throws of his NBA life.
But all the high-wattage guys can score. It’s everything else that sets Tatum apart. He’s become an elite positional passer, as we saw in last year’s NBA Finals; he eats defensive rebounds with startling voracity; he’s a mean-as-hell pick-setter:
While star forwards around the league complain about having to guard centers, Tatum is quietly defending bigs more often than ever before (20% of the time, to be exact).
His one surface-level deficiency, offensive rebounding, has more to do with schematic choices than personal flaws.
With apologies to Giannis Antetokounmpo, doing his best to bring the Bucks back to relevance, Tatum is a no-brainer choice.
Western Conference MVP: Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Jokic is currently third in scoring, second in rebounding, second in assists, eighth in steals (!), and second in three-point percentage. You already know who’s on top of every advanced metric leaderboard. The Nuggets post a 129.1 offensive rating with Jokic on the floor, miles ahead of the Knicks’ league-leading 123.7; they post a 96.4 offensive rating without him, a Mariana Trench-length beneath the Wizards’ anemic 103.8.
Frankly, I’ve been writing about the NBA for a while, and despite my pharaonic vocabulary (and access to online thesauri), I’ve run out of ways to describe why and how Jokic is the MVP. When we’re talking about the league’s most videogenic player, just listing stats feels wrong, but it’s also the best way to convey his overwhelming dominance.
Not even Tatum can reach the oxygen-deprived heights that Jokic routinely (and literally!) resides in. The Nugget is the MVP of the conference and the quarter, without question.
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
Must Read It was more than 1,000 days between games for Lonzo Ball. A look inside his grueling recovery and unprecedented return to the league. (ESPN)
Analysis Handing out early hardware for the 24-25 NBA season, including the rarely-seen “Unluckiest Team of the Quarter” award. (Basketball Poetry)
Analysis P.J. Washington is identified as a versatile asset for the Dallas Mavericks, offering a comprehensive skill set that fulfills multiple team needs. (Mavs Moneyball)
Roster Exploring where the Mavericks would stand without Spencer Dinwiddie reveals his crucial role in the team’s success through insightful performance metrics. (Mavs Moneyball)
Preview The Mavericks head to DC to take on the Wizards tonight at 7:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
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Mavericks @ Wizards
Thursday, Dec. 05 | 7:00 PM | Capital One Arena (Washington DC) | Get Tickets
Saturday, Dec. 30 | 12:00 AM | American Airlines Center (Dallas, TX) | Get Tickets
Replay: Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Fantasy Basketball: Key Takeaways from Tuesday’s Games
Dec 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) falls to the ground after rolling his ankle against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half of an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Kevin Durant’s Ankle Injury: What It Means for Fantasy Managers
Kevin Durant’s recent ankle injury is a significant concern for fantasy basketball managers. Durant, who has been a cornerstone for many fantasy teams, left the game after just 16 minutes, scoring 13 points with four rebounds. This re-aggravation of a previous injury could mean time on the sidelines, impacting his availability in the coming weeks. Fantasy managers should consider potential replacements or temporary fill-ins, such as Grayson Allen or Royce O’Neal, who might see increased roles in Durant’s absence. However, neither is a must-add in standard leagues, but they could provide short-term value in deeper formats.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets: Player Performances
In the clash between the 76ers and Hornets, Paul George’s resurgence was a highlight. Despite playing 37 minutes, George’s performance—29 points, eight rebounds, and six three-pointers—showed signs of his former All-NBA self. However, with a back-to-back game on the horizon, his availability remains uncertain, making it crucial for fantasy managers to monitor his status closely.
Tyrese Maxey’s shooting struggles continued, but his ability to contribute in other areas, such as free throws and defense, keeps him relevant in fantasy lineups. Meanwhile, Kelly Oubre Jr. delivered a solid outing with 14 points and four three-pointers, making him a viable short-term option.
Charlotte Hornets’ Frontcourt Dynamics
The return of Mark Williams was a notable development, albeit with limited minutes. This situation presents a sell-high opportunity for Nick Richards, who posted an impressive 22 points and 14 rebounds. While there’s a chance Richards could outperform Williams, the Hornets’ long-term plans likely favour Williams, making Richards a potential trade candidate for savvy fantasy managers.
The Dallas Mavericks pulled off an unexpected victory against the Memphis Grizzlies in a game filled with challenges. Despite a tough third quarter, the Mavs, led by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, found a way to win, showcasing their resilience. Key players like PJ Washington and Dereck Lively II contributed significantly, while the team’s performance in the NBA Cup remains a hot topic.
The Dallas Mavericks secured a thrilling victory against the Portland Trail Blazers, showcasing the talents of Luka Doncic and Quentin Grimes. With Luka’s impressive return and Grimes’ standout performance, the Mavs continue to demonstrate their potential in the NBA. Fans are eager to see how Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson will integrate into this dynamic lineup.
The Dallas Mavericks secured a win against the Utah Jazz, showcasing the prowess of Kyrie Irving and Quentin Grimes in the absence of Luka Doncic. With a strong start, the Mavs demonstrated their potential, leaving fans eager for more NBA action. Key players like PJ Washington, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Daniel Gafford also contributed to the team’s success, highlighting the depth and versatility of the roster.
