First progress report after 20 games for the Mavericks

on paper, Mavericks they have a group capable of going far. It’s just that the regular season, and even more so the playoffs, is played on the field and not on the list. With the absence of Kyrie Irving, the fragile health of Anthony Davis and the integration of Cooper Flagg, there are several uncertainties that leave the Texas franchise behind other favorites, such as Oklahoma City or New York.

“Very good, I’m happy if people don’t talk too much about us”, slide PJ Washington. The Mavericks have the X-factor profile of the Western Conference, but that has yet to be confirmed, with a clear identity. It will be a matter of time for Jason Kidd.

“During the first ten matches, everyone is hungry and eager. Then the rotations started and everyone knows how it turns out. Every ten matches, we try to see what the team is doing well.”analyzed the coach of Dallas. “Identity, we will see it in the first ten matches”adds PJ Washington.

Identity comes through play

So the first estimate for ten meetings? Not so fast… “After the first twenty, we will undoubtedly have an identity because the sample will be larger”answers the technician. “The first ten matches are important, but we take them one after the other.

Patience, then, with the 20th game, which will be played against the Lakers on November 28. Even if, obviously, everything is not set in stone until the last days of November or the first days of December.

“We’re in full development. That’s why we’re playing 82 games. We won’t be the same in 20 or 30 games as we were at the end of training camp. We have to play games to forge our identity.”insists Jason Kidd, who is not forgetting Kyrie Irving, who will surely return in 2026. “We have the elements to go far, but some are injured. When the time comes, when everyone is healthy, we will have what we need.”