Dallas Mavericks: Similarities and differences to the Mavs and Knicks

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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 13: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball during the game against the New York Knicks on March 13, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Matteo Marchi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Differences

New York is historically known as a flashy city. The lights, the never sleep mentality, the “if you make it here you can make it anywhere” mantra are all symbolic for the Mecca. Moreover, New York native hoopers are known for their ball handling skills. Ironically, the Knicks don’t have the luxury of possessing multiple playmakers on the roster.

New York is flirting with unbearable ball movement with its 26th rank in assists. No one on the team is averaging five assists. The main guards on the rosters are Ntilikina, Trey Burke, and Tim Hardaway Jr. Nothing about those three names indicate legit offense creator.

Dallas, on the other end, is at a respectable 24 assists a game, which is 12th in the NBA. For as much talk as Luka Doncic generates with his passing, its 34-year-old veteran point guard J.J. Barea who leads the team with 6.4 assists.

Three-point shooting is an apparent focal point in today’s NBA. Years ago teams wouldn’t even think of hoisting up the astronomical number we see in this generation of basketball. Dallas is not shy with its 36 three-point attempts a game. The term “shooting your shot” is great and all, but the finish is what gratifies the attempts.

Dallas is only hitting 33 percent of its team three-point field goals. For as theoretically fun as the free-spirited approach sounds, the results are tiresome when you see the Mavs are 23rd in the league.

New York is in 12th place, just over the middle of the pack with 36 percent on 3-point field goals. Tim Hardaway Jr’s blazing 41 percent seems to be the answer when it comes to shots from deep.

Next. Dallas Mavericks: Meet the Texas Legends

Final Thoughts

Tonight’s contest is a light indicator of which conference is stronger. Both teams are not deemed as playoff hopefuls this season. Therefore, making for a close duel between the two bottom-feeding teams.

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