In uncertainty, the Mavericks hold on thanks to Luka Doncic

Finalists in the Western Conference last season, the Mavericks, after almost two weeks in the new 2022/23 season, are still far from having regained their level of last spring.

After six matches, Jason Kidd’s men effectively alternate hot and cold and present a balance sheet. Marked as much by great victories, such as the beating inflicted on the Grizzlies during their second outing, or the success acquired in overtime in Brooklyn, as by surprising defeats, such as the one against the Pelicans, who were deprived of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, or that of Friday on the floor of the Thunder, who furiously caught up with a delay of 16 points four minutes from the end of the meeting to win.

” We have new players [en comparaison à la saison dernière]. There are adjustments, habits to adopt. Not only for the staff, but also for the players » put Jason Kidd into perspective, after last night’s narrow victory against the modest Magic, acquired in pain at the end of the game. ” We are not going to find our level of last year in a snap of the fingers. It’s not realistic. »

Overall, with the exception of the blowout inflicted on the Grizzlies, the Mavericks have only played games played since the beginning of the fiscal year, regardless of the final result. The obvious sign of a team that is still trying to find its momentum from last season, but a blessing in disguise for Jason Kidd, who judges that the adversity that his Mavericks encounter at the start will make them better for the future.

Luka Doncic, the lighthouse in the fog

” We have to go through this turbulence. We were in the same situation last season. […] But we are a good team, we believe in our group and we will continue to improve every day.” added the Dallas coach. “The more matches we play, the better. Yes, it sucks to lose. But it is also an opportunity to learn from our mistakes. That’s how champion teams work. »

Victory or defeat, there has been a common denominator in every Dallas game since the start of the season: Luka Doncic’s level of play, despite his failures to win.

While most of his teammates are still looking for sensations and his coach is fumbling with his rotations, the Slovenian is carbide, against all odds. Never so mobilized in his career, with an average of 36.7 minutes spent on the boards so far, he has not finished any of the first six games below the 30 point mark. A first since Michael Jordan in 1986…

And in the Dallas ship which is rocking at the start of the season, he thus brings a stabilizing presence at the helm, while waiting for the collective rise in power of his team. ” Some nights, I’m going to be constantly trapped. Each team, each staff has different strategies. I don’t feel like I need to score 30 points every night. We have very talented players. I don’t think it will last he concludes.