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

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.