Post-Dončić Mavs
To argue that the Mavericks were listless when they faced the Cavaliers on the road shortly after the trade deadline would be an understatement. For one thing, they lost by a whopping 43 points, never mind their opponents’ superior win-loss slate at the top of National Basketball Association standings. For another, they had just been dealt a shocker following the deal that sent supposed foundational piece Luka Dončić packing. Considering that only 10 of them suited up for the set-to in the face of injuries to vital cogs, the emotional baggage was simply too much for them to handle.
On the other hand, it would likewise be an understatement to contend that the Mavericks have, at the very least, learned to adjust to their plight three weeks hence. In the seven games since suffering their most embarrassing setback of the 2024-25 season, they have gone a heady 5-2. Among their victims were the highly regarded Celtics (sans new All-Star acquisition Anthony Davis) and the equally dangerous Rockets (in which the latter put up 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks before exiting the set-to due to a groin strain).
It bears noting that while Davis remains out of commission since his sterling debut as Dončić’s replacement, the Mavericks have kept winning all the same. Although he is said to be “making good progress” in his convalescence, his status remains up in the air until he is evaluated anew in two weeks. Today, they’ll be putting their three-match winning streak on the line when they go up against the Warriors at Chase Center. Suffice to say they will not be intimidated by their opponents, rejuvenated by the arrival of two-way veteran Jimmy Butler; after all, they emerged triumphant versus the blue and yellow just one and a half weeks ago.
True, the Mavericks’ small ball predilections given their short rotation will not be sustainable. That said, if they can keep riding on the resolve of such notables as Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson, not to mention continue to generate solid numbers from ex-Laker Max Christie, they may yet be able to stay in the running for a play-in slot. And then, when Davis returns, who’s to say they won’t be able to take the measure of the competition? If nothing else, the need for them to prove themselves post-Dončić should provide them with ample motivation to show their best.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
