SUBJECT: Mavs (11-5)

TRACKING: 11/26-12/1 • V. LAC, @ PHX, @ LAL

This week’s Tracking… Assignment is focused on a surprise team out West: Luka Doncic’s Mavs.

Just 20 years old, Doncic is already on the verge of DIFFERENT BREED territory. Thru 16 games, he’s leading the league in triple-doubles w/ averages of 30.6! ppg, 10.1 rpg & 9.8! apg.

The pace he’s setting is remarkable - most importantly, however, Dallas is 4th in the West at 11-5.

A popular pick for a backend playoff spot prior to the season, DAL has a real shot to compete for homecourt advantage in 2020. It’s still extremely early but Rick Carlisle’s ability to empower Doncic + discover effective lineup combos has been a winning formula so far.

Carlisle’s system is set up where any supporting role player can burn you* on any given night. One night it’s a barrage of threes from Tim Hardaway Jr. & Seth Curry. Other nights it’s tremendous energy outta Maxi Kleber & Dwight Powell up front.

Most nights, however, the consistency of Dorian Finney-Smith & Delon Wright plays a role en route to victory. Finney-Smith, in particular, has emerged as DAL’s Undisputed X-Factor - (rightfully) earned a spot in Coach Carlisle’s starting 5 thru strong play defensively, on the glass & as a complementary scorer (avg. career-high 9.1 ppg).

Dallas’s versatility makes for an intriguing storyline but how seriously should they be considered out west? Well, good thing they play 3! current playoff teams this week. A slate of games v. LAC, @ PHX & @ LAL could reveal some truth about where Dallas is at.

This tracking… period is focused on the play of Luka & Kristaps Porzingis, Carlisle’s creative combos, role player performances & the ability to control & close out games.

*DAL: 2nd in scoring at 119.1 ppg

TRACKING GOALS

• L. Doncic: 4 or less TOs in 2 of 3 games; 30 or more in 2 of 3 games

• K. Porzingis: 20+ pts in 2 of 3 games

• THJ: 9 made threes over 3 games

• D. Wright & S. Curry: combined 20+ pts/game

• DAL: 2-1 record or better

• DAL: outrebound opponent in 2 of 3 games

• DAL: more assists than opponent in 2 of 3 games

• DAL: less TOs than opponent in 2 of 3 games

Tracking… Prediction: 2-1

Projected Top DOG* of the Week: Luka Doncic

Projected Star UnderDOG** of the Week: Dorian Finney-Smith

*best overall player

**best role player