Mavericks' improved teamwork demonstrated through on-court success

The Dallas Mavericks grabbed a much-needed victory against the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night. Dallas won the turnover battle as they had nine fewer than Los Angeles.

Josh Green continues to improve as he recorded 15 points and shot 50 percent from the 3-point line.

Rookie Dereck Lively II also played the part. In 19 minutes of action, he recorded ten rebounds and three assists. However, the main headline was the injury he suffered.

Mavericks' improved teamwork demonstrated through on-court success

Lively II suffered a back injury after taking a hard fall during the third quarter. He is now listed as out with a lower back contusion for Saturday's matchup against the LA Clippers.

All-Stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving also did their part.

Doncic dropped in 30 points and 12 rebounds, while Irving contributed with 28 points as he hit the go-ahead 3-pointer.

The trust the Dallas' duo has in each other has been the difference this season.

Coach Jason Kidd spoke about their trust after Wednesday's victory.

"When you have quarterbacks like Luka [Doncic] and Kai [Kyrie Irving] the trust is high."

- Jason Kidd

He elaborated on the connection between Luka and Irving. Kidd mentioned how whenever either player is double teamed they are able to find each other and trust they will make the open shot.

Tim Hardaway Jr. also spoke about the team's trust in each other earlier in the season. He explained Luka's confidence in his teammates and ability to find the open man.

While the team has shown increased trust in each other, that wasn't always the case last season.

Reports indicated that Irving worked hard to gain everyone's trust. The problem was the team became so reliant on Doncic that it became accustomed to him carrying the load. Dallas would give up the ball to Luka, and oftentimes he wouldn't shoot the ball until the shot clock ran out.

However things have seemed to change. Doncic seems to engage his teammates and Irving more.

In the video above, you can see Luka playing unselfish basketball. He backs down the defender and distracts the defense while dishing the ball to Irving. Doncic has now shown increased trust by setting up his teammates.

If Wednesday's game showed us anything, it is that Doncic knows he doesn't always have to be the one to take the final shot.

Hopefully the team's trust can continue to grow throughout this season.

For all the latest on Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, and the Dallas Mavericks this season, stay tuned.