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Dallas Mavericks: 5 Reasons Behind Surprising Start

By Gerald Bourguet

Oct 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (left) in the huddle with teammates prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns in the season opener at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (left) in the huddle with teammates prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns in the season opener at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dallas Mavericks
Nov 28, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Raymond Felton (2) celebrates during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

4. The Backcourt

Wesley Matthews looks a step slow after recovering so rapidly from his Achilles injury, averaging 11.1 points per game on 34.6 percent shooting. So how is the Mavs’ backcourt surviving? Well, it starts with the surprisingly strong performances we’ve seen from Deron Williams and Raymond Felton. Don’t laugh, it’s actually true.

Williams is only averaging 14.1 points per game on 42.2 percent shooting from the field, but those numbers are actually a step up from last season’s numbers with the Brooklyn Nets. He’s also shooting an efficient 38.6 percent from three-point range in addition to chipping in 5.6 assists per game.

As for Felton, he’s only started in six games, but the Mavs actually had some success starting him alongside D-Will early in the season. Even coming off the bench, however, Felton’s 8.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game have been a nice addition to a surprisingly deep team.

If you were the one person in the universe who predicted a Deron Williams AND Raymond Felton revival here in 2015-16, you may collect your winnings now.

Next: No. 3

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