The Dallas Mavericks finally found their rhythm on Sunday night, crushing the Brooklyn Nets by a staggering 37-point margin. This 130-93 victory marks the team’s largest winning streak of the season so far. Following a slump marked by consecutive defeats against the Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs, the victory arrives. Per The Smoking Cuban, this sharp turnaround coincides directly with the return of Santi Aldama to the starting lineup.
Aldama is filling a roster spot and solving specific problems that plagued the offense all year. The team struggled mightily in their last game against Utah, shooting just 41.9 percent from the field and a poor 28.1 percent from three-point range. However, the energy shifted instantly when Aldama got back on the court. According to The Smoking Cuban, the Mavericks have improved considerably in offensive rebounding and second-chance points specifically because of his presence.
The Second-Chance Fix
For a long time, Dallas could not secure loose balls near the rim. Throughout the whole league last year, the squad placed 22nd for offensive rebounding and 24th for second-chance points. One year prior, the Mavericks ranked among the NBA’s poorest scoring teams after a missed shot. That stat line has flipped in a hurry. Against the Utah Jazz, Dallas outrebounded the opponent 21-8 on the offensive glass. This dominance led to a massive 21-5 advantage in second-chance points. Aldama alone grabbed nine rebounds in that game, with four of them coming on the offensive end.
Versatility Creates Mismatches
The big man’s size alone gives Dallas a bonus that other teams cannot match. He is not pigeonholed into playing only center or power forward, which changes how the offense flows. His shooting skill enables Aldama to occupy the three position, He played even when paired with Morez Johnson Jr. in lineups and Daniel Gafford. His perimeter game was on full display against Brooklyn, where he scored 12 points. He shot 5-of-7 from the floor and hit 2-of-4 from three-point range. Aldama scored in a variety of ways, including a basket off a dribble drive that showed his unique skill set.
A New Offensive Identity
The length and versatility Aldama brings have already stood out in these recent wins. The 7-foot big man helps the team handle defensive pressure and creates easy looks for teammates. His ability to stretch the floor opens up driving lanes for guards who were previously clogged. The improvement in both rebounding and scoring options suggests the team is only getting better. Per The Smoking Cuban, Aldama is a key reason the Mavericks are now two games above .500.
