Why are the Dallas Mavericks a better team without Luka Dončić than with him?

Diego Jiménez Rubio | Sun, 12/01/2024 - 16:33

Dallas Mavericks, best team without Luka Doncic. Photo: gettyimages

There are occasions when a player attracts so much attention from others and from their own identity, that their absence reignites the motivation of their teammates to cover for them securely. This is what may be happening with the Dallas Mavericks whose win-loss record is much better without Luka Doncic than with him.

Distracted in crucial moments of the game, struggling to maintain their pace, and losing far more turnovers than advisable. This is how the Dallas Mavericks were performing until a few weeks ago when a tremendous turning point occurred: the injury of Luka Doncic. What seemed like it could be a huge problem for a struggling team has become the best possible catalyst for a strengthened group.

Mavs without Luka:

4-8 — Last season
5-1 — This season pic.twitter.com/5VVNk3ChHQ
— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 1, 2024

The Slovenian was not displaying his best level, but he was striving to produce consistently, acting as a certain brake to other players who have stepped up without him. Kyrie Irving is shining brightly and knowing how to involve more teammates in the common mission to show that the Dallas Mavericks are much more than just Luka Doncic.

Upon his return, the Slovenian will find a very cohesive group that has shown the ability to take on responsibilities on both ends of the court. Adjustments will need to be made, both collectively and in the case of the Slovenian, so that his comeback does not result in a setback from these good news. There cannot be room for inconsistency in a highly competitive Western Conference.

Kyrie Irving had a NIGHT ✨

30 PTS | 9 AST | 7 REB | 4 STL | 6 3PM@dallasmavs win their 3rd in a row! pic.twitter.com/dFOcfpIwjT
— NBA (@NBA) December 1, 2024