After struggling with consistency in the first 21 games, the Dallas Mavericks(12-11) may have found something in these last two games, including Monday night’s 130-111 win over the Western Conference-leading Phoenix Suns(16-8) at American Airlines Center.
Dallas has been lethal from downtown in the past two games. The Mavs have hit 20-plus threes in wins over the Knicks and Suns.
The Mavericks have been dominant at home, as they are 10-3 at American Airlines Center, but away from home has been the problem. Dallas is 2-8 on the road.
Despite the road struggles, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd says the team is starting to catch its groove.
“We’re making shots; we’re getting the same shots that we hadn’t gotten early this season,” Kidd said after the win. “Guys are taking them; Luka [Doncic] is creating a lot of those. Spencer [Dinwiddie] is being aggressive; he made free throws this evening. But, when you almost shoot 50 from the three, and you’re getting over 40 of those, that puts you in a good seat. Defensively, these guys are connected, and we’re finishing plays, majority of the time, by getting the rebound.”
Luka Doncic, who had 33 points, six rebounds, and eight assists in only 29 minutes against the Suns, believes the Mavs are a great team.
“They’re one of the best in the league,” Doncic said about Dallas. “They have a great team, great players. I think it showed we can play when we guard, when we defend, it showed that we can play.”
The Mavs have talent, for sure. Great team? Not yet. They have to win more consistently on the road. Plus, you’re not going to make 20-plus threes in every game you play, but to this team’s credit, they are one of the better defensive teams in basketball, so there’s hope.
Dallas hopes to win their third straight and second consecutive game on the road as they face the Nuggets on Tuesday night.
