Last Week: Beat Memphis Grizzlies 102-92, Beat Boston Celtics 110-107, Lost to Philadelphia 76ers 114-97, Beat Brooklyn Nets 115-98
This Week: 3/1 at Orlando Magic, 3/3 vs. Oklahoma City
The rumor mill is swirling around the Dallas Mavericks that star big man Kristaps Porzingis may be available in trade talks. Porzingis’ continued dalliances in and out of the lineup due to injuries has made the roster fit increasingly tough to figure out so questioning the progression of the roster around Luka Doncic makes some sense.
Rumors have not hindered the on-court play, however. The Mavericks have won seven of their last 10 games and are back to a .500 record. They are right back in the playoff mix and that ultimately comes down to their All-Star.
Luka Doncic has been a delight. This week he posted a line of 24.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. He may take a few too many step-back 3-pointers for the analytics communities’ liking but he is a magical offense unto himself.
The game-winner against the Boston Celtics was the highlight of the week, as were his comments about being compared to Larry Bird. Doncic knows he is just getting started and does not belong in that pantheon yet, even as many like to make the lazy comparison for obvious reasons.
The Mavericks still feel like they are a piece away from getting fully back to the track they were on last season. With the trade deadline a month away, that may come sooner than fans think.