Dallas Mavericks: Devin Harris is what the Mavs need

The Dallas Mavericks have an impressive record in games that Devin Harris plays ten-plus minutes because the veteran is exactly what their second unit needs.

The Dallas Mavericks have been playing astonishing basketball recently. Over the last three weeks, the Mavs have been almost unbeatable. They have won seven of eight games including outscoring their opponents by 98 points during that stretch.

The Mavericks are now 10-9 and sitting in the eighth position in the Western Conference. Prior to that run, Dallas was 3-8. They looked to be heading for another high lottery selection. So, what changed?

Harris returned

Devin Harris played just six minutes on opening night against the Suns before injuring his hamstring. He missed ten games because of it. The Mavs played poorly with the veteran out.

The moment he returned, the Mavericks started their recent streak of winning seven of eight. Harris is not the sole reason, but he does make the second unit significantly better when he’s on the floor. Harris is an above league average 3-point shooter, but his biggest worth to the bench brigade is his pesky defense. The rookie Jalen Brunson just does not have that is repertoire yet.

Harris has shot the lights out in two recent games that are boosting his numbers but feel comfortable any time the veteran enters the game. Fans know he is exactly what the Mavs second unit needs to continue its torrid pace.

Final thoughts

Veteran guard Devin Harris has been a massive part of the Dallas Mavericks recent run of hot play. Watching Harris and J.J. Barea share the backcourt in the Mavs bench unit is a treat. Both men are criminally underrated outside of the Dallas fan base.

Keep an eye on that second unit the rest of the season. It will be interesting to see how the Mavericks add Dirk Nowitzki to the fray in the coming weeks. Will he take minutes away from Dwight Powell or Maxi Kleber? Only time will tell what happens, but Dirk figures to only improve the already stellar bench play of the Mavericks.