WhoisT3 update!!!!

It has been a long time since I've created something on this page because I've had the opportunity to create for other outlets locally with KeeonSports. I've traveled in and out of the city to cover Highschool Football, Basketball, Wrestling and Hockey. I've also had the pleasure of creating content for Cleveland State University with Keeonsports covering a few of their games this year. I've also been collaborating across Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter) with @DarSportsMedia AKA Defining a Revolution. This includes a great number of articles and podcasts. This has given me the opportunity to cover the NBA in a much deeper sense than normal. I have always been an avid fan of Basketball but it's much different when you're working with others to cover it because of the attention to detail you have to use to know what you're discussing.  I will return to my site with a revamp and create more content for what helped me rediscover my love for writing- www.whoist3.blogspot.com. I will attach some of my best work to this piece because I feel that it's only right to show it off here in my safe haven.

SGA vs Jokic: The Battle for MVP Supremacy | by DAR Sports And Media | Mar, 2025 | Medium

Cade Cunningham's Stellar Season Propels a Pistons' Revival | by DAR Sports And Media | Medium

The Book Of Chef Vol. 1: Steph Curry’s Playoff Success | by DAR Sports And Media | Medium

NBA: Wemby's Towering Achievement, Youngest Center To Score 50 | by DAR Sports And Media | Medium

Team USA vs. Serbia Semi-Finals Matchup: A Historic Basketball Showdown | by DAR Sports And Media | Medium

Different Animal, Same Beast: Kobe Bryant | by DAR Sports And Media | Medium

Embracing The Spotlight: Angel Reese’s Transition To The WNBA | by DAR Sports And Media | Medium

The Breakout of Amen Thompson. The Houston Rockets have a gem on their… | by DAR Sports And Media | Jan, 2025 | Medium

Caitlin Clark's Rookie Season: A Promising Start in the WNBA

 

Caitlin Clark, the highly anticipated No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has made a significant impact in her rookie season with the Indiana Fever. Despite facing initial challenges, trying to adjust to the different talent levels the WNBA had to offer. Clark has shown remarkable growth and potential, living up to the hype surrounding her transition from college to professional basketball.

Statistical Highlights

Clark has quickly established herself as one of the league's top playmakers. She is currently leading the league in assists, averaging 8.3 per game. This is no easy feat, especially as a rookie. Clark has shown that she is a good and willing passer. On top of leading the league in assists, she’s averaging 17.8 points,1.4 steals, and 5.8 rebounds per game and has also recorded nine double-doubles, the most by a rookie guard in WNBA history.

Team Impact

While the Indiana Fever had a challenging start to the season, Clark's presence has been instrumental in their improvement. The team has shown significant progress, making it easier for Clark to adjust within the league and on this Fever. As of now, the Fever (13-15) are in playoff contention, a great improvement from previous years. The Fever have already won the same amount of games as last season at 13. And Clark can be at the focal point of why that is. Clark has scored or assisted on 43% of the Fever's total points this season, the highest percentage by any rookie ever.

Notable Achievements 

Clark became the fastest WNBA player to record 300 career points, 100 rebounds, and 100 assists, achieving this milestone in just 19 games. She was selected as an All-Star starter, becoming only the third rookie in Fever franchise history to do so. In her WNBA debut, Clark tied the record for most 3-point field goals made in a player's first career game with four. Clark has also broken the WNBA rookie record for assists, surpassing Ticha Penicheiro's 1998 mark of 225 with 232 assists so far this season.

Areas for Improvement

Despite her vast improvement from the beginning of the year until now, Clark has areas where she can continue to develop. Her 3-point shooting percentage started as low as 30% in the first 11 games but has improved to 32.8%. Which isn’t necessarily a huge jump but with her volume, it is a good increase. Managing turnovers remains a challenge for her, averaging 5.5 turnovers per game this season. Adapting to the physicality of the pro level and improving her strength and stability have been identified as areas for growth.

Off-Court Impact

Clark's arrival in the WNBA has had a significant effect beyond her on-court performance. Her debut broke cable television records with an average of 2.1 million viewers. The Fever lead the WNBA in road attendance, with Clark's presence drawing large crowds. Numbers would support that Clark has brought many more eyes toward Women’s basketball; is she the sole reason? No. But, she is one of the main reasons for the uptake in views for the WNBA.

