Ever since Luka Doncic joined the Dallas Mavericks in 2018, the team has been known for playing a slow, deliberate style of basketball. This style of play worked well for them, as they made it to the Western Conference Finals last season while having the slowest pace in the league. Doncic would often take his time on possessions, either scoring at the rim or making a smart pass for a three-pointer. This approach has become synonymous with Doncic and the Mavericks.
However, this season has been different. In the first seven games of the 2023-24 season, the Mavericks have embraced a faster pace of play. They currently rank 13th in the league in pace, averaging 100.93 possessions per game. This is a significant change from their slower pace in previous seasons. Since drafting Doncic in 2018, the Mavericks have never averaged 100 or more possessions per game.
Mavericks pace since drafting Doncic
| 2023-24 | 100.93 | 13th |
| 2022-23 | 97.21 | 28th |
| 2021-22 | 95.64 | 30th |
| 2020-21 | 97.94 | 26th |
| 2019-20 | 99.89 | 18th |
| 2018-19 | 99.60 | 19th |
While a few more possessions per game might not seem significant, it is a notable change for a team that has ranked near the bottom in pace for years. This shift in pace is something the Mavericks have been working on since acquiring Kyrie Irving last February. With Irving on the roster, the team’s average possession per game increased from 96.32 to 99.08.
This faster pace benefits players like Irving, who excels at pushing the tempo and making quick decisions that lead to scoring opportunities. When Irving leads the offense without Doncic, the pace of play increases even further. However, Doncic still maintains his slow and steady approach when he controls the offense, although his time of possession has decreased.
Mavericks time of possession since drafting Doncic
| 2023-24 | 19.8 | 29th |
| 2022-23 | 22.0 | 1st |
| 2021-22 | 21.8 | 1st |
| 2020-21 | 21.2 | 6th |
| 2019-20 | 21.6 | 4th |
| 2018-19 | 21.5 | 5th |
The faster pace allows the Mavericks to take advantage of transition opportunities and make quick passes to players running the floor. Players like Derrick Jones Jr. have thrived in this faster environment, rewarded with easy scoring opportunities in transition. Rookie Dereck Lively II has also benefited from the increased pace, showcasing his athleticism and skill in pick-and-roll plays with Doncic.
It remains to be seen if the Mavericks can sustain this faster pace throughout the season, especially for Doncic, who has not played at this tempo since joining the league. However, the early results have been promising. Doncic, in particular, has been in great shape and is putting up impressive numbers, leading the team to a 6-1 record. Having another lead guard in Irving provides the team with versatility on offense.
Only time will tell if the Mavericks can maintain this pace and surprise others with their success at the end of the season.
