Luka Doncic's Dallas Mavs Benefiting From Playing Faster: 'Guys Are In Shape'

MEMPHIS — A persisting focus for the Dallas Mavericks from the start of training camp and into the regular season has been the goal of playing faster. It has provided favorable results so far.

The Mavs always have the option of playing with a slower, methodical half-court approach, with Luka Doncic picking apart the defense; however, throughout an 82-game season, that can wear down a high-usage player like Doncic, who has to break down defenders off the dribble and take contact frequently. Finding methods to reduce that burden can help in the long run.

Before the Mavs' 125-110 win over the Grizzlies on Monday, Mavs coach Jason Kidd continued to convey the importance of the team playing faster, even with Kyrie Irving sidelined due to a foot sprain.

"It's not about kind of Luka keeping the pace; it is about the team," Kidd said. "And so we have no choice but to play fast. The one thing we've talked about, and we've continued to do in the first two games, is to play quicker. With Kyrie out, we'll keep playing at a quicker pace. Even if Luka's out, we'll play faster. That's what we've conditioned ourselves for. That's the way we've got to play this year."

One of the methods Doncic has to take advantage of is the athleticism of his supporting cast by making various passes. If he grabs the rebound or quickly receives an outlet pass, he can spray ahead to a shooter or throw a high-arcing, throw-ahead pass to a teammate running the floor.

"I always told them, 'Guys, if you're going to run, you're going to get the ball.' Even then, I threw one almost impossible to catch," Doncic said. "When they run, I always try to reward them. So, it's a great thing. I think they played amazing tonight."

A frequent recipient of Doncic's throw-ahead passes is Jones, who has started on the wing for the first three games of the regular season. He scored 22 points with a combination of hot shooting with four made 3s and playing off of Doncic, whether by leaking out in transition or attacking closeouts in the half-court.

"It's wonderful," Jones said of playing with Doncic. "It's always wonderful to touch the ball. As a basketball player, you don't want to just be running up and down the floor. I have to say, he's phenomenal. I'm 100 percent so happy that I'm here playing with him, and I don't have to guard that anymore."

The faster play style has benefited Hardaway, who finished with 21 points against the Grizzlies. He views it as a carryover from last season that dates back to shortly after the Kyrie Irving trade when the team sought to play faster, particularly in the lineups featuring Irving running the bench group.

"It definitely plays into my hands," Hardaway said of playing faster. "I think you saw a little bit of that ending last season. After the All-Star break when [Kyrie Irving] came, we were moving a little bit faster, cutting, pushing the pace."

Hardaway emphasized the value the Mavs are gaining by the whole team, taking to heart the need to play faster. As a result, the players involved used the offseason to get into ideal shape to fit the style of play. He credited Irving's influence for the team's commitment to this approach.

"I do know one thing that [Irving] always preaches — I joke around with these guys in the locker room, but you have to be in shape to play like this," Hardaway said. "Everybody in the locker room took it to heart, especially when he said last year. Then, going into the offseason, working hard and ensuring we come into this season in shape. The reason why we're able to play faster and to move like that is that guys are in shape."

Even if there are some turnovers from Doncic caused by making a risky throw-ahead pass, the Mavs see much more significant value due to the ability to generate easy scoring chances that don't require the Slovenian superstar to create so frequently in the half-court.

"I enjoy those turnovers that he is trying to throw the ball ahead," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. "When you can get those easy baskets, it makes the game so much easier for him to where he doesn't have to fight for 40 minutes.

The Mavs return to action on Wednesday when they take on the Chicago Bulls at American Airlines Center.