The Western Conference playoffs look like a two-horse race for the most part, but there is one team that has been flying under the radar. The Dallas Mavericks are almost assuredly going to make the playoffs, and they could be your dark horse in this year’s postseason.
The “2011 NBA Playoffs” was a year that saw the Miami Heat as the eventual champions. The Dallas Mavericks were in the Western Conference playoffs, but they weren’t considered to be one of the top teams. In this article, I will talk about why Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks should be your dark horse in the Western Conference playoffs. Read more in detail here: 2011 nba playoffs.
For the larger half of the 2021-22 NBA season, Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks have been chilling in the top reaches of the Western Conference. Despite this, they’ve been forgotten about when it comes to title contenders.
As of April 8, Dallas is 50-30, good for fourth place in the Western Conference and home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Despite Tim Hardaway Jr. breaking his foot in January and the front office undergoing a major shakeup at the NBA trade deadline, they have continued to be successful. For Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans, the Dallas Mavericks traded Kristaps Porzingis and a 2022 second-round draft selection to the Washington Wizards.
The Mavericks have become a versatile club that will be a headache in the playoffs as a result of this transaction and head coach Jason Kidd’s imprinting on the roster. They’re deserving of becoming your West’s dark horse.
The offensive skill sets of the Dallas Mavericks are diverse.
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The Mavericks have a diverse offensive skill set and a variety of scoring threats, which is perfect for a playoff run. Doncic is, without a doubt, one of the NBA’s best and most physical scorers. He scores from all over the court and is the engine that drives their offense. However, it is those who surround Doncic that make this squad so deadly.
On the attacking end, Dinwiddie has resurfaced as a force to be reckoned with. He’s moving inside off the dribble with ease, making quick jump shots, and looking like the guy the Wizards thought they were getting when they signed him.
Jalen Brunson, another guard, continues to progress. The University of Villanova graduate is a reliable ball-handler who can score off the dribble, play tough defense, and shoot well.
Dorian Finney-Smith is a capable outside shooter and defender who can also play defense. Reggie Bullock is a solid “three-and-d” performer. Bertans is capable of becoming a high-level shooter, even if he’s having a bad season; Maxi Kleber has a solid stoke. Dwight Powell, a big player on the inside, can slam bodies and pitch in on the glass.
The players listed above form a well-rounded attacking assault. It’s a mix of a star (Doncic), a few of real scoring alternatives to complement him, some established shooters, and a few good defenders.
The offensive danger that the Mavericks offer is ironic since it hasn’t been their identity this season. Surprisingly, practically every aspect of their offensive can be improved.
The Mavericks of Dallas have a chance to win the Western Conference.
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The Mavericks were a shot-happy squad under Rick Carlisle that attempted to score opponents out of the stadium. The Mavericks have become a defensive-minded club since acquiring Kidd.
Dallas was second in the NBA in opponent points per game (104.8), sixth in opponent three-point shooting percentage (34.1%), and 14th in opponent field goal percentage before their April 6 showdown with the Detroit Pistons (45.8 percent ). On the other hand, the offensive figures aren’t quite as outstanding. Dallas is ranked 20th in field goal percentage (45.8%), 23rd in three-point shooting (34.5%), and 25th in points per game (107.2).
Yes, they have a lot of scorers and shooters in their lineup. However, many players aren’t living up to their attacking potential. Bertans is having an ineffective season, as previously said. Bullock’s 3-point percentage is below his career average. Sterling Brown, a free agency signee who was formerly an efficient shooter, is only completing 30.3 percent of his efforts from beyond the arc.
Despite these limitations, the Mavericks have a lot of potential. Why? They’re strong on defense and have guys whose games are designed for half-court setups, which is crucial in playoff competition. When Doncic draws a double-team, Dallas has three guys who can score an isolated bucket against a set defense and a handful of shooters who can sink jumpers from the outside.
With the Phoenix Suns, Memphis Grizzlies, and Golden State Warriors lurking in the Western Conference bracket, the Mavericks will have their hands full this spring. Dallas, on the other hand, now has a squad that fits around Doncic and adds the added dimension of a solid defense.
The Mavericks are not the same squad as the previous two seasons. Don’t be shocked if they go all the way in the playoffs.
Basketball-Reference provided all stats.
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