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.
Can the Dallas Mavericks Win It All?
Dec 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj/Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Mavericks’ Title Window
The Mavericks’ current form is arguably the best we’ve seen in the Luka Dončić era. With the team firing on all cylinders, it’s natural to wonder about their championship window. Is it the next three years? Five years? The West doesn’t seem as daunting as it once did, with teams like the Nuggets and Lakers struggling. The Thunder, with their recent additions, pose a challenge, but the Mavericks have already proven they can beat them.
The real test, however, lies in the East. The Boston Celtics are the team to beat, and their presence looms large over any title aspirations. The Mavericks’ offensive struggles against the Celtics in last year’s Finals are a concern. With additions like Klay Thompson and Spencer Dinwiddie, the offense has improved, but the question remains: Is it enough to overcome Boston’s formidable defense?
Luka Dončić: The X-Factor
Luka Dončić is the cornerstone of the Mavericks’ championship hopes. His ability to be the best player in any series is a game-changer. Few teams can boast a player of his caliber, and his performance will be crucial in any playoff run. However, the Mavericks’ success isn’t solely dependent on Dončić. Kyrie Irving’s performance, especially against top-tier teams like the Celtics, will be pivotal. Irving’s minutes have been high this season, and ensuring he remains fresh for a potential Finals run is essential.
The Mavericks have made significant strides in building a roster around Dončić. The addition of players like Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes has bolstered the team’s depth, providing more options and flexibility. The challenge will be maintaining this core and ensuring they remain competitive in the years to come.
The Mavericks’ title window is open, and the next two years are crucial. With key players under contract and a solid foundation in place, the team is well-positioned to make a serious run at the championship. However, the landscape of the NBA is ever-changing, and the Mavericks must remain vigilant and adaptable.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Mavericks’ championship potential, tune into the Locked On Mavericks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Mavericks Podcast:
- The impact of Isaiah Hartenstein’s addition to the Thunder
- Evaluating the Mavericks’ offensive improvements
- The role of Kyrie Irving in the Mavericks’ title aspirations
- Assessing the competition in the Western Conference
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) looks on from the bench against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth period at Chase Center. | David Gonzales/David Gonzales-Imagn Images
For all its advancements, from athlete autonomy down to the way the game itself gets played, the NBA hasn’t managed to solve one of its most nagging longevity problems: that all dynasties are destined to fall apart.
Maybe it’s their inherent weight. That a handful of stars stuck together force an unstable gravity not meant to last. Maybe it’s the strain that every relationship faces — but sped up in the NBA uniquely accelerated time signature — as time goes by and people, their circumstance, change. It could be egos, or the financial practicalities of keeping an expensive roster together; it might be because of duelling timelines and the reality that no matter how good, no team at this level can put off development of future rosters forever.
Whatever it was for dynasties of the past, now dusted, it’s a combination of everything for these current Warriors.
Whether you viewed it as a culture loss or reset, Klay Thompson’s departure to the Mavericks was the first chip in this Golden State dynasty’s foundation. Certainly, Thompson’s absence meant more room for next-gen talent of Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski to flourish on the floor. It also forced a twosome in leadership between Steph Curry and Draymond Green, versus the triangular model the former Splash Brother lent, though Curry’s shouldered more of the directional responsibilities this season and the strain is beginning to show.
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
Roster The Wings’ decision to lose Carla Leite in the expansion draft is being criticized as organizational malpractice. This move could have significant implications for the team’s future. (Mavs Moneyball)
Analysis Luka Doncic’s triple-double and Kyrie Irving’s performance were key factors in the Mavericks’ victory over the Raptors. Each player’s contributions were meticulously assessed to provide insights into the game. (Mavs Moneyball)
Stat In the Mavericks’ 125-118 win over the Raptors, five critical numbers stood out, showcasing the team’s statistical dominance and individual performances. (Mavs Moneyball)
Analysis Jonathan Kuminga makes his case with a career-best night of 33 points. (Defector)
Biz NBA Trade Deadline eligibility: These 85 players can be traded as of December 15. (ESPN)
Milestones Chris Paul surpasses Jason Kidd for 2nd in career NBA assists. (NBA.com)
Ticket Booth
Presented by
Mavericks @ Thunder
Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 8:30PM | Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK | Get Tickets
TBD @ Mavericks
TBD | American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX | Get Tickets
Clippers @ Mavericks
Thursday, Dec. 19 | 7:30PM | American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Joel Embiid Returns Sunday - All The Fantasy Basketball Impact
Dec 8, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) smiles during the second half of a basketball game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski/Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Joel Embiid’s Return and Fantasy Implications
As the NBA season unfolds, Joel Embiid’s return to the court has been a focal point for fantasy basketball enthusiasts. Embiid, despite being on a minutes restriction, delivered an impressive performance with 31 points and 12 rebounds. However, his recurring knee issues remain a concern for fantasy managers. The potential for swelling and soreness could lead to more missed games, making him a risky asset. While his numbers are undeniably strong, the uncertainty surrounding his health suggests a cautious approach for those considering him in trades or drafts.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Chicago Bulls: Key Performances
The Philadelphia 76ers’ clash with the Chicago Bulls highlighted several noteworthy performances. Tyrese Maxey stepped up significantly, posting 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists. His ability to thrive alongside Embiid is crucial for the 76ers’ success and offers a promising outlook for fantasy managers. On the Bulls’ side, Zach LaVine’s resurgence with 30 points and six triples was a standout, especially after a dip in usage in previous games. However, Nikola Vučević's recent struggles, with only 13 points in consecutive games, raise questions about his role and effectiveness moving forward.
The game also shed light on the fluctuating roles within the Bulls’ lineup. Ayo Dosunmu, who recently had a breakout game, saw his production dip with the return of key players. This pattern of inconsistency is a reminder of the volatility in fantasy basketball, where player value can shift rapidly based on team dynamics and injuries.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
- Analysis of Tyrese Maxey’s performance and future potential
- Zach LaVine’s resurgence and its impact on the Bulls
- The role of Ayo Dosunmu in the Bulls’ lineup
- Injury updates and their implications for fantasy rosters
- Strategies for managing player rotations and streaming options
The Dallas Mavericks secured a thrilling victory against the Toronto Raptors, showcasing the prowess of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. With clutch performances from the Mavs, including standout plays by Klay Thompson, the team demonstrated why they’re a force in the NBA.
Isaac Harris talks about the discourse around Klay Thompson in the middle of the Mavs winning 10 of their last 11 games. His role on the team, season he’s having, and what the Mavs brought him in to do. Plus, do the Mavs have a complete roster?
The Dallas Mavericks secured a victory against the Washington Wizards, showcasing the dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. With Klay Thompson’s performance under scrutiny, the Mavs continue to dominate the NBA landscape, proving their prowess in the league.
