Mavericks Turning Heads With New Update On Defensive Moves vs. Knicks
DALLAS—Although Luka Doncic and Klay Thompson won't suit up against the New York Knicks, as Jalen Brunson returns to the American Airlines Center, the Dallas Mavericks received splendid-enough news hours before Wednesday's 6:30 p.m. tip-off.
Returning from illness, Dereck Lively II and Quentin Grimes are slated to provide Dallas with much-needed reinforcement on defense.
Nov 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) dunks the ball against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Knicks, fresh off destroying the Denver Nuggets 145-118 in the visitor-hostile high altitude, look to cease their four-game losing streak to the Mavericks. Meanwhile, the Mavericks aim to enhance their 2024-25 record without Luka Doncic to 4-1.
Although Kyrie Irving did it last season in Doncic's absence, the 2024-25 Knicks have a different offensive explosion waiting to enflame the Mavericks. However, with Lively and Grimes, the Mavericks have the defenders necessary to bother the 10-7 Brunson-led team.
Grimes returns, having averaged 10 points on 40 percent shooting from 3, and displays a positive brand of basketball, as indicated by his +12.3 plus-minus. With Brunson coming off a career-high 17 assists performance, Grimes has the quickness and strength to guard the bulldog-built point guard.
For all its offensive production, New York suffers on defense, especially near the rim. Karl-Anthony Towns possesses various offensive gifts. However, he's anything but a deterrent from the rim. Furthermore, the Knicks' lone shot blocker, Mitchell Robinson, isn't available due to ankle surgery recovery.
Dallas is without Doncic and Klay Thompson tonight. So defense might be the key.
Lively hasn’t lit up the boards or the scoreboard, but against the Knicks, they have an opportunity to dominate the boards and receive some much-needed alley-opp attempts.
We're in the AAC for all the action, so ... Check for DallasBasketball.com for further updates on the game.
