Don't look now, but the Dallas Mavericks are on a three-game winning streak and they've won five of their last six games. The team beat the New Orleans Pelicans 111-103 on Friday. This marked the Mavs' first win after the All-Star break, and they got started on the right note after a weeklong break. The win now puts Dallas one game back from the sixth seed, as the team looks for creative ways to win.
Kyrie Irving played a key part in the team's win. He scored a team-high 35 points on 50 percent shooting from the field. Irving also knocked down a pivotal 3-point attempt with 57 seconds left to put the final nail in the coffin. He has been a vocal leader for the team, as he has helped the Mavs fight through high levels of adversity. Earlier this week, Irving gave fans hope, proclaiming that the team was "getting healthy at the right time."
It seemed Irving was on to something. P.J. Washington made his awaited return Friday after missing the team's past three games. He immediately impacted the game, scoring 24 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and one block. Washington attacked the basket and let the game come to him. It's without question, his presence was deeply missed.
Mavs' small-ball lineup is key to solving team's injury woes
One key part of Washington's game is his ability to play multiple positions. Against the Pelicans, Dallas fans caught a glimpse of Washington at the five spot. He did a great job stretching the floor and being aggressive off the bounce. He was able to attack the boards and open up the court more. It's clear playing him at the center spot creates more opportunities for coach Jason Kidd and gives the unit on the floor tons of versatility.
Irving spoke about Washington's play at the five after the game. He explained that Washington was getting "accustomed to playing that five role." Irving also expanded on how Washington is able to bring opposing centers to the 3-point line and create more opportunities for his teammates. Simply put, Washington has been a good asset and vocal presence for the team, and he is only scratching the surface of his potential.
Along with Washington, Kessler Edwards has seen valuable minutes at the center spot. He started his third straight game on Friday, and Kidd has been pleased with his performances, especially his "energy and effort." Defensively, Edwards reeled in four rebounds. He did a superb job keeping Pelicans' center Yves Missi from scoring. It was Edwards's aggressive stature that kept Missi from shooting above 40 percent. He also helped limit Zion Williamson's inside scoring despite him having a big game.
Before Friday's game, Edwards had his best game last Thursday. Against the Miami Heat, he dropped in a season-high 15 points and nine rebounds. It's the little things that make Edwards stand out. He isn't afraid to make things difficult for opponents inside and use his dominant defense to help the Mavs win. Dallas is currently 6-1 whenever Edwards starts, and he has been huge for them despite being on a two-way deal.
Both Edwards and Washington have shown the capability to rotate at the center position. This is important because Dallas has shown they can succeed at playing small ball. Whenever you have two players at 6-foot-7 this opens up the floor for so many chances. Dallas can then force the opposition big man to play on top of the key. This then allows the Mavs' guards to have easy access to the paint.
Dallas recently signed Moses Brown to a 10-day contract, as big-man injuries take a toll. Brown, along with Kylor Kelly make up the Mavs' center position. However, both players have seen limited action. The team seems more willing to roll with a small-ball lineup, and there is a reason why.
The small-ball lineup also opens up the team's shooting. For example, on Friday Dallas shot 36.4 percent from the 3-point line. The team played mostly small ball. The Mavs shot 44 3-pointers, as a majority of their attempts were open shots. This is a good sign for the team, meaning they once they get hot it'll be hard to stop their outside shooting.
Naji Marshall elaborated on the Mavs' small-ball success. He believes the team's aggressive tone is what sets them apart from everyone. In simple terms, the Mavs are full of 6-foot-8 "dawgs."
Dallas will need their dawg mentality to hold up these next two weeks. The team is expected to reevaluate Dereck Lively II, Daniel Gafford, and Anthony Davis on March 6. So, until then, the small-ball lineup could be the one thing to help keep the team afloat. If these past couple of games have proven anything, it's that small ball is turning into one of the Mavs' specialties that should frighten the league.
Kidd has been outstanding recently, as he is getting the absolute most out of this team despite all of the injuries, and him leading the Mavericks through this time of adversity will prepare them for the final stretch of the season and into the playoffs.
