Mavericks: Spencer Dinwiddie does everything well and one thing great — Win
When all the cards are on the table and the Dallas Mavericks need a basket, it's easy to assume the ball finds Luka Doncic. That's been the norm for the past three and a half seasons. But as of late, that previous assumption may not always be true. In the last two games, as the […]
When all the cards are on the table and the Dallas Mavericks need a basket, it's easy to assume the ball finds Luka Doncic.
That's been the norm for the past three and a half seasons. But as of late, that previous assumption may not always be true. In the last two games, as the outcomes hung in the balance, Doncic found Spencer Dinwiddie, and the result was two back-to-back game-winning 3-pointers in which Doncic didn't need to provide the dagger; he delivered the assist.
"If they’re going to double, somebody is going to be open,” Doncic said after beating the Brooklyn Nets 113-111 Wednesday night. “He’s [Dinwiddie] been playing like an All-Star."
With Dinwiddie hitting his second 3-point game-winner of the week, the Mavericks improved to 10-2 since acquiring the guard in a trade with the Washington Wizards at the trade deadline.
When Dallas initially made the deal, it was analyzed as a net loss and a move towards the future. The Mavericks gave up an often injured, but an immensely talented player, in Kristaps Porzingis, for a return of Davis Bertans and an often injured point guard who played on average teams.
Yet, since arriving in Dallas, all Dinwiddie has done is one thing — win. However, the former Washington Wizard isn't a man who credits himself for his success in Dallas, even when he hits game-winning shots. The person he tends to thank the most is Doncic for believing in him since the first day he's worn a Mavs uniform.
"It's a credit to him," Dinwiddie said. "As a superstar, you can make people feel wanted or not wanted. Trusted or not trusted. I'm thankful for Luka for trusting me."
Doncic should be thanking Dinwiddie too. His play has deserved it.
Spencer Dinwiddie's production in Dallas
In 12 games, Dinwiddie is averaging 18 points per game and 4.3 assists. He's also playing 31 minutes a game, while his efficiency has improved drastically (50 percent from the field and 43 percent from the 3-point line).
He's also found a leadership presence within the locker room. Dinwiddie isn't on the floor calling the shots or screaming during timeouts, but his silent confidence preps him for monumental moments where his contributions matter the most.
In Boston. In Brooklyn. Where to next? Dinwiddie will most likely have the answer.
"He's been great," Jalen Brunson said. "The guys have accepted him with open arms."
Part of what makes Dinwiddie so successful is also Jason Kidd's continued experimentation with smaller three-guard lineups.
Brunson and Doncic enjoy playing off Dinwiddie because of his ability to create shots on and off the ball.
When he needs to spot up, he will. And he will do so with valuable efficiency. On catch-and-shoot field goals, Dinwiddie is shooting 46.7 percent. And on catch-and-shoot 3-point shots, he's shooting 48 percent.
Dinwiddie provides an outlet when Doncic or Brunson attack the rim and find the defense collapsing. His presence makes opposing teams hesitant to offer help. But unlike Tim Hardaway jr., who is primarily a catch-and-shoot shooter, Dinwiddie can also get to the rim off the bounce.
That's what separates him from the other role players on the roster. If need be, Dinwiddie can score the ball off a shot he creates for himself — exactly what Doncic and Brunson needed.
"I try and feed off of them," Brunson said of playing with Doncic and Dinwiddie together."I try to play my game… And I think it's been working pretty well recently."
Dinwiddie wants to win
If the first 12 games of the Dinwiddie experience have told those watching anything, it's that all he wants to do is win.
His struggles in Washington were due to a quick turnaround from a knee injury and dysfunction among the team. In Dallas, he's enjoyed the clear delineation of responsibility while playing his role well.
Doncic, Brunson and Kidd have made things easy on him. And as a result, Dinwiddie can do what he does best — win ball games. With Dallas being the real benefactor in it all.
"It feels good," Dinwiddie said of hitting the game-winner against Brooklyn. "It's like sticking it to your cousin rather than being vengeful to an enemy."
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Feature image via Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports.
