Mavs guard proves why he's an essential piece next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving

The Dallas Mavericks' star duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving appears to be hitting its stride. They have exhibited the ability to coexist, silencing the skeptics who have questioned whether one basketball is enough for two ball-dominant, elite shot-creators.

A win over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday showed how deadly the tandem can be, as they combined for 70 points, with Doncic almost recording a triple-double and Irving dazzling the opponents with highlight-reel plays. Dallas is fortunate to have a couple of ball wizards, although how the role players perform from here on could determine whether it can continue rising in the standings. 

Most eyes are on new acquisitions, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, who have provided the team with a desperately needed boost. But a piece the Mavs were hesitant to trade despite garnering significant interest has also displayed his worth to the franchise.

Mavs guard proves why he's an essential piece next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving

Josh Green has had an up-and-down career so far, finding himself in and out of the starting lineup in the past two seasons. While he has shown flashes of potential on the offensive end of the court, inconsistency has hounded him in his first four years in the NBA.

Things have changed recently, though, as the former No. 18 pick has been more productive and efficient, especially in shooting the ball. 

With the Luka-Kyrie pairing leading the charge, there is usually no need for anyone else on the squad to do much on offense except to score when they find themselves wide open with the rock after the stars collapse the defense. Green has demonstrated his importance to the team in that department.

Per NBA.com, in his last 10 appearances, the swingman has connected on 50.0 percent of his 3-point shots from the left and right corners, with all of his makes coming off of assists. And impressively, he has been incredibly efficient in the restricted area, where he has converted 78.3 percent of his attempts during the same stretch. The more the Australian hoopster is able to sink his shots from those areas, the more he can help Doncic and Irving on offense.

Green likely needs a monster second-half performance this season to cement his job in the Mavs organization, and it looks like he is up to the task. His defense still has some room for improvement, but that area remains a strength of his.

His offense is also taking a leap at the perfect time, and he needed that desperately as he has finally been able to play with some consistency.

Dallas is one of the hottest teams right now, tied with the Boston Celtics for the longest active winning streak with seven. While the stars have been at the forefront of the Mavs' resurgence, the role players, particularly Green, also deserve credit.

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