The Mavericks have to build on this

This game was an absolute war. It took everything Luka and the Mavericks had to outlast a hellacious showing by Curry and the Warriors.

Dallas did the important part: Get the win. But considering Golden State is so shorthanded, as well as the dreadful defense over the last couple showings, there is still much to clean up.

And unfortunately for the Mavericks, they’re running out of time to do it. We’re over a third of the way into the year and they sit at 10-14. They’ve got several home games against non-elite opponents  (not gimmes) on the horizon. A prime opportunity to climb in the standings.

They need to do something with that. That’s the soft part of the schedule and if they can’t make up ground there, they likely never will.

The Defense needs a scheme adjustment…or something 

What the Warriors do offensively is well documented by now. Their style is unique and incredibly challenging to defend.

But they’ve been putting this same stuff on tape for years. Teams should, at least, look more prepared than the Mavericks did during this two-game set.

Curry was getting the looks that made him an MVP. He’s going to be great regardless, but giving him everything that makes him the best version of himself isn’t going to work. Pull-ups, C&S, straight line drives, etc… all of it was available to him and it ignited an offensive explosion for the Dubs.

Now, there are some personnel issues that limit their defensive flexibility. Which brings us to the next point…

KP has to be better 

Luka Doncic is unbelievably special. We know that and expect it. Tonight’s 42 point, 11 assist , 9 rebound outburst was a great example of that.

But what makes the Mavericks exceptionally dangerous is when KP is playing like a legit co-star.

So far this season, that just hasn’t been the case. He’s coming off injury and that’s fair context, but he’s had 13 games now to return to all-star form and he just hasn’t. On either end.

Perhaps the defense is more concerning. Previously, KP was an excellent rim protector. He was a key link in their defensive chain.

But this year? The opposite. Teams are seeking him out and attacking. He’s moving so poorly in space, a flaw that was exposed again the smaller, speedy Warriors.

Right now, KP owns the worst defensive rating on the team. Something that can’t continue if this team wants to be who they think they should be.