The Dallas Mavericks have started out the NBA season on a strong note. They currently sit at fifth in the West, with three wins and one loss. The three wins come versus a talented Denver Nuggets squad, but also the rebuilding Washington Wizards and the Zion Williamson-less New Orleans Pelicans. The sole loss came in disappointing fashion versus the Portland Trail Blazers, a game in which the Mavericks led by as much as 19.
Early Dallas Mavericks Hot Takes
Luka Dončić is a Unanimous All-Star
Luka Dončić barely missed the All-Star game last season. This season, however, he is a surefire lock. The sophomore can do it all. He leads the team in scoring, rebounds very well for his size, and handles and dishes the ball with elite point-guard instincts.
He struggled for a large part of the game versus the Nuggets, but his clutch scoring won the Mavericks the game. In the three games before that, Dončić was averaging just about 29 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals per game (leading the Mavericks in all those statistics).
The West is deep, but Dončić already looks like a superstar. This Mavericks hot take can very well not be one in a matter of a few weeks.
Delon Wright’s Contract Will be a Bargain
Delon Wright has been an on-and-off starter in the first four games but has definitely shown his worth. The former Memphis Grizzlie was signed for three years and $29 million this past offseason. Known primarily for his defensive instincts and length at the point guard position, Wright has shown off his ability to score and handle the ball.
The Pelicans game is a strong example. Jalen Brunson got the start at point guard, but Wright’s effectiveness earned him more minutes anyway. Coming off the bench, Wright scored 20 points while grabbing seven rebounds, dishing out three assists, and forcing five steals.
He has shown his high energy and commitment to winning, as seen as accepting whatever role head coach Rick Carlisle has thrown at him. Whether a constant starter or first name off the bench, this Mavericks hot take will be one to look out for.
The Dallas Mavericks Will Make the Playoffs
This was coming. And no, this isn’t just because the Mavericks sit in the playoff standings four games into the season. The league knew the Mavericks had talent, mainly Dončić and Kristaps Porzingis, but the questions were focused on the surrounding pieces. The answer is, quite frankly, the Mavericks look like a legitimate team with a winning formula.
Dončić is already a superstar. Porzingis looks great, and will only continue to get better as he adjusts back into the game. Wright, Brunson, Maxi Kleber, Dorian Finney-Smith, Seth Curry, and even Tim Hardaway have been important pieces. This was evident in the win versus the Nuggets, as Dončić and Porzingis both struggled but nine different players finished with double-digit scoring.
Teams expected to compete with the Mavericks for a lower playoff seed in the West like the Pelicans and Sacramento Kings have struggled, so expect the Mavericks to sneak in.
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