The Dallas Mavericks are currently clawing for position within the Western Conference standings as they navigate the challenges of the 2024-25 NBA season. Struggling to regain their footing, they recently succumbed to two consecutive losses after winning five of six games prior. Now ranked as the No. 9 seed with a record of 31-28, the Mavericks are just 1.5 games behind the No. 6 seed, the LA Clippers. The stakes are high, as the team hopes to avoid the unpredictability of the play-in tournament and secure one of the top six playoff slots.
Avoiding the play-in is especially important as it could mean the end of the season can come down to just one game. The Mavericks learned this lesson last year when they soared through the standings with the help of star player Kyrie Irving, who is once again performing at an elite level. Irving already made headlines for his 35-point performance against the Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing his ability to lead the team, particularly when fellow star Luka Doncic is sidelined.
Yet, within the league and among fans, Irving continues to face significant disrespect. His exclusion from the initial All-Star Game selection this season sparked conversations about the treatment he receives compared to his peers. Despite being called up to replace Anthony Davis due to injury, the conversation surrounding Irving often overlooks his impact on the court.
Irving recently ranked 40th on FanSided's annual list of the top 99 NBA players—a ranking many feel does not do justice to his skill set. Comparisons to younger players like LaMelo Ball and Tyler Herro, who are ranked higher, highlight the absurdity of how his talent is often overshadowed. Such ranking debates evoke questions about what metrics justify player evaluations, especially when Irving has consistently proven himself during high-pressure moments.
Currently, he boasts impressive stats, averaging 24.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, accompanied by shooting percentages of 47.5% from the field and 41.1% from the three-point line. His ability to dominate games is reflected not only through scoring but also how he facilitates for teammates, emphasizing his importance beyond just individual statistics. It is evident Irving is not just holding the fort; he is steering the ship amid injury crises and roster changes.
This week, the Mavericks will face the Charlotte Hornets, with the game set to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET at the American Airlines Center. Dallas holds the edge historically over Charlotte, winning two of their last three matchups, yet there remains caution as Charlotte has covered the spread against Dallas four out of five times.
The Mavericks come off their most recent game—a 107-99 loss to the Lakers—where Kyrie Irving did everything possible to rally the team, contributing 35 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Despite these efforts, the Mavericks struggled on the boards, losing 57-45 to the Lakers, and collectively shot just 35.3% as a team. Addressing these inefficiencies will be key if they hope to overcome their stagnation and turn the tide before it's too late.
Even with Anthony Davis from the Lakers out injured for at least another couple of weeks, the Mavericks now have the added pressure of ensuring they remain competitive, especially with impactful players like Max Christie averaging 14.7 points following his acquisition. Meanwhile, Charlotte's recent performance has been subpar, with the Hornets facing heavy losses including their last game—a 128-92 defeat to the Warriors. The potential return of LaMelo Ball, who is averaging 26.3 points per game this season, remains uncertain, but could provide the Hornets with the spark needed against the Mavericks.
Looking forward, if Irving continues on this rich vein of form, and with the playoffs inching ever closer, he could very well lead the Mavericks through another late-season surge. If he can replicate his postseason performances from last year, the challenge of silencing the doubters and maintaining playoff positioning lies firmly within his hands. The Mavericks need to rally and consolidate their efforts over the coming games to solidify their standing and avoid the higher stakes of the play-in scenario.
Inevitably, the conclusion of the regular season will reveal if the Dallas Mavericks can achieve all they aspire for this season, led by the talent and resilience of Kyrie Irving, who consistently proves his worth as not only one of the best guards but also as a key figure among leadership players within the league.