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Dallas Mavericks: Regular Season Awards

By Cole Mentzel

Apr 8, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) high fives guard Justin Anderson (1) during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) high fives guard Justin Anderson (1) during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) celebrates his basket in the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 88-78. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) celebrates his basket in the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 88-78. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Player of the Year: Wesley Matthews

2015-16 stats:

  • PPG: 12.5
  • RPG: 3.1
  • APG: 1.9
  • MIN: 33.9

It’s remarkable that Wesley Matthews averaged 33.9 minutes per game after a torn Achilles in March of 2015.

That’s just the type of player he proved to be during his first year in Dallas. Whether it was his reassuring attitude after games or his electrifying emotions on the court, he turned into a player that was willing to lead whenever it was necessary.

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    • A big part of his toughness stemmed from the fact that he was often found guarding the best player on the other team. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, James Harden, you name an elite player and Matthews probably guarded him at one time in the season.

    While he wasn’t able to absolutely shut down every elite guard or forward every time he played one, it was his late-game plays that made the difference. The Mavs won a lot of close games thanks to Matthews forcing a key turnover and tightening his defense, which often led to a missed shot.

    Not to be overlooked, Matthews also used his offense to impact games too. As a great three-point shooter, Matthews improved as the season went along and gave the Mavs a boost from beyond the arc.

    He will most likely be a little better next season as he will have his first full summer since the injury to recover. The final three years of his contract are going to provide the Mavs with key leadership and toughness, as those are some of his most important qualities.

    Best Game: All signs point back to Matthews’ 36-point outing (10-for-17 from three) on Dec. 6, as he lit up the Washington Wizards en route to a 116-104 Mavs win.

    Next: Size Isn't All That Important

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