Mavericks are finding a way to overcome awful injury luck and win without key stars

November ended on a high note for the Dallas Mavericks. The team started the month going 2-5 and suffered a four-game losing streak early on. The four games the Mavs lost were all decided by three points or less. Dallas struggled to find a primary closer, and the Mavs missed critical chances to win or tie games.

After 10 games, the team's identity came into question. Injuries played a vital role in this identity crisis as players like P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively II, and Maxi Kleber all missed some time.

Dallas also struggled to find consistency with its new players. Naji Marshall struggled to get going, averaging 2.8 points per game and shooting 28.6 percent overall during the Mavs' first five games. His teammate Quentin Grimes also failed to find a rhythm. While Grimes' numbers were subpar in October, it also didn't help that Jason Kidd didn't utilize him properly, but now he has eased into the rotation.

Mavericks are finding a way to win despite brutal injury luck

However, things have started to change since the middle of November. For starters, the Mavs' role players have elevated their game. Spencer Dinwiddie is a prime example. The backup guard is averaging 16.7 points per game and shooting 50 percent from the 3-point line over the past three games.

This is an improvement from four games ago when he struggled against the Miami Heat. The Dallas guard went 1-12 in the game and missed all nine of his 3-point attempts. He bounced back nicely against the Atlanta Hawks, scoring 22 points. Dinwiddie also shot 57 percent from long range. It was no wonder his inconsistency came into question.

Either way, he has done a nice job filling in for Luka Doncic. Doncic has missed the past five games with a wrist sprain. He was doubtful to play Saturday, and he went through pre-game workouts for the second game in a row. Dallas though played it smart, ensuring their star is close to 100 percent.

Doncic isn't the only Mav to recently miss some time. Klay Thompson has missed the past three games with left foot plantar fascia.

Yet, with Thompson and Doncic out, Dallas has gone 2-1 in their last three games. Marshall has filled in nicely for Thompson. Marshall averaged 23 points per game in the two games prior to the Utah match. He left the Jazz game early with a sickness. His defensive ability to guard multiple slots and aggressive demeanor have helped elevate the team's defensive persona.

Marshall's improved confidence has faired nicely for Dallas. He, along with Grimes have been the players the Mavs had been hoping for. Grimes too has scored above 20 points per game in the last two games. He has averaged 14.2 points and shot 45.3 percent from the 3-point line over the last six games. Against the Jazz, Grimes was the team's second-leading scorer behind Irving with 24 points.

His ability to stay injury-free has come in handy for Dallas. Grimes is a major improvement from past players like Josh Green and Tim Hardaway Jr. He is a balanced player who can play well on both ends of the court. Grimes has averaged at least one block or steal over the past five games.

Grimes, Dinwiddie, and Marshall have all demonstrated just how good the Mavs' roster depth is. Any member has the ability to get hot even with players like Doncic and Thompson out.

Imagine what things will look like once the Mavs' roster it 100 percent.

The Dallas Mavericks improved roster will look to continue their winning streak on Sunday when they take on the Portland Trail Blazers.