The Dallas Mavericks have lost nine games and won 44 (830%). In the Southwest Division of the NBA West Conference, they are nine games up on the second place San Antonio Spurs. As a comparison, the team with the second most wins in the NBA is the Pacific Division’s Phoenix Suns. The Suns are 39 and 13 (750%), putting them about 4.5 games behind the Mavs.The Suns have lost three in a row, while Dallas has won nine straight and are 18 and 2 in their last 20 games. Four of their loses occurred up front, meaning they were 0- 4 at the start of the season. Then they won 12 in a row. Then they alternated loses and wins over five games and then they were victorious in 13 straight. After that, they went into the 18- 2 run that included eight and nine in a row.

So the question is with the NBA season more than half over, how are the Mavericks doing it? They’re outscoring opponents by an average of 7 per game (99.9 to 92.5 PPG) and out rebounding by about 4 (42.3 to 38.2). Those are both solid margins. But more importantly are these stats—3-point percentage and foul shot percentage.

In terms of 3-pointers, the Mavs try an average of 18 per game, while opponents attempt 12.6. But Dallas hits almost 38% of their downtown shots and opponents knock in 35%. That differential certainly helps the club win games. But the big difference is at the penalty stripe. Dallas shoots about the same number of fouls per game but they hit 81%, while other teams knock in 74.5%. That, combined with the three pointers, is a wide gap.

All five starters hit 80% or better from the foul line with power forward Dirk Nowitzki knocking in 90% of his frees. Three of five starters score an average of 15 points or more per game. The fourth guy, point guard Devin Harris, is good for an average of 9.8 PPG and the fifth starter, center Eric Dampier hits for an average of 7.6 PPG and grabs 7.8 RPG.! Nowitzki averages 25.3 point and grabs 9.4 rebbies per contest! Sixth man Jerry Stackhouse averages 11.1 PPG!

The question is—are the Dallas Mavericks a team of destiny? Well, with the NBA you never know. The playoffs are exceedingly long and the wear-and-tear of a long, brutal season can make all the difference in the post season. The Mavs are certainly poised to make a run, but don’t forget Nowitzki’s ankle, Dampier’s knee and Stackhouses’ age. The good news is that the Mavs possess a great core and a solid bench, making the club tough to beat in the playoffs.

Once Dallas gets by some of the better teams in the West, it’s hard to imagine them being vanquished by a club from the East as they were last season by the Heat of Miami. This really could be their year.

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