Dallas Mavericks: 5 Keys To Becoming A Contender

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Dec 13, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) argues a call with referee Ben Taylor (46) during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. The Warriors defeated the Mavericks 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Through a little over one quarter of the 2014-15 season the Mavericks’ record stands at a solid 17-8. The Mavericks’ have done a commendable job through the first part of the season considering they are integrating eight new players into their lineup. Dallas has been led by their stellar offense, leading the NBA in scoring at 110 points per game.

The Mavericks’ have displayed the ability to defeat the teams on their schedule they are favored against but they are still struggling to establish themselves as a true contender. Dallas is currently 0-6 against the top eight teams in the Western Conference.

The Mavs may have improved in the offseason, but so have other teams in the Western Conference. The Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers have all improved and the San Antonio Spurs remain a legitimate title contender.

While no team would like to face a team as explosive as Dallas in the post season, there are number of things that the Mavericks’ must improve upon if they wish to become true contenders for the NBA championship. Fortunately for Dallas, there is still a great deal of time, but if they want to legitimately contend for a title it will take significant improvement in these five key areas.

Next: Transition Defense

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