After losing their first three games, the Dallas Mavericks are at 5-5 going into Boston Wednesday (January 11) to play the Celtics. Working under the pressure, as all NBA teams are, to put together a viable offense after having only two weeks to prepare for the season when the lockout ended, the Mavs’ were saddled with the additional dynamic of incorporating several key players who replaced some of last year’s stars in the team’s championship run.
After a dismal showing in San Antonio over the past weekend, the Mavs have won two straight, including a lopsided win over the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night. Detroit has some very good players who are new to the NBA, and their lack of experience is showing early in the season.
Mavs Improving In All Phases
With the 5-5 record, the Mavericks have pulled to .500 for the first time this season. The better news for Dallas fans is that the team is showing some of last year’s talent in passing the ball well and scoring on their jump shots.
On the defensive side, head coach Rick Carlisle has whipped the team into shape. Mavs veteran players like Jason Terry and Shawn Marion are putting themselves into position to steal passes, interrupt easy baskets for the opposition, and generally playing with a sense of urgency.
Mavs big men Brendan Haywood and Ian Mahinmi are working well in the low post position. Haywood’s second chance baskets have provided some confidence for the team, as well as a sigh of relief after losing Tyson Chandler to the New York Knicks and free agency.
The New Mavs
New Mavericks, Delonte West, Vince Carter, and Lamar Odom are making excellent contributions, both on offense and defense. Carter, a long-time all star in the NBA, formerly with the Toronto Raptors and New Jersey Nets, has given Dallas their money’s worth on several nights with his excellent shooting and poster-worthy slam dunks that have players and fans alike jumping up from their seats.
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