How Dangerous Are The Dallas Mavericks After Last Night’s Miracle?
The Dallas Mavericks played at Brooklyn in a highly anticipated game Wednesday Night. Kevin Durant is a game away from the 53 point game at Brooklyn against the New York Knicks.
Unfortunately, Kyrie, who just had a 60 point clinic, will not be playing due to the continuing vaccine mandate in New York City. Even with the Nets grabbing headlines night after night, they have sadly underperformed as they wait for Ben Simmons to make his first season appearance.
On the other hand, the Mavericks have won 7 out of the last nine, and Luka Doncic is trying to make his run at MVP this season. Mavericks are getting hot and gaining steam due to their new chemistry they have found the post-All-Star break.
Spencer Dinwiddie had a night to remember and might have made his name in the NBA by drilling difficult clutch shots for the Nets. On Wednesday, he came around to get vengeance on his former team with a game-winning shot with no time left on the clock. The Mavericks point guard hit a 3-pointer to give the Nets a tragic loss in a come from behind win 113–111 at Barclays Center.
In his first game in Brooklyn as a member of the Dallas Mavericks, Dinwiddie stole the show with 22 points. Superstar Luka Doncic had a game-high 37 points for Dallas.
As the game concluded, Patty Mills’ hit a 3-pointer put the Nets ahead 102–96 with 6:12 left. The resilient Dallas team scored eight unanswered points. Dallas has been making comebacks all year as of late. Maxi Kleber’s free throws left the Nets down 104–102 with 3:08 remaining.
After Dallas proceeded back ahead, Goran Dragic stemmed the surge with a hook shot. Then Bruce Brown located Nic Claxton for a game-tying dunk. A pair of free throws by Dorian Finney-Smith put Dallas back up, and when Durant missed a jumper which usually never happens. The Mavericks then were given life to be able to make a comeback. Luka, with his magic, came down and bottled in a perceived game-winner. Then Kevin Durant greatness proceeded to one up Luka with another perceived game-winning 3-point shot.
Nets coach Steve Nash this about Dinwiddie “He’s just a really good all-around player. He can play in transition and pick-and-roll, IQ piece, size, and athleticism on the wing at the guard spot, so great addition.” Indeed, Spencer Dinwiddie has made a significant impact off the bench for this Mavericks. The question is could this develop into something dangerous for playoff teams?
I don’t believe so because they don’t match up well with bigs. If the playoffs started today, they would be matched up with The Joker and Denver. That matchup wouldn’t be one they would want. They don’t have enough bigs to handle all Jokic brings to the table. The playoffs are all about matchups, and I don’t believe they have enough firepower to eliminate a possible matchup they have in the West. The best chance they would have is Utah due to Gobert not being much of an offensive threat.
It isn’t all doom and gloom for the Mavericks as injuries happen, and Luka tends to play up when the lights get the brightest. The Mavericks also have a lot of hard play guys, including Dinwiddie, Powell, Finney-Smith, Brunson, and Hardaway, which are good supporting pieces. The Mavericks also are ranked fifth in defensive rating in advanced stats. This means they can switch on anyone who wants to play the small-ball lineup.
All in All, the Mavericks have 11 games left, including a match against Philadelphia Friday night. Wednesday Night was a good win against an NBA contender. Let’s see if Dallas can keep up this hot streak into the playoffs.