Looking Ahead

As Clark continues to adjust to the professional level, her impact on both the Indiana Fever and the WNBA is expected to grow. Her ability to draw crowds and media attention, combined with her on-court skills, positions her as a potential cornerstone for the league's future growth and popularity. Many fans will try to fight the idea of this, but Clark has already proven her worth amongst the best players in the league at such an early stage in her career to an extent. Obviously, you have to rack up the accolades and hopefully get the bling, but as a player, Clark is undeniable.

While challenges remain, including adapting to the increased physicality and pace of the pro game. She is more than likely going to end this year’s rookie of the year. While there may be another candidate that presents a challenge for that. Clark has proven that she is much more consistent in the way that attacks and operates the game. Clark's rookie season has demonstrated that she has the potential to be a transformative player in the WNBA for years to come.

 Sources 

https://fever.wnba.com/news/22-reasons-why-caitlin-clark-is-the-rookie-of-the-year

 

https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/40471104/wnba-2024-caitlin-clark-indiana-fever-rookie-midseason-stats-analysis

 

https://www.wfla.com/sports/caitlin-clark-breaks-wnba-rookie-assists-record-as-fever-beat-storm-92-75/

 

https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/players/c/clarkca02w.html

 

 

Takeaways from Team USA vs South Sudan

Team USA defeats South Sudan: 103-86

Team USA had an impressive outing today vs South Sudan in their 2nd game of the group play. This was a testament to their discipline and urgency in such a pivotal time of their lives and what this means for the sport. This article will be more-so focused on what Team USA did well and what they could improve on. I'll be noting some key takeaways that I observed from this matchup.

Pure Domination vs South Sudan

First and Foremost, this was a much better shooting performance compared to the last time these two teams faced off.  In today's matchup, Team USA shot 43.3% from 3 and 52.9% from the field overall. In  comparison to the last time they played South Sudan where they shot 25% from 3 and 46.75%.  A tremendous increase in efficiency and rhythm. The defense was tighter and more cohesive, and they were more active on the boards. There was clear indication that Team USA did not want this team to get hot again and give them the same problems as before.

Key Takeaways:

• Bam Adebayo may just very well be the best center so far on this team. He is proving to the world that he can anchor any team's defense while also having great offensive production. His three point shot is starting to become a consistent thing, which would be amazing for not only Team USA but also for the Miami Heat.

• Stephen Curry is struggling due to style of play. Most plays are being ran through everyone except him and he is being used as a decoy for the gravity of the offense; which works but as a rhythm player, it won't always serve him well. Getting him more involved in the offense would be best but there are no worries for the greatest shooter ever because at some point he will catch fire.

• Derrick White is the perfect glue for just about every team he could possibly play for. He was the controversial choice of replacement for Kawhi Leonard over his teammate, Jaylen Brown. In hindsight consider everything single little thing that he does on the court, it may not have been a bad decision.

• Joel Embiid could be the odd man out. As great as he is, he has slowed this team down in more ways than just offense and we saw today how smooth things were in comparison to when he plays. I'm in no way saying that he shouldn't play, but a lower role on the totem pole could be considered. Only time will tell, This team could absolutely use him in certain matchups but use him when necessary.

Conclusion:

Team USA faces off against Puerto Rico in the next matchup. There aren't really any concerns right now as long as they continue to play as they have in these last two games. The structure of lineups are improving and players are meshing together well. That could strike disaster for their next opponent and only time will tell what will happen.

Paul George: from LA to Philly

 

Paul George, the nine-time All-Star has officially signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $212 million max contract. This move marks the end of George's five-year tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers, which was lackluster in comparison to when it was announced. That is due in part to injuries and inconsistency. With the Clippers, he averaged 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game with 46/40/88 splits (eFG% = 54%).

Reasons for Leaving the Clippers

George's departure from the Clippers was influenced by several factors. Initially, the Clippers were in talks with Golden State to trade George to the Warriors but those talks ended rather quickly. The Clippers offered him a two-year, $80 million contract. Then, negotiations for a three-year, $150 million contract with a no-trade clause also fell through, leading George to seek opportunities elsewhere. The Clippers' reluctance to meet his contract demands, coupled with the constraints of the NBA's revised collective bargaining agreement, played a crucial role in his decision to leave.

Reason for Joining the 76ers

This is a great addition for the 76ers and a great landing spot for Paul George as well. It gives the 76ers a chance to have some more much needed scoring and shooting while giving PG a chance to take a lesser ball handling role and more opportunity to work off ball and be a deadly spot up shooter that he has always been. With Maxey becoming the dynamic guard that he is and former league MVP, Joel Embiid being the lead man, Philly should be able to make some noise in the east. It will come down to whether this team can stay healthy or not.

