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?

9. Role player dominance

Another reason for the Dallas Mavericks' improvement is the production off the bench. Players not named Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have become key pieces for the team.

For example, Maxi Kleber has been playing great since returning from injury. He averages 9.7 points per game, 4.6 rebounds, and one block in February. He is also shooting 40.7 percent from the 3-point line.

Like Kleber, Derrick Jones Jr. is also having a solid season for the Mavs. The former Slam Dunk Champion is averaging career-highs with the team. Jones Jr. is averaging 9.5 points per game and shooting 48.5 percent from the floor.

One thing that stands out is his ability to dunk the ball. Jones Jr. isn't afraid to drive to the rim. He can use his length to get over opponents taller than him and plays much bigger than 6-foot-5.

Other role plays like Dante Exum have been crucial. Exum was maintaining a valuable season before getting injured. He was averaging 9.2 points per game and 2.8 assists before getting injured. Exum also shot 47.7 percent from behind the arc. Assuming he is back at full strength, this would give the Mavs another defensive piece to pair alongside newcomers Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington.

The impact of role players, especially Exum, will be important for Dallas come playoff time.

8. Lethal shooting

The Dallas Mavericks' shooting is one reason the team can win the NBA Finals. It's clear that the NBA has changed over the past couple of seasons, and teams like Dallas are relying on their 3-point shooting to win games. However, this is only important if you convert your attempts and don't live and die by the three.

This is where the Mavericks come into play. The Mavs currently have the 10th-best 3-point shooting numbers in the NBA. They are converting 37.4 percent of their attempts from downtown. This has them tied with the Milwaukee Bucks at ninth and one percent behind the Indiana Pacers at fifth.

One reason for their success is the improved shooting of a handful of players. The team has three players, Dante Exum, Kyrie Irving, and Josh Green, shooting above 40 percent from behind the arc. Three other Mavericks, Luka Doncic, Jaden Hardy, and Tim Hardaway Jr., are converting above 35 percent of their 3-point attempts.

The team's overall shooting has also taken a jump. Last season, Dallas ranked 15th in shooting as they converted 47.5 percent of their field goals. This season, the Mavs have jumped up two slots. Big men Dereck Lively II and Dwight Powell led the way, making above 70 percent of their shots.

The shooting numbers will continue to improve with new additions and the return of Exum, so fans should be excited about the incoming 3-point barrage.

7. Room for improvement

The Dallas Mavericks took a massive leap when they acquired Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington. The team improved inside as they saw their production in rebounding and defense go up.

Dallas also saw their winning percentage increase when players like Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II returned from injury. Since Irving's return in February, the team has also gone on a seven-game winning streak. His shooting has been the difference, as Irving is knocking down 58 percent of his shots this month.

However, even with the return and acquisition of new players, the team is still not at full strength. Newcomer Dante Exum has yet to return from injury. Before getting hurt, the Mavs' guard averaged 9.2 points per game and shot 47.7 from the 3-point line. It's possible with his return, the team could continue getting better as he will be crucial for the second unit.

Not to mention, the Mavs still have one roster spot available. The team inquired about Spencer Dinwiddie at the beginning of the month, but that fell when he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers.

So, what are the chances Dallas could use their spot to go after players such as Danuel House or Aleksej Pokusevski?

Either way, there is plenty of more for room improvement. This is scary for a team on a seven-game winning streak, as they aren't even at their full strength.

6. Second-half turnaround that has already began

It's possible with the Dallas Mavericks' room for improvement they could be in for a second-half turnaround.

During the 2021-2022 NBA season, the Mavericks were inconsistent. They started the first half of the season with a 35-25 record and struggled to remain afloat. However, come the second half, they began to flip the switch and their new trade acquisitions were excellent.

The team finished the second half of that season 17-6 and advanced to the Western Conference Finals. Dallas completed a midseason trade and acquired Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans.

So, nothing says the same thing can't have this time around.

The team is riding a seven-game winning streak as they are one of the hottest teams in the NBA. Dallas also made two midseason acquisitions with Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington.

Another positive note is the Mavs' schedule. The team's next nine games are against squads in the Eastern Conference. This is important because Dallas is 12-5 against the East. They also have four back-to-back games left. Although they play several tough Eastern Conference teams son, their success against the East from earlier in the season shouldn't be overlooked.

The team's strength of schedule is another plus. Dallas has the 20th-strongest schedule in the league. This helps out when it comes to trying to climb the standings.

The Mavs currently sit with the sixth-best record in the Western Conference. The team is a half-game back from the New Orleans Pelicans and four and a half games behind the Los Angeles Clippers for third.

So, a second-half resurgence could be in the works.

5. Offensive production of Tim Hardaway Jr.

Tim Hardaway Jr. is one player crucial for the team's success. His production will be key if the team hopes to have a hot start to the second half of the year.

The Mavs' sixth man has started in 10 games for Dallas. He has averaged 23 points per game and 4.7 rebounds as a starter. Last month, he had his best start, dropping 36 points on 64.7 percent shooting.

However, he can also do damage off the bench. He averages 15.8 points per game and 3.3 rebounds off the bench while shooting 35.5 percent from the 3-point line. On Thursday, Hardaway Jr. came off the bench and dropped 12 points and two steals against the Phoenix Suns.

