After a road of uncertainty to start the year, the Dallas Mavericks are one of the hottest teams in the league.
After a concerning slump that set plenty of questions moving forward, the team is undoubtedly focused on extending their season-high winning streak of six games.
During this time, we've seen superstar Luka Doncic take a small step back this season compared to other seasons. However, that step back is actually benefitting Doncic in a way he's never seen before.
Mavs' excellent depth allows Doncic to not have to carry as big of a load
It took until early December for Doncic to finally log a triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists as the Mavericks completely obliterated the Washington Wizards on Thursday night.
This was a headscratcher for people thinking of Doncic being an automatic triple-double machine. Doncic always seemed like he would put up a triple-double stat in almost every game in past seasons, but it took him over a month to accomplish this feat this season.
A big part of Doncic just now having his first triple-double of the year is all thanks to his teammates.
He never felt the need to leave the ball in other hands so often before. As the leader in points per game last year at 33.9 points per game, he needed to be the guy to lead the team every night in all categories.
This could be why he was extremely worn out by the end of the season when he was battling injuries left and right during the playoffs.
Against the Wizards, the Mavs had four guys in double figures from off the bench. This is still with Naji Marshall sidelined with an illness.
With the team looking as locked in as they are now, Doncic doesn't need to be the same player he once was. There's always ongoing betting on the MVP odds, but honestly, Doncic really doesn't need to be chasing that if his team is coming through for him every night. He is more focused on winning the NBA Finals anyway, and that goal remains at the forefront of his teammates' minds as well.
Jason Kidd addressed the depth of his team in a win against Portland, talking about how his bench guys have been stepping up during a time when several players were out with injuries and illnesses. Even while the team was more shorthanded earlier in the year, the Mavs could still win without Doncic getting triple-doubles. Kidd has established one of the strongest benches in the NBA to make for one of the premier balanced teams out there.
With Doncic just having to do his role and lead the team, that's all he has to do with this squad. He doesn't need to be the Superman like he used to be to will his team to victory. Another big difference is him having to play the entire first and third quarters like he would do often in the past. Doncic's body needs the rest, and his team is ready to knock down shots whenever he's on the bench.