Conclusion

Paul George's move to the Philadelphia 76ers marks a significant shift in the NBA landscape. His departure from the Clippers and subsequent signing with the 76ers highlight the complexities of contract negotiations and the strategic decisions teams make to build competitive rosters. As George embarks on this new chapter with the Philadelphia 76ers, he adds some more vital firepower that can possibly get them over the hump. This is important especially because of teams like the Knicks getting better with the Bridges trade and Anunoby signing- who eliminated the 76ers in the 1^st round of the 2024 postseason. Philly will need everything they can get and have made a good move to give the city some hope!

 Sources:

1. LA Times
2. ESPN
3. StatMuse
4. Hoops Rumors
5. CBS Sports
6. Liberty Ballers
7. Newsweek

New Face in Cleveland

Out with the Old - In with the New 

    The Cleveland Cavaliers have been in search of a coach after dismissing J.B. Bickerstaff right after their season ended. This search was not as extensive as it may have seemed for fans of Cleveland as they were able to find a replacement a little over a month after the previous departure. The new head coach goes by the name of Kenny Atkinson and in this short article I will note his upbringing, key skills and reasons for being welcomed into the Cavaliers Organization. 

Who is Kenny Atkinson? 

    Kenny Atkinson is a former collegiate player for the University of Richmond, leading the team to a Sweet Sixteen appearance in 1988 and pro player overseas in Europe who received an opportunity to coach in the early 2000s and has had some notable success in the NBA in his roles as a Head or Assistant coach. 

Coaching Experience 

    Atkinson began as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks in 2008 and then transitioned to the Atlanta Hawks from 2012-2016. This Atlanta team was most notable for winning 60 games in the 2014-15 season and making the Eastern Conference Finals. Atkinson then moved to a head coaching role with the Brooklyn Nets, having a strong influence on leading that team to their best season in between the KG/Pierce and KD/Kyrie years. With a breakout season from D’Angelo Russel in 2018-2019, winning 42 games with the help of some familiar players for Cavs fans- Jarret Allen and Caris LeVert. 

    Atkinson moved over to Los Angeles as an assistant coach at the start of the 2020-2021 season to help push the Kawhi/PG Led Clippers over the hump; winning 47 games, finishing 4^th in the west and making the Western Conference Finals despite Kawhi Leonard sustaining a season ending injury in the 2^nd round. His last stop before this recent signing was with an old rival of the Cavaliers- The Golden State Warriors. While they have been in a rocky transition since their Golden Years for most of the 2020s, Kerr and Atkinson did manage to help lead that team to an NBA Championship in 2022 with some heroics from Stephen Curry and great performances from guys like Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins. 

Conclusion 

    Kenny Atkinson is highly regarded for his ability to develop young talent and improve players' skills, implementing offensive systems that prioritize ball movement and diverse attacking styles with his use of analytics to firmly make decisions. Making his way to Cleveland where things can become stagnant at times during games, this may be a great match for what they want to accomplish offensively.

 

The Ring Season is Complete

 

The Success of the Boston Celtics

This has been a season to remember for many. For each team it was another learning experience. The one team that took everything they learned and applied it to achieve the highest level of success in the league is one that now holds the record for most NBA Championships at 18. The Boston Celtics, led by Joe Mazzulla, Jaylen Brown (FMVP) and Jayson Tatum. In this article I will go through a deep dive of what it took for them to get to this spot.

The Mastermind

The Boston Celtics should be extremely grateful for their recently named “Executive of the Year,” Brad Stevens. He is truly the mastermind behind this team and have put them in more of a comfortable space than most teams in the NBA. With the new CBA in effect, The Celtics may be the only team that can avoid any of the ramifications that it may cause for other teams. 

Brad Stevens has made some tough yet great decisions for his organization. He made a number of moves this offseason that greatly benefitted the Celtics. The first one involved getting rid of a former Defensive Player of the Year and longtime Celtics player, Marcus Smart. This turned into one of the biggest steals of the Summer in 2023. The Celtics acquired Kristaps Porzingis in a 3-team trade that sent Tyus Jones to the Wizards and Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies. With his next move, he acquired a 2way guard by the name of Jrue Holiday, recent champion with the Milwaukee Bucks and a pivotal piece to their success. The Celtics were able to pull off another heist by trading two injured players- Rob Williams and Malcolm Brogdon along with an unprotected first round pick and the Golden State Warriors’ 2024 first round pick to the Blazers for Holiday.

