WASHINGTON — With the NBA playoffs approaching, we asked fans for their most burning questions about the Mavericks. Many want to know about coach Jason Kidd’s...
Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell and forward Maxi Kleber spin balls on their fingers before an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022, in Dallas.WASHINGTON — With the NBA playoffs approaching, we asked fans for their most burning questions about the Mavericks.
On the Kleber front: Kidd preaches defense, defense and more defense. That message will only amplify come postseason, when opponents will be buckling down, too, and at least four consecutive games against the same team means increasing familiarity with offensive tendencies. Will the Mavs win the first round? It’s really all I can think about. ... Do you honestly believe this version of the Mavs are a Western Conference Finals contender this season or next?But I like their chances if the matchups break right this April.
To make that happen, of course, Dallas would have to win two playoff series, something the franchise has failed to do since 2011, but there’s likely more optimism around the team’s chances this year than in any situation since.