The Dallas Mavericks were keen to prove to detractors that their run to the 2024 NBA Finals the previous season wasn’t an exception as they started the 2024–25 NBA season. The Mavericks and the Memphis Grizzlies are currently tied for the top spot in the Southwest Division.
Even if the club is 3-2, in first place in the division, and fifth overall in the Western Conference, there are still indications that a significant component is still lacking. The Mavericks have had trouble adding players to the roster besides their big three of Klay Thompson, Kyrie Irving, and Luka Doncic
Along with Naji Marshall on offense, recently acquired Quentin Grimes has yet to establish a reliable role; nevertheless, Marshall’s defense has compensated for his offensive shortcomings. Jaden Hardy is already experiencing a season filled with highs and lows. Slow beginnings have been a major factor in the Mavericks’ struggles thus far this season, and P.J. Washington discussed how Dallas might reduce their slow start.
Washington claims that shooting and optimism would reduce sluggish starts.
Washington is unconcerned, and his response to a query about how to prevent these sluggish starts seems like a brilliant idea.
“In the first quarter, our defense hasn’t really been that well lately,” Washington stated. “The offensive is clearly getting off to a rough start. Thus, merely attempting to better understand one another. We obviously need to spend more time together on the court. However, simply entering with the proper mindset, being upbeat, and making open shots.”
Washington is aware of Dallas’ poor start to these games and believes that patience will be the key to ending these sluggish starts. He mentioned that he wants the Mavs to be upbeat and make more open shots early in these games because they are still learning how to play together. When starting games, Washington also spoke out the team’s subpar defense and their improved play.
The Mavericks lost to the Houston Rockets by 13 points at the end of the first quarter of their most recent game on Halloween. They were unable to mount a 14-point comeback in the fourth quarter to win the game.
The Mavericks are suffering because Doncic, in particular, has not started the season well. Doncic’s dismal 5-of-13 first-half shooting performance against the Rockets set the tone for the game and forced the Mavericks to attempt to climb out of a hole that was ultimately too deep to escape. Although he understands he needs to start the game better, he ended up being outstanding in the closing moments.
These sluggish beginnings put Dallas
Dallas is in a difficult position for the remainder of the game as a result of these poor beginnings, thus Washington’s strategies for preventing them must be implemented. It’s critical that the team maintains its optimistic attitude and refrains from criticizing itself because this would make the game start even worse. To get the offense going, the Mavs also need to make more open shots early on, and Doncic’s willingness to swing the ball and engage teammates is the first step in that direction. For Dallas to have a better chance of getting off to a better start, he needs to quit occasionally becoming overly focused on establishing himself offensively in the first quarter and involving his teammates less.
Grimes is the only player outside of Dallas’ big three to make a three in the first quarter, and that needs to change. They must make these shots, as Washington stated, but the open looks will keep coming.
The Mavericks are only five games into the season, but they haven’t had any resounding victories. To get back on track, the Mavericks play the Orlando Magic tonight in the fifth game of their home stand. The Mavericks might have been able to play the Magic at the perfect moment because they had lost three of their last four games. Keep checking back for the most recent information on Washington and the Mavericks.