Dallas Mavericks is one of the most successful clubs in the NBA with a championship, two conference titles and six division titles under their belt since 2000. What is more, they have undoubtedly one of the best players of the league available in Luka Doncic, who is said to have a generational talent and a suitable candidate to win the MVP title.
But the road to glory has not been easy for the Mavericks. They have faced many challenges and setbacks, from losing key players and coaches, to dealing with injuries and COVID-19, to falling short in the playoffs. They have also had to rebuild their roster and culture, from the end of the Dirk Nowitzki era to the arrival of Kristaps Porziņģis and Kyrie Irving, to the hiring of Jason Kidd as their new head coach.
How the Mavericks overcame obstacles and became one of the hottest teams in the NBA? How did they change the identity, its style of play from being offensive-orientated to defense-minded? How did they balance their star power and depth, from Dončić and Irving, to Porziņģis and Hardaway Jr., to Brunson and Bullock?In the following, we take a closer look at the rise of the Dallas Mavericks from rebuilding to contending and some of the factors that have made them one of the most exhilarating and dynamic teams in the league.
The Championship Year: 2022–23
The Dallas Mavericks reached the NBA Finals in 2022–23, where they faced the Milwaukee Bucks, who had won the Eastern Conference title by beating the Brooklyn Nets in six games. The Mavericks and the Bucks had two of the best players in the league, Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had both won the MVP award in the past. The series was a clash of styles, as the Mavericks relied on their offense and shooting, while the Bucks relied on their defense and athleticism.
The Mavericks won the first two games at home, as Dončić and Irving combined for 64 points and 18 assists in Game 1, and Porziņģis scored 32 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in Game 2.
The Bucks bounced back in Game 3, as Antetokounmpo scored 41 points and blocked five shots, and Khris Middleton added 27 points and eight assists.
The Dallas Mavericks regained the momentum in Game 4, as Dončić had a triple-double with 36 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, and Irving hit a clutch three-pointer in the final minute to seal the win.
The Mavericks had a chance to win the championship in Game 5, but the Bucks forced a Game 6, as Antetokounmpo had another 41-point performance, and Jrue Holiday had 23 points and 12 assists.
In Game 6, the Mavericks made history, as they won their second NBA title with a 118–112 victory over the Bucks. Dončić was named the Finals MVP, as he scored 40 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished out 11 assists, becoming the second player in NBA history to record a 40-point triple-double in a Finals game, after LeBron James. Irving also scored 26 points and hit six three-pointers, and Porziņģis added 18 points and nine rebounds.
The Dallas Mavericks celebrated their championship with their fans, who had supported them throughout their journey. The Mavericks had completed their rise from rebuilding to contending, and had become the hottest team in the NBA.
The Future of the Mavericks: From Contending to Dominating
The Dallas Mavericks have achieved their ultimate goal of winning the NBA championship, but they are not satisfied with just one. They have a young and talented core, led by Luka Dončić, who is only 24 years old and has already won two MVP awards and one Finals MVP award. They also have Kyrie Irving, who is 31 years old and has won two championships, one with the Cleveland Cavaliers and one with the Mavericks.
They have Kristaps Porziņģis, who is 28 years old and has made three All-Star appearances. They have a deep and versatile bench, featuring Tim Hardaway Jr., Jalen Brunson, Reggie Bullock, Sterling Brown, and Boban Marjanović. They have a visionary owner, Mark Cuban, who is willing to spend whatever it takes to keep the team competitive. They have a legendary coach, Jason Kidd, who has instilled a culture of excellence and innovation.
The Mavericks have all the ingredients to become a dynasty in the NBA, and to dominate the league for years to come. They have proven that they can beat any team in any situation, and that they have the mental toughness and the chemistry to overcome any adversity. They have also shown that they can adapt to any style of play, and that they have the versatility and the creativity to surprise their opponents. They have the confidence and the swagger of champions, and they have the hunger and the passion to win more.
The Mavericks are not just the hottest team in the NBA, they are the best team in the NBA. And they are not just contending for the title, they are dominating the league.
Bottom Line
The Dallas Mavericks have shown their resilience and excellence by winning their second NBA championship in 2022–23, after overcoming many challenges and setbacks. They have also shown their potential and ambition by aiming to become a dynasty in the NBA, and to dominate the league for years to come.
