10 Reasons the Dallas Mavericks can win the NBA Finals this year

February has been an amazing month for the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs started the month 0-1, and since then have gone on a seven-game winning streak. The team's only loss this month was to the Milwaukee Bucks, a match in which Kyrie Irving did not play.

Since February 5, the Mavs have beaten contending teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Phoenix Suns. During the streak, Dallas has defeated their opponents by double-digits in every game except for one (against Washington).

Newcomers P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford have been the difference makers for the team. The new Mavs were acquired at the trade deadline and have been essential pieces on the defensive end. For example, Washington has tallied five or more rebounds for the Mavericks in every game he's played in, most of which have been on the defensive end. He is also a big presence down low, as Washington isn't afraid to use his body to defend in the post and has been a great perimeter defender.

10 Reasons the Dallas Mavericks can win the NBA Finals this year

Gafford, on the other hand, can do a mixture of everything. He averages 12.4 points per game, 10.3 rebounds, and two blocks in four appearances with the team. Gafford is also shooting 54.9 percent from the field.

However, they aren't the only Mavs making a difference. All-Stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have also been doing their part. During the team's winning streak, Doncic is averaging a near triple-double with 31.3 points per game, ten rebounds, and 9.4 assists. Not to mention, he has taken his defense to the next level.

As for Irving, he has been shooting lights out. He has knocked down 46 percent of his attempted 3-points during the team's winning streak.

So, is it possible that with the team rolling on all cylinders, this is their year? I mean, it is possible, right?

Let's breakdown the reasons the Mavs are legitimate title contenders.

10. Josh Green's improvement

Josh Green's progression and improvement are one reason the Dallas Mavericks have leaped this season. The fourth-year guard has shown he can take his game to the next level.

One thing that has worked out for Green is pairing him next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The Mavs guard has been a valuable offensive asset for the team, as he can use his quickness to attack the rim. Not to mention, he has also been a lethal shooter for the team.

Green averages nine points per game while shooting 49 percent from the field this season. His 3-point game has also improved, as he is knocking down 41.8 percent of his attempts (career high). He showcased his improved shooting against the Phoenix Suns Thursday, where he converted 60 percent of his attempted 3-pointers and 42.9 percent of his shots.

His defense has also been important during the team's winning streak. Green is averaging 1.3 steals per game during February. He has tallied two or more steals in three of his past four games.

If Green can continue to improve each season, it's possible he could become an important piece come playoff time.

We all know what Doncic and Irving are capable of, but what about Green? Could he become the team's X-factor come the postseason?