Around the NBA: Breaking down the Southwest Division
By Ken Newhouse
May 2, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) reacts during the game against the San Antonio Spurs in game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Dallas won 113-111. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have been a surprise to me this season. They have an abundance of talent, but struggle to find any sort of rhythm. Dallas is tied for second place in the Southwest Division right now with the Houston Rockets. They also sport a healthy 30-14 record.
Of all the Southwest Division teams, Dallas has played the least amount of games against the Western Conference. Dallas is 14-9 against the west which isn’t that great for a team fighting for first place and their second consecutive playoff appearance.
The Mavericks made the biggest splash of the season when they traded for Rajon Rondo from Boston. Jameer Nelson was the starting point guard for Dallas when the year began, but Rondo adds much needed experience to the roster and can help with their championship aspirations.
My biggest issue with Dallas is the fact they’ve had such a light schedule against the ever tough Western Conference. Of their remaining 38 games, 29 are against the Western Conference. With such a tough schedule ahead, I see Dallas dropping to fourth place in the division, but still grabbing the sixth seed in the west.