Can the Mavericks’ make a miracle comeback?

5 things that can turn around the Finals for The Mavs

The Dallas Mavericks’ championship run has been a sight to behold, they fall, they rise but they are not giving up! Down 0-3 in the NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics, their championship dreams seemed on the brink of collapse. But in a display of resilience that echoed the great teams of the past, the Mavericks delivered a resounding win in Game 4, the third-largest win in the history of the Finals. From the opening tip, Dallas out-hustled, out-rebounded, and flat-out outplayed the Celtics in every way imaginable. Luka Doncic’s brilliance, a great supporting cast, and a tenacious defense propelled them to the top of the NBA leaderboard. But what were the key ingredients that separated them from the rest and saw them moving up the rank to be where they are? While every championship team is unique, there are often recurring themes that mark the path to victory. 

Here, we explore 5 key characteristics the Mavericks share with past champions and why it has been a pleasure to watch them :

1. Superstar Leadership:

Great teams need a leader who elevates their game on the biggest stage. Like Michael Jordan’s clutch baskets for the Bulls or Kobe Bryant’s relentless scoring for the Lakers, Luka Doncic emerged as the Mavericks’ undisputed leader. His scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and poise under pressure were instrumental in their success.

2. Complementary Cast:

A single star, no matter how talented, cannot win it all alone. The Mavericks surrounded Doncic with a talented supporting cast. Think of the San Antonio Spurs’ “Big Three” of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, or the Miami Heat’s “Big Three” of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. Similarly, players like P.J. Washington, Kyrie Irving, and Dereck Lively II provided crucial scoring, defense, and veteran leadership for the Mavericks.

3. Defensive Prowess:

Championships aren’t just won on offense. The Mavericks, like past champions such as the Detroit Pistons’ “Bad Boys” era or the Boston Celtics’ stifling defense in the early 2000s, built a defensive identity. Their ability to pressure ball-handlers, contest shots, and limit opponent scoring opportunities was a major factor in their success.

4. Coaching Expertise:

A championship coach knows how to get the most out of his players. Think of Phil Jackson’s Zen Master approach with the Bulls and Lakers or Gregg Popovich’s tactical brilliance with the Spurs. Similarly, Jason Kidd’s leadership and ability to adapt to different opponents played a crucial role in the Mavericks’ journey.

5. Adaptability and Resilience:

The road to the championship is rarely smooth sailing. Injuries, tough matchups, and unexpected challenges can derail even the best teams. The Mavericks, like past champions such as the Golden State Warriors overcoming key injuries in their championship runs, demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and overcome adversity throughout the playoffs.

The Dallas Mavericks’ championship run wasn’t a fluke. By building a team with the qualities of past champions – superstar leadership, a complementary cast, a strong defensive identity, coaching expertise, and adaptability – they cemented their place in NBA history. Having said that, up until the last game, they stared elimination. The series now sits at 3-1, not in their favor, with all eyes on the next pivotal Game 5. Can the Mavericks continue their momentum and tie the series? Or will the Celtics claim the championship trophy?