they are going to have the ability to get some stops in the clutch now that they have lively and grant. even though the defense is not going to jump to a top 10 defense the mavericks simply improving from last to a top 20 defense is going to have a significant impact on the win-loss record. they lost so many close games last season, so they could end up winning over 50 games (unlikely) but will be closer to 46-48 wins. still not a legit title contender but Nico really corrected the course of this ship with this offseason. now its simply building on it.
I feel like this was less the mavericks really good defense, but the spurs inexperienced offence??? Obviously are defense was really good, but poor decision making by the spurs led to a lot of this defense. Just a thought.
For sure. If we do this against a Nuggets, Bucks or Celtics offense 20 games into the season, I will be impressed. But not against an in-experienced Spurs team at season opener.