Dallas On A Roll

    Hey Mavericks nation, I am pleased to report that my predictions have all been accurate thus far with the Dallas Mavericks going 3 for 3 against Orlando, Phoenix, and the LA Clippers. That little prediction was free, that being said, I am retiring from predicting Mavericks wins. I am no Nostradamus and I’d rather this be for fans of the Mavericks than a gambling blog. 
The Mavericks have the 2nd best record in the West, only one game behind the San Antonio Spurs. So much has been working well for the Mavs over the last few games. I wanted to look at what the Mavericks have changed from last year. I think that most of the Mavericks’ mistakes went overlooked and unfixed last year because they were always winning. It is tough to criticize the team in the midst of a winning streak, but when you are winning little mistakes are ignored and are allowed to slide because you are winning. The mistakes I am referring to in regards to last year’s team is the inside game. The main difference I have seen this year in the Mavs, is that their first offensive attack is to the inside with Harris, Howard, Dirk, or Dampier. If the easy inside shot isn’t there then they kick it out for the perimeter game of Jason Terry, Dirk, or Devean George. Last year they relied heavily on the outside shooting and the transition game as a first option on offense, which if you are hot, is lethal. However, the downside of relying on the outside shot is that you aren’t going to be hot all the time and when a team defends the perimeter really well you have to do something else. If you haven’t focused on anything else all year, you are a fish out of water trying to do something like going inside in a half court set. I believe that’s what happened in the Finals two years ago against the Heat, coupled with a defensive meltdown.
The Mavericks record may not show it, but they are a much more dangerous team this year than they were last year. Losing is tough to watch as a fan, but losing shows a team where their weaknesses are and what exactly to work on. Losing also keeps a team from believing they are invincible.  Losses are like vegetables, you really don’t want to eat them, but they are good for you every once and a while. So, Mathis are you saying you want the Mavericks to lose? I do, but just every once and a while and certainly not in the playoffs.
As for this year and the last few games, Dallas is on a roll and Dirk Nowitzki has had three straight 30point games. Getting Dirk involved is a great sign for the Mavericks and a solid indicator of how well the Mavs are playing. Go Mavericks.

-Mathis