The Dallas Mavericks just blasted the injury-ravaged Oklahoma City Thunder, 120-96, on Wednesday night, punching their ticket to a 3-2 winning record. Yeah, you read that right: a winning record. This is the first time the Mavs have been above .500 since way back on March 5, 2025. You may be trying to hold back the hype, but frankly, we’re already there. This team is *watchable*, and these early wins are absolutely eye-popping, especially with young superstar Cooper Flagg already rocketing into the fourth dimension right before our eyes. The new head coach is actually coaching, and it’s making a difference.
May’s Mantra: Team Effort and Winning Habits
Head coach Dusty May didn’t mince words after the win, highlighting a true team effort. “If we can manage the game and limit the turnovers like we did tonight, we believe we will be very difficult to beat,” May told reporters. That’s a strong statement, especially considering they just took down the Thunder, an organization that’s definitely become the standard in the league. May sees some real progress, saying, “I think we are definitely developing some winning habits along the way.” That kind of early confidence and team discipline is exactly what you want to see from a squad trying to find its footing. Now, it’s about turning the page, because another tough opponent is already on the horizon.
Key Returns: Martin and Irving Step Up
Two big reasons for the Mavs’ early success are the returns of Caleb Martin and Kyrie Irving. May talked extensively about Martin’s unique past and experiences, calling him a “very, very smart, tough basketball player” who he felt could help win these types of games. Martin had been in a shooting funk and dealing with an injury, but May noted that sometimes taping something up helps you “not to think about things and just play more freely.” He lost a little confidence in his shot, but May praised his overall performance when he wasn’t overthinking it. Martin, according to May, has a “real presence” in the locker room and respect within the team.
Then there’s Kyrie Irving, who’s still just getting his rhythm back after an ACL injury. The beautiful part, as May puts it, is that even while finding his stride, he’s “managing the game for us.” When Irving is on the floor, the team is “really, really good,” and he commands so much attention from opposing defenses. It’s clear that his presence, even when not fully back to form, is a massive factor.
The Mavs have a tough opponent coming in a couple of days. Can they keep building on these winning habits and prove this early form is here to stay? We’ll be watching to see if this squad can keep that winning record ticking.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mavs Moneyball.
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