Unexpected member to join Dallas Mavericks' starting lineup

Last night, the Dallas Mavericks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 144-119 to improve to 17-12 on the season.

Luka Doncic led the way for the Mavs as he finished with 39 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, as he continues to prove that he is one of the top MVP candidates in the league.

Another Mav who dominated in this game is Dante Exum.

Unexpected member to join Dallas Mavericks' starting lineup

Exum finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, continuing his dominant run as a starter for the Mavericks.

And it doesn't sound like that dominant as a starter is going to end any time soon.

Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said that he plans for Exum to remain in the starting lineup even once Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II return from injury.

Exum has been elite in his role as a starter, as he is averaging 16.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 0.9 steals per game. His ability to playmake, defend, and shoot off the catch has been massive for Dallas, and it will be intriguing to see him share the floor with Doncic and Irving in the starting lineup.

Exum has proved that he deserves to keep his spot in the starting lineup, and provides versatility that only he can provide. Before his breakout run as a starter, Exum was someone who did all the little things while coming off the bench for Dallas.

He wasn't someone who would score a ton, but his ability to defend, pass, and make the right play made him an integral piece of Dallas' rotation. Now that Exum is dominating in all aspects of the game, he will continue to be a usual starter even when the typical starting lineup is healthy.

For all the latest on Dante Exum and the Dallas Mavericks this season, stay tuned.