Regular Season Dominance

The Celtics entered the postseason as the top seed in the Eastern Conference, boasting an impressive 64-18 regular-season record. Their success was fueled by a well-balanced offensive attack and a stifling defense, ranking first in offensive efficiency and second in defensive efficiency. This team was almost something similar of what we saw from the Prime Warriors and Cavaliers form 2014-17. The playstyle and team build was reminiscent of those two teams, prioritizing strength in numbers, size/physicality and shooting. Pure Dominance across the board running a primarily 5-out offense with snipers spread around the floor gave teams problems that were ultimately unstoppable in the end.

Playoff Dominance

The Boston Celtics were transcendent in the postseason, ending with a 16-3 record- going up against the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers and the Dallas Mavericks. This was an historic feat for them, and it proved that they were truly deserving of this championship because of their grit and discipline in close games and especially during their commanding wins. Overall, this also clinched them another spot in history with an 80-21 record throughout the regular season and postseason. This marks the second time they have done this in the 21st century and makes them one of the 11 teams to win 80% of their games and win the NBA championship

Conclusion

The Boston Celtics etched their name in NBA history by capturing their 18th championship title, defeating the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals with Jaylen Brown wining Finals MVP. Ironically, winning this championship on 6/17 coordinates with their area code (617). It also marks the second time they’ve done this in the 21st century. All in all, this triumph not only solidified their legacy but also showcased their remarkable depth, resilience, and unwavering determination throughout the playoffs.

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2024 NBA Finals: Key Highlights and Takeaways So Far

The 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks have been a showcase of dominance, strategy, and standout performances.  Here are some of the major takeaways from the first two games of the series.

Key Highlights from Game 1: Celtics' Dominance and Porzingis Return

Score: Boston Celtics 107, Dallas Mavericks 89

The Celtics came out firing out on all cylinders, taking a 29-point lead in the 2nd quarter. Their crazy shot-making, great defense, and production level from players like Jrue Holiday and Derrick White were pivotal in their victory. Boston's team defense was locked in, blocking five dunks or layup attempts. Dallas tried their best to make it a competitive game but was ultimately met with halting force by the Celtics. The Celtics' strategy to force Luka Doncic into a role that would limit his passing and playmaking, by mucking up the matchups and making it tough for the rest of the team to flourish. Doncic recorded only one assist, a season low for him in the playoffs. 

Kristaps Porzingis returning from a long absence due to a calf injury he sustained in the first round. Porzingis made a significant impact with eleven points and three blocked shots in his first seven minutes on the court. Porzingis's presence was felt both offensively and defensively, providing a much-needed boost for the Celtics.

Key Highlights from Game 2: Holiday's Heroics and Celtics' Depth

Score: Boston Celtics 105, Dallas Mavericks 98

Jrue Holiday provided some much-needed assistance in game 2, leading the Celtics with 26 points and 11 rebounds, showing the world that he can be a prime-time player on the biggest stage in basketball. Holiday's first-half dominance set the stage for Boston's victory, scoring 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting. While both teams were struggling from 3 and while the Mavericks were struggling to pull away, Jrue was making his mark on the game.

Despite Luka Doncic's impressive 32-point, 11-rebound, and 11-assist effort, it wasn't enough to secure a win for the Mavericks. His performance highlighted the need for more support from his teammates. It is noteworthy to add that Luka also added 8 turnovers to this stat line, making it harder for the team have any type of security on this game. Along with some sub-par defense, as much credit as you can give to Luka individually, you can credit him with giving this game away.

The Celtics' defense was crucial in Game 2, with key stops and blocks in the fourth quarter helping to seal the victory. Derrick White's game-sealing block and Holiday's steal were pivotal moments. Jayson Tatum, despite struggling with his shooting, contributed significantly with 12 assists. His ability to impact the game in other ways was impressive.

Kyrie Irving's Underwhelming Performances:

Irving struggled, scoring only 12 points and missing all five of his 3-point attempts, going 6-19 from the field. His inability to finish plays and the Celtics' defensive pressure contributed to his subpar performance. He followed up this performance with another below average game. He totaled 16 points, missing all of his 3-point attempts once again, going 7-18 from the field. He is struggling to find his way in this NBA Finals. For a player that is deemed as the “most skilled player ever,” he is not showing us why he was given that title by many on social media.

