The Dallas Mavericks batted around .500 for most of the season until they won six straight games. Despite the absence of a number of key players, including Josh Green, Maxi Kleber and Dorian Finney-Smith, the Mavs have won six in a row and still hold a record of 21-16. As a result, they were ranked fourth in the Western Conference standings.
Compared to the team’s start to the 2021-22 season until New Year’s Eve, this year’s season has gotten off to a better start. Compared to last year at this point, the Mavs still held his 17-18 losing record and Sacramento’s 112-96 win over the Kings gave him six straight wins, and the final In the turning point of the season came his point.
“Last year we made it to the conference finals. It was a big step for us,” Doncic said. “I think we’ve learned a lot. We have a few new players this year and we’re starting to connect.”
One of the factors that contributed significantly to the Mavs’ success was the involvement of Christian Wood in the starting lineup. Dallas has a record of 6 wins and 1 loss this season when Wood started alongside Doncic.
Doncic averaged 42.2 points, 10.8 rebounds and 10.2 assists during the Mavs’ winning streak, with a shooting split of .587/.467/.744. He became the first player in NBA history to average 39 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists over six games.
Wood has been very impressed with Doncic’s recent play. He even went so far as to say, “I’ve never seen anything like this” in his seven seasons in the NBA. For someone who’s played with superstars like Giannis Antetokompo and James Harden, that’s saying something.
“Unbelievable,” Wood said of Doncic’s recent play. “In my seven years in the league, I’ve never seen him do something like he does. He has to keep it up. The league. And I’m happy with him.
Playing alongside Doncic was useful for Wood after being integrated into the starting line-up. He averaged 19.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks during his six straight wins for the Mavs. He showed his impressive potential alongside Doncic.
Doncic has had success playing alongside Wood. When the team is in pick-and-roll his coverage on the base, Wood can earn drop-his coverage with his pick-and-pop shooting ability. If desired, you can also finish against contact in the paint as well as catch lobs.
“We just feed each other on the court,” Wood said of the pick-and-roll synergy with Doncic. “I have confidence in him and I think he has confidence in me. When the time comes to choose and roll, I think we are doing a great job of doing it.” (And) we are getting pretty close.”
Wood is especially valuable as a complement to Doncic when the team doesn’t allow the Mavs normal pick-and-roll action. With teams switched, Wood can force smaller defenders to pay the price by using his size after a deep catch at the post or on a drive from isolation. When the team blitzes Doncic, Wood can reach the rim from a short roll or read a pass. Regardless of their defensive range, they are always talking to each other to strategize their counters.
“Me and him are always talking to each other on the floor,” Wood said of communicating with Doncic to counter the defensive coverage. “The way the team protects us is by switching coverage from game to game. You just have that communication with the pick – and roll and pick and pop…”
Forming a great duo requires personal chemistry beyond X and O. A real connection seems to be forged between Doncic and Wood. While Doncic is a vocal force on the court, Wood understands the sometimes competitive spirit of the three-time All-NBA guard.
“He doesn’t get mad when I yell at him sometimes,” Doncic said of Wood. “That’s what I appreciate. There are times when it’s hard to be on the court with me during a game. I just want to win. But he never gets angry. He listens to me. I do.” I listen to him, so it works.”
There’s also a clear off-court chemistry between Doncic and Wood.How Doncic explained after Mavs win over Spurs
“He doesn’t have a sense of humor,” Doncic joked of Wood. Listen…more dad jokes.It’s okay.It’s a great joke.”
The Mavs have a chance to extend their winning streak to seven when they face the Houston Rockets on Monday. Dallas hasn’t won that many games in a row since his 2010-11 season, which ended in his first and only NBA championship.
Considering he’s playing in the final year of a three-year, $41 million deal he signed to join the Rockets to fight James Harden ahead of former NBA MVP James Harden’s trade request. , it remains unclear how long Wood will remain a member of the Mabs.
Wood is eligible to sign a four-year, $77 million contract extension after Christmas Eve. If the Mavs try to keep Wood’s trade eligibility until the midseason trade deadline, it will be difficult to agree on a potential deal. , The Mabs have the rights to Wood’s Bard.
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