Mavericks
Defeat
Knicks
122-108
Along with Mavs Deadline Moves
2/8/2024
Notable Box Scores:
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Luka Doncic- 39PTS, 8REB, 11AST, 4STL, 1BLK, 54.2%
Flight 55- 18PTS, 5REB, 3AST, 71.4%
Donte DiVincenzo- 36PTS, 2REB, 3AST, 50%, 7/12 3FG
Josh Hart- 23PTS, 10REB, 12AST, 1STL Triple Double
MAVS vs. KNICKS
Mavs Defeat the Knicks 122-108, capping off an extremely productive road trip in the east, finishing 3-0.
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Important things to note. The Knicks were extremely shorthanded, missing their four best players and losing Isaiah Hartenstein in the process due to Achilles issues. Despite the fact that DL2 is out recovering from nose surgery, the Mavs prosper in defensive rebound as well as blocks, with Maxi Kleber having four for himself.
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The unsung hero of this game is Lukas defense, which continues to go under the radar. Josh Green came out with extreme confidence, dunking on DiVincenzo to start the game, as well as some key 3-pointers. Derrick Jones Junior took a different approach to scoring this game, stepping away from the 3-point perimeter and taking it to the rack, creating one of his best games this season.
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All around, a solid game from the Mavericks to cap off the trip, with good energy heading home to face OKC.
Knicks Struggles
With the Knicks being extremely injured and playing a 7-man lineup, Donte DiVincenzo continued his 5-game hot streak, proving to Thibs and the FO that he can be a valuable asset to this team. Josh Hart ends a cold streak with a 23-point triple double, seeming to be able to find the open man time and time again.
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As for the foreseeable future for the Knicks, it's not bright. They are down to seven available players on their roster, and a 10-day contract may be in the stars.
Nico and Mark get it done at the Deadline
Nico Harrison and Mark Cuban pull of arguably the best trade deadline for the 2024 season among the NBA.
Nico managed to move Richaun Holmes and 2 second round picks for Washington Wizards’ Daniel Gafford, an Elite lob threat and incredible rim protector for an “Undersized” Center. This can provide an extremely valuable asset for the bench.
Arguably the biggest move from today was trading for Charlotte Hornets PJ Washington. In return Charlotte received Grant Williams, Seth Curry and a 2024 lightly protected First Round Pick. Grant Williams had not been the player the Mavericks were anticipating when they picked him up this offseason in a sign and trade, and Seth Curry gets traded for the 3rd time as a Maverick.
Getting rid of some ice cold players and keeping Josh Green as well as Tim Hardaway Jr. on the lineup will prove to be extremely beneficial in the future. The only issue we face now is draft compensation. The Mavericks do not control any of their first round picks from the years 2027-2030. This can prove to be problematic in the future, but only time will tell.
Buyout Market Hopes
As for the future, what we can only look forward to for obtaining assets is the buyout market. Fourtuantley, Mavs fans, we have some solid hope for some good signings. Spencer Dinwiddie was recently traded to the Raptors with the intent of a buyout, and he was seen seated behind the Mavericks bench today at the game, as well as speaking to Mark Cuban during a timeout.
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Another good lead is the brother of Markieff Morris, Marcus Morris. The Mavs currently hold the best odds of landing him. Marcus has had an incredible shooting season and would add another valuable shooter around Luka.
Highlight of the Game
RECAP
February 8th was massive for the Dallas Mavericks. Huge pickups in free agency with PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford, along with a great game from Luka. 3 straight wins doesn't seem like the world, but for a team like the Mavericks in the current situation they are in, it can prove to be substantial.
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With a stacked Western Conference, and the top 4 teams being tied with each other, every win counts for the Mavs. Currently, the 8th seed, we have some climbing to do to reach a comfortable location. With the new assets and depth, as well as the lineup finally starting to get healthy again, the Mavs' future looks as bright as ever.