Series Outlook

The Celtics hold a commanding 2-0 lead in the series, showcasing their depth, defensive strength, and offensive versatility. The Mavericks, on the other hand, need to find additional scoring support for Doncic from their number two option and improve their shooting efficiency as team to turn the series around. As the series shifts to Dallas, the Mavericks will need to make significant adjustments to avoid falling into an insurmountable deficit.

Minnesota Timberwolves: A Season to remark upon

 

The Minnesota Timberwolves had an exceptional 2023-24 NBA season, spearheaded by significant success and standout performances. Establishing a new leader in Anthony Edwards, this group has found its stride in this league and the future is bright for them. This article provides a comprehensive overview of their season, including regular-season performance, key players, postseason journey, and notable accolades

 Regular Season Performance 

The Timberwolves finished the regular season with a much hope to move forward. With a record of 56-26, that placed them third in the Western Conference, narrowly missing the top seed due to tiebreaker scenarios involving the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder. The team's success was driven by a combination of strong defense and balanced offensive contributions

Amongst great team performance, a star was born. Anthony Edwards proved he can embrace the role of leader in the locker room. Edwards led the team in scoring and was the key piece in keeping this team glued together and giving them the confidence to prevail throughout the season. He played a pivotal role in several key victories throughout the season. Ant, KAT and Rudy along with guys like Mcdaniels, Mike Conley, and Naz Reid helped bring an historic milestone, netting their second-best record in franchise history, showing that they are a team to fear in the upcoming years.

Defense reigns supreme

With the team anchoring in the top-ranked in the NBA with a defensive rating of 108.4, there must be some credit given to the man in the middle by the name of Rudy Gobert. Gobert had another standout season on the defensive end, earning the 2023-24 Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. Averaging 2.13 blocks per game and anchoring the Timberwolves' defense- He became the first player in franchise history to win the Defensive Player of the Year award and joined an elite group of players with four such titles. With Rudy at head of the charge, it gave the other guys a will to play harder every single night and this prowess got them as far as the Western Conference Finals.

Offensive Improvements and (Im)Balance

The Minnesota Timberwolves experienced some improvements and some woes throughout the entirety of the season including the playoffs. The 2022-23 season saw them at 115.8 ppg which was 13^th in the league and an offensive rating of 113.7. This was good enough for a 42-40 record and placed the offense in stagnant state at times which can be a recipe for disaster, especially during the postseason.

During the 23-24 season, the Wolves dropped off from the previous year at 113.0 ppg but picked up on the Offensive Rating with 115.6. When you see this, you would have to question if they got worse or not, even with the Offensive rating increasing. This was not the case during the season. With them picking up on the defensive side of the ball, it gave them more chances to take their time on offense and get quality shots. The only problem with this is in the most pivotal times, the stagnancy that hindered them the previous season is what ultimately ended up being the problem against the Mavericks (along with great defense by the Mavs) in the WCF. They will have to take a deep dive look at what can prevent this in the future.

Conclusion

The 2023-24 season was a milestone year for the Minnesota Timberwolves, marked by significant individual performances and team achievements. With a strong core of players and a solid defensive foundation, the Timberwolves have set the stage for continued success in the coming seasons. Despite falling short in the playoffs, the team's performance has instilled hope and excitement among fans, promising a bright future for the franchise.

NBA Finals: Celtics vs Mavericks- Was it Fate?

 

Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks: 2024 NBA Finals Matchup Preview

The 2024 NBA Finals feature a highly anticipated matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks. Both teams have had impressive seasons and are poised to compete for the championship. Here’s a detailed preview of the matchup, including team compositions, key players, and statistical comparisons.

Notable Matchups and Stats

Key Matchups in this series will involve Jayson Tatum vs. Luka Doncic and Jaylen Brown vs. Kyrie Irving. Jayson Tatum who has been a crucial player for the Celtics, leading them in scoring and rebounding. While Luka Doncic has led his team in multiple categories as well. Jaylen Brown, who is known for his defensive prowess and scoring ability, Brown has been a key contributor for the Celtics, especially in clutch moments. Kyrie Irving, a dynamic scorer and playmaker, Irving has provided the Mavericks with a reliable second option behind Doncic

Tatum and Doncic etching themselves in history en route to the Finals

Via @StatMamba

The Celtics have a slight edge in most statistical categories, including points per game, rebounds, and defensive rating. Their ability to spread the floor with efficient three-point shooting and solid free-throw percentages could be pivotal in the series. The best player in this series is Luka Doncic and he has proven throughout the postseason that no matter the circumstance, he will find a way to help his team win. 

