The Dallas Mavericks had a rollercoaster of a week, going 2-3 and slipping to 13th in the Western Conference. They suffered double-digit losses to Atlanta (124-112), Cleveland (138-105), and New Orleans (129-111), but managed to secure victories against Memphis (120-112) and Cleveland (130-120). Cooper Flagg stood out, leading the team with an average of 20 points per game.
Despite the tough losses, the Mavericks showed resilience. Their bounce-back win in Cleveland was particularly impressive, showcasing their determination even as a 23-win team.
With the loss to New Orleans, they now share the sixth-best odds for the number one draft pick (8.3 percent) and have a 34.8 percent chance for a top-four selection. The team is still fighting hard, and their effort in Cleveland was a testament to that.
Daniel Gafford has been a bright spot, making the most of his limited minutes. In just 52 minutes over two games, he racked up 36 points and 24 rebounds.
Meanwhile, Naji Marshall nearly achieved a triple-double against New Orleans with 32 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Max Christie also found his shooting rhythm, hitting nearly 45 percent of his three-point attempts.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks will enjoy some home-court advantage with three upcoming games against the Hawks, Clippers, and Warriors.
P.J. Washington has been a revelation, earning straight A’s for his recent performances.
After a slow start to the season, he's rediscovered his form, shooting over 50 percent in consecutive games for the first time since February. His seven out of 12 threes in those games were crucial in their win over the Cavaliers and their strong start against the Pelicans.
Washington’s resurgence is vital for Dallas, whether they keep him or consider him a valuable trade asset.
On the downside, the Mavericks’ veterans are feeling the season's grind. Klay Thompson played only two of the five games last week, resting his legs, while Khris Middleton struggled, shooting just 33 percent inside the arc.
Thompson’s last outing was rough, going 0-of-5 from three in 16 minutes. The Mavericks need to manage their energy wisely as they approach April.
The topic of tanking is a hot one in NBA circles, and it's something the Mavericks are navigating carefully. Unlike some teams that rest starters in close games, Dallas is focusing on building a winning culture.
With their franchise cornerstone in place and key players like Cooper Flagg, Max Christie, Naji Marshall, and P.J. Washington likely sticking around, the Mavericks are prioritizing growth over losses.
Winning, even sporadically, helps maintain a positive mindset and prevents the team from slipping into a losing mentality. If they continue to play hard and smart, the results will take care of themselves.