Mavericks Off To Great Start

Last Year's 2-7 Start Feels Like Ancient History

With the Dallas Mavericks on a five game winning streak, off to the second best start in franchise history at 10-3 (Best Mavs team ever is 1st, 2002-2003: 14-0) and tied for first in the Western Conference; it's hard to remember the anger and disgust that came along with last seasons 2-7 start.

Whats The Difference?

During their awful start last season, Dallas was outscored by an average of only 3.5 points per game. The Mavericks' offense averaged 95.9 points per game while the defense allowed 99.4.

This season, Dallas is outscoring opponents by an average of 6 points per game (5th best differential in the NBA). The Mavericks average 101.2 points per and allow only 95.2.

Dallas was actually 0-4 at home during that terrible start, with their only two wins coming on the road where they were 2-3.

This year, Dallas is 5-1 at home and 5-2 on the road.

Dirk Nowitzki was the leading scorer five out of the nine games (55.5 percent) in the 2-7 start. Dirk's average points per game: 22.3

This year, Nowitzki has led the team 11 out of 13 games (85 percent) in the 10-3 start. Dirk's average points per game: 26.9

Analysis

Whether its the rest from not having to play on the German National team, or the fact that he is reinvigorated by the off-season additions, Nowitzki is averaging nearly 5 more points per game this year (4.6) which is over a point more than what Dallas was outscored by during the first 9 games of last season.

I think, bottom line, this is one of the deepest and most talented Mavericks' teams in recent history. Even with their injury problems they can still go toe-to-toe with the heavyweights of the Western Conference. This is a definite contrast compared to last year's Mavs that struggled with a small and not nearly as athletic bunch.

This could also be due to the fact that Carlisle is beginning his second season with Dallas and now has the players he wants and is comfortable with those players.

Either way, this team is better and its showing early in the season.