Mavericks must focus on important mark they've struggled to meet in Luka era

The Dallas Mavericks are in a phenomenal position heading into the 2024-25 season. Coming off an NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics, the Mavs are motivated to return to the playoffs, but they also are going to have much more help compared to last season.

Dallas went out and signed Klay Thompson, traded for Quentin Grimes, and signed Naji Marshall, and their defense and shooting should take a big jump with these additions. The Mavs' depth is considerably better compared to last season, and they'll be better equipped to win more games in the regular season as well as the playoffs.

Winning a few more games in the playoffs this season compared to last season is easier said than done due to the consistency of the postseason, but the Mavs must take the regular season a bit more seriously to reach their full potential.

Mavericks must finish as a top-four team in the West

Dallas has never been a top-three seed in the Western Conference since Luka Doncic was drafted in 2018, and that has to change this season. In the four times that Doncic has made the playoffs, Dallas has only had home-court advantage once in his career (2022) and was a bottom-four seed in 2020, 2021, and 2024.

Being a bottom-four seed didn't hold the Mavs back from making it all the way to the Finals last season, but them going harder in the regular season from October until April would pay huge dividends heading into the postseason.

The Mavs had a great second half of the season last year after the trade deadline and started strong, but they must be ready in the middle of the season and keep the pedal to the metal. In the Luka era, Dallas historically isn't great in the middle of the season, specifically in January, and a focus on staying engaged all regular season should be a goal this season.

This isn't an easy task due to the length of the season, but securing a top-four seed and having home-court advantage in the playoffs should be a goal for Dallas. Home-court advantage is crucial in the playoffs due to the intensity and everything that is at stake, and it gives the home team extra rest due to not having to travel.

Only one team in NBA history has won the NBA Finals as a bottom-four seed, and this is the year that the Mavs can get back to being a top seed in the West. Dallas should be right at the top of the Western Conference alongside the Oklahoma City Thunder, and this season is poised to be an exciting one.

The Thompson signing has the potential to help put Dallas over the top, and he and Doncic should form a lethal duo. Thompson also has tons of playoff experience, and he should help the Mavs make another deep playoff run once again.