Mavericks NBA Cup Hopes Gets a 'Rocket Boost'
The Dallas Mavericks’ bid for the Emirates NBA Cup knockout rounds received a significant boost on Tuesday night, thanks to the Houston Rockets' victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Now sitting at 2-1 in Group C with an impressive +41 point differential, Dallas finds itself in a favorable position as the tournament heats up.
While the undefeated Golden State Warriors (3-0) have already clinched the group, the Mavericks are in prime contention for one of the two Western Conference wild card spots. Their point differential, the second-best in the West behind the Warriors, could prove pivotal as the group stage nears its conclusion.
Nov 10, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) prepares to shoot the ball in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
In Group B, the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs are locked in a three-way tie at 2-1, but none of those teams boast a point differential that rivals Dallas. Meanwhile, in Group A, the Houston Rockets (3-0) are the only team with a better record than the Mavericks.
The path forward for Dallas hinges on its final group play matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies (0-2) on December 3. Memphis, struggling with a -17 point differential, has yet to win a game in tournament play. However, the return of Ja Morant adds a wrinkle to what might otherwise seem like a favorable matchup for Dallas.
Golden State has already won Group C but Dallas’ +41 point differential places it in a strong position to claim a wild card spot. The stakes are clear: a win on December 3 would almost certainly punch their ticket to the next round, setting up a quarter-final against the best-performing Cup group winner.