Hardaway Jr. has the second-best odds to win the Sixth Man of the Year award, as he only trails Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk.

One thing different about his game this season is his ability to drive to the lane. He can now attack the rim if needed, as he has shown to be more than just a shooter.

His offensive productivity will be important for Dallas. Hardaway Jr. is the team's third-leading scorer. Not to mention, he is also averaging a career-high in points for the team.

A productive six-man might be the missing ingredient for the Mavericks, and Hardaway Jr.'s ability to be a hybrid starter shows that he could be Dallas' x-factor once the playoffs roll around.

4. Two-headed monster at center

Tim Hardaway Jr.'s production is just the icing on the cake for the Dallas Mavericks. The team has also improved in other ways. For example, the team has a healthy All-Star in Kyrie Irving, whom they can pair alongside Luka Doncic.

Other key differences have been the improved play of Josh Green and the shooting production of Dante Exum and Maxi Kleber.

However, one difference has been the play of centers Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford. Both players have been key contributors for Dallas.

Lively II, for instance, has been huge for the Mavs inside. He can use his wingspan to rebound down low or block shots at the rim. The Dallas rookie can also box out and fight for loose balls. Lively II has been important on the defensive side, as he averages 1.5 blocks and 4.9 defensive rebounds. It's clear to say he is the Mavs' best center since Tyson Chandler.

Gafford, on the other hand, was acquired to back up Lively II. This is a role that has been suiting him just fine. The Mavs' center has averaged a double-double with 12.5 points and 10.3 rebounds since coming to Dallas. He has also been a huge rim protector, averaging two blocks and bringing energy and hustle.

Nothing says, the two-headed monster at cente can't lead the team deep come playoff time as they may have to face Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.

3. Top-tier offense

The Dallas Mavericks centers have improved the team's rebounding woes, but what about the offense? Has the team's offense gotten better?

In simple terms, yes. The Mavs have the eighth-best offensive rating since the NBA trade deadline. New players and improved health can be attributed to the team's offensive success.

Both Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington have been huge helps in scoring. Since coming to Dallas, Gafford has tallied 12.3 points per game. He had his best game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, scoring 19 points on 63.6 percent shooting.

As for Washington, he continues to contribute, even with his shooting struggles. He scored 12 points against the Phoenix Suns Thursday as he knocked down two 3-pointers. Once his shot improves, it's possible the Mavs offense could drastically improve.

Kyrie Irving's health has also been crucial for the offense. Since returning from injury, he has averaged 27 points on 58.1 percent shooting from the field.

Pair him with Luka Doncic and Dereck Lively II, and the offense drastically improves. The Dallas trio has a 121.3 offensive rating and is 13-7 in 20 games. The trio helped the team put up 123 points against the Suns.

Two weeks ago, Dallas scored 146 points against the Thunder.

All the Mavs have to do is keep scoring and the team could be in for a deep playoff run. When Dallas' offense is playing well, they are nearly impossible to beat.

2. Improved defense

Like the offense, the Dallas Mavericks' defense has excelled since the trade deadline. The team has been 5-0 since the deadline and has posted the No. 3 defense.

Part of the improvement can be attributed to newcomers Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington. Gafford has been a vital piece down low since coming to Dallas. He leads the team with two blocks a game and averages a double-double with 12.3 points per game and 10.3 rebounds since being. Mav. Gafford is also the team's second defensive rebounder.

As for Washington, he is a menace inside. He can guard the post or use his quick hands to force opponents into difficult shots.

Rookie Dereck Lively II has also been a defensive force for the team. Defensively, the Mavs play better when he is on the court. Part of the reason is that he isn't afraid to fight inside. The rookie is also the team's second-best shot blocker.

Another player who has been playing well on defense is Luka Doncic. The Mavs All-Star leads the team with 1.5 steals and 8.5 defensive rebounds. This isn't bad for a player constantly criticized for his defensive efforts.

The team also does a great job keeping their opponents from scoring high-point totals. During the team's winning streak, none of Dallas' opponents have scored more than 115 points.

Dallas has a chance in every game they play if their defense improves. Like they say, defense wins championships.

1. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are a top duo in the NBA

If the Dallas Mavericks win the NBA Finals, it will be because of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The Dallas duo has proven to be unstoppable together.

The team has posted a 24-21 record with both players in the lineup. Not to mention, the team's offensive rating excels with Doncic and Irving on the court.

Doncic leads the NBA with 34.3 points per game. In December and January, he averaged above 37 points per game. Last month, he had a record-breaking performance against the Atlanta Hawks when he dropped 73 points.

As for Irving, he has been phenomenal. In January, he posted 28.9 points per game while shooting 44.9 percent from the 3-point line. Now, combine his production with Doncic, and Dallas has a scary duo.

Against the Phoenix Suns Thursday, both guards combined for 70 points, leading Dallas to a 10-point victory. This wasn't the only time the duo tallied 70 points. In January, both players combined for 70 points in three quarters of actions against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Assuming both players continue to play at a high level, the Mavericks have a legitimate chance at the Finals. Doncic's improvement as a shooter off the ball has been excellent, as it forces the defense to stay with him even when he is spotting up away from the ball.

The team's upcoming four-game road trip will determine just how good the team is. Will they be able to extend their seven-game winning streak or will they be exposed as pretenders and not contenders?

Stay tuned for the latest on the Dallas Mavericks.