Here are some interesting stats to take into consideration for the previous claims made:

Luka Doncic's Phenomenal Playoff Run

S/o to @NBAWORLD24 

Parallels and Storylines

There are some glaring parallels between these two teams, as they soon go to head-to-head for the biggest prize in basketball, the NBA championship. What are these parallels? Let’s start with Kristaps Porzingis who was traded from the Mavericks to the Wizards in 2022 and then to the Boston Celtics in 2023. He has been an extremely important piece in Boston’s success this season. Unfortunately, he suffered a calf injury early in the postseason but is slated to come back for the NBA Finals. Another Parallel here is once again from the Wizards with Daniel Gafford being traded from Washington to the Mavericks in at the deadline in 2024. This will be a battle between two former teammates from a team that made these two finals opponents well-oiled machines. 

Former Teammates- Daniel Gafford and Kristaps Porzingis

The biggest storyline here is none other than Kyrie Irving. He is back in the finals for the first time since 2017 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. That is also the same year that he was traded to the Celtics for Isaiah Thomas. It is safe to say that this union did not work out the way Celtics fans had hoped. Now it is a chance for redemption for both sides, noting that the breakup wasn’t so pretty and the antics over the years between Kyrie and Celtic fans drew some bad blood. These will all be interesting storylines to follow throughout the final round of the NBA postseason.

Conclusion

The 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks promise to be an exciting and competitive series. The Celtics' depth and defensive capabilities will be tested against the Mavericks' high-powered offense led by Luka Doncic. With both teams boasting star-studded lineups and strong playoff performances, this series is set to be a thrilling conclusion to the NBA season.

Dallas Mavericks: The Improbable Season

 

Dallas Mavericks 2023-2024 Season: An Overall Overview

The Dallas Mavericks' 2023-2024 season has been one to marvel over with the ups and the downs considering the Western Conference being a dog fight for the entire season. This Mavs season culminating in a deep playoff run, is not something that was expected. The Mavericks finished the regular season with a 50-32 record, placing them 5th in the Western Conference ¹. The Mavericks showcased their resilience to avoid the play-in and make a run to secure a safe spot in the postseason. Their season was characterized by mid-season trades, strong performances from their star players, particularly Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving and their role guys stepping up to make noise when it was needed. This article provides a detailed account of their regular season performance, key player contributions, and playoff journey.

Key Season Highlights

• Luka Doncic: Doncic had an outstanding season, averaging 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. 

• Kyrie Irving: Irving also played a crucial role, averaging 25.6 points, 5.2 assists, and shooting 41.1% from three-point range.

• Team Dynamics: The Mavericks demonstrated strong offensive capabilities, ranking 9th in Offensive Rating (117.6) but struggled defensively, ranking 18th in Defensive Rating (115.4)¹

     Playoff Journey

First Round: Los Angeles Clippers

The Mavericks faced the 4th-seeded Los Angeles Clippers in the first round. The series was competitive, with James Harden and Paul George having pivotal games pushing their opponent to the limit but the Mavericks emerged victorious in six games (4-2). Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were instrumental, combining for 58 points in the decisive Game 6.

Second Round: Oklahoma City Thunder

In the second round, the Mavericks took on the 1st-seeded OKC Thunder. The Thunder are a young team that have showed the league that they are here and ready to be taken seriously. This series was marked by intense competition and unsung heroes such as: Derrick Jones Jr., rookie, Derrick Lively II and mid-season trade pieces, Daniel Gafford, and P. J. Washington, stepping up to provide much needed depth and versatility. The Mavericks managed to win the series 4-2, with Doncic leading the team in scoring and playmaking. 

Western Conference Finals: Minnesota Timberwolves

The Mavericks advanced to the Western Conference Finals to face the 3rd-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. The Mavericks have been forced to show the world that they are built for the moment or the “bright lights” as fans would call it. Each game has been close and completive with the highlight coming from game 2’s electric game winner by Doncic over Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert. The series is not over yet but with a 3-1 lead, it is safe to say they will be making their first finals appearance since 2011.

Conclusion

The Dallas Mavericks' 2023-2024 season was a testament to their growth and potential. Despite facing challenges, they demonstrated resilience and skill, making a deep playoff run and potentially marking their place in history with a finals appearance. With Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving leading the charge, the Mavericks have established themselves as a formidable team in the NBA, setting the stage for future success.