“Mavericks’ Secret Weapon: The Bold Lineup Change That Could Save Their Season”
The Dallas Mavericks are currently on a three-game losing streak, marking the second time this season they’ve faced such a slump. Back in November, they also endured a four-game losing streak, where they struggled to finish games, losing by three points or fewer in each match.
The biggest issue now is injuries. In their most recent loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night (110-99), the Mavericks lost P.J. Washington to a right knee sprain before halftime. This is a significant blow, as Washington has become a key player for the team alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Dallas has also been dealing with a thin roster, compounded by injuries to other key players. Dante Exum, who required wrist surgery, may return soon as his three-month recovery nears completion. Recently, Doncic joined the injury list due to a calf strain, and he is expected to be out until at least the end of January. His absence has made it difficult for the team to find a consistent scorer to pair with Irving.
Without Doncic, Dallas has struggled to replicate their earlier success. They were 6-2 when Doncic was out earlier in the season, but they’ve only gone 1-3 since his injury on Christmas. Something needs to change if the Mavericks are to maintain a good position until his return.
Time for a Starting Lineup Change: Grimes over Dinwiddie
The main issue has been inconsistency in the starting lineup. Since Doncic’s injury, Spencer Dinwiddie has been filling in for him. Dinwiddie has had some strong performances, including 15 points against the Phoenix Suns, 17 points against the Portland Trail Blazers, and a breakout 30-point game against the Sacramento Kings. However, in Wednesday’s loss, Dinwiddie scored just eight points in 24 minutes, missing his two free throws and committing three turnovers. His inconsistency has been a problem, as he’s prone to cold streaks, like on Christmas when he went 0-7 from the field and missed all four of his 3-point attempts. In his next game, he scored 15 points, but his inconsistency is a liability.
Defensively, Dinwiddie has a career defensive rating of 114.6, and while his defense has improved, he isn’t the on-ball defender the Mavs need next to Irving. With a 1-4 record when Dinwiddie starts, it’s time for a change.
One possible solution is starting Quentin Grimes in place of Dinwiddie. Grimes is a strong two-way player who excels on both ends of the floor. The Mavericks are 5-5 with Grimes in the starting lineup this season, and inserting him in place of Dinwiddie could be the spark they need to start winning again.
Grimes is having one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 9.3 points per game while shooting 46.7% overall and 42.1% from the 3-point line. He scored 17 points against Houston on Wednesday, demonstrating his ability to score from anywhere on the floor. Defensively, Grimes excels at disrupting passing lanes, navigating screens, and using his physicality to fight for rebounds. His tenacity has been lacking in Dallas, and he’s unafraid to guard the opposition’s best player.
Grimes has been one of the most underrated signings of the offseason, and it’s time for head coach Jason Kidd to start him. He’s a better fit in the starting lineup given the Mavericks’ injuries, and this change could be what they need to get back on track.
The Mavericks will look to return to winning ways against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
