Mavericks
Beat
Spurs
116-93
MAVS vs. Spurs
The Mavericks pull out a GREAT win vs the Spurs and the win streak amounts to 6 games going into the all star break. Overall solid win at home, with some returns from injury.
Mavs started sloppy with the Spurs winning the 1st quarter 32-25, and Victor Wembanyama having 12 points, 2 boards and 2 blocks in the first quarter alone. He hit this absolutely insane gather step back 3-pointer early in the game that proves why this guy can turn out to be an insane player in the future. 2nd and 3rd quarter though really sealed the deal for the Mavs, with an all time Kyrie masterclass. He had 17 points in the 2nd quarter alone. Dereck Lively made his return from injury last night, and had a really solid game off of the bench. Had a few key blocks, and an overall great game under a minute restriction. A few downsides from this game, another terrible game on the turnover front. Mavs had 15, with Tim Hardaway Jr. having 3 by himself. This was also the first night Daniel Gafford got into foul trouble for the Mavs with 4, but he played limited minutes with DL2 back in the lineup.
Hopefully THJ can turn the corner with his game after the all star break because he has not been his usual 6MOY candidate as he has been before the break. Over the past 3 games, tim has not scored over 12 points, which is extremely unorthodox of him for this season especially for someone who averages 17 points a game. We all want tim to be playing his best, as when he is the Mavericks win. Tim contributes to a lot of the mavericks 3 pointers, as well as their great 3 point percentage this season.
PJ Washington has also hasn't got off to a stellar start this season on the offensive front. He is 2/12 from 3, and 11/27 from the field. Obviously being traded mid season is not ideal, and playing for your hometown team can be nerve racking, and he probably feels a lot of pressure. Im sure PJ will settle into his role, but for now we are waiting for his breakout.
Barring some improving players, this team can seriously be an issue for the West in the playoffs. I don't think anyone wants to see us.
2/8/2024
Notable Box Scores:
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DALLAS MAVERICKS
KYRIE IRVING- 34 PTS, 9 REB, 7 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK
LUKA DONCIC- 27 PTS, 9 RBS, 8 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK
DERECK LIVELY II - 8 PTS, 5 RBS, 4 BLK, +27!!!
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SAN ANTONIO SPURS
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA- 26 PTS, 9 RBS, 5 AST, 3 BLK
ZACH COLLINS- 6 PTS, 12 RBS, 3 BLK
KELDON JOHNSON- 3 PTS, 2 RBS, 9.1% FG 1/11
San Antonio comes out hot but cant convert.
San Antonio came out HOT. Wemby and company started the game on a 30-18 run and it looked like the Spurs were gonna pull it out. Unfortunately for them Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks pulled away for the remainder of the game. I think San Antonio has a great future with Wembanyama, and I hope they can start to produce in the future.
Future for the Mavericks
The Mavericks have 28 games left in the season and currently sit at 31-23. For them to finish the season with 50 wins they would need to go 19-9 to end the season. Fortunately, they have the 3rd easiest schedule in the league for the remainder of the season, and with everyone nearing health and the new additions to the team, this isn't impossible.
I also believe for Luka to win MVP we have to finish the season in either the 6th or the 5th seed. I think that is entirely possible if we go 19-9. No one knows what the future holds, but I am extremely excited for the rest of the season!
Highlight of the Game
RECAP
Mavs earn a great win against the spurs at home, and move up to 6 wins in a row heading into the break. Everyone tune into the All star game this Sunday!!