ESPN Analyst: Dallas Mavs' Undefeated Start Flying 'Under the Radar'
As the undefeated Dallas Mavericks prepare for their toughest test of the young season on Friday night when they take on the Denver Nuggets, many are wondering if the hot start is 'fool's gold' due to Dallas having a favorable schedule so far. Although it's true that the Mavs haven't faced stiff competition yet, they're still playing extremely well, especially on the offensive end of the floor, considering all the new faces they brought in over the summer.
ESPN's Zach Lowe posted his latest edition of "things he likes and dislikes" so far this season, and the chemistry between Luka Doncic and rookie big man Dereck Lively II made the list as one of the things he's intrigued by.
"The Dallas Mavericks' 4-0 start has gone under the radar because they've played a cake schedule," Lowe wrote. "They don't seem to be sure who their fifth starter should be. But their offense is absolutely blazing behind Doncic, and last year's mediocre Mavs went 15-16 against sub-.500 teams. In the West, every win matters. The Mavs aren't quite this good, but they pass the early eye test. They're solid."
The Dallas Mavericks closed out Wednesday's win over the Chicago Bulls with a lineup that was 24 years old and younger.
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Lowe goes on to talk about how Lively brings a skillset to the table that "Doncic's game has begged for" over the last five years. In his latest outing, a clutch win over the Chicago Bulls, Lively played the entire fourth quarter and finished with seven points, 13 rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block while being team-best +15 on the night. The 19-year-old, who is being mentored by Mavs legend Tyson Chandler, has had an immediate impact, and the eye test correlates with the numbers so far.
"The Mavs have outscored opponents by a massive 15.5 points per 100 possessions so far with Lively and Doncic on the floor," Lowe wrote. "Opponents are shooting just 53 percent at the rim when Lively is the closest defender, per NBA.com. Doncic is defending with more vigor and going along with the Mavs' faster pace. Keep an eye on Dallas."
If the Mavs are able to defeat the defending-champion Nuggets on the road tonight, they might not be flying under the radar for too much longer.
