New York will seek redemption against the Mavs after 2023-24 sweep
The New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks have developed an intriguing relationship in recent years, with highlights including the Kristaps Porzingis trade in 2019 to Jalen Brunson joining New York in 2022. Their games are usually competitive: who can forget the December 27, 2022 affair, when Luka Dončić scored a 60-20-10 triple-double and led his team from a nine-point deficit with 33.2 seconds left to an overtime victory? Adding to the juice is tension between the front offices, particularly over tampering allegations. Last season, the clubs squared off twice and the Mavs won both games (although the Knicks had one hand tied behind their backs in the second). In the upcoming campaign, the teams will once again play a pair, but this time New York should take at least one.
Opponent: The Dallas Mavericks (Last season: 50-32; Lost NBA Finals, 1-4, versus Boston Celtics)
In the 2023-24 campaign, the Mavs swept the New York Knicks.
- January 11, 2024: Knicks lost 128-124 (away game)
- February 8, 2024: Knicks lost 122-108 (home game)
January 11, 2024: Dallas edged out the Knicks in a high-scoring game. In the absence of Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving led the way for Dallas, posting a season-high 44 points, while OAKAAKUYOAK Tim Hardaway Jr. added 32 points in support. The home team got off to a hot start, leading 44-26 after the first quarter, and although the Knicks mounted a late comeback attempt, they ultimately fell short. From downtown, the Mavs outshot the visitors 42% to 33%. For the orange and blue, Julius Randle scored 32 points and Jalen Brunson added 30 while Isaiah Hartenstein grabbed 15 boards.
February 8, 2024: The Mavs beat the Knicks more decisively, 122-108, at Madison Square Garden. Dončić led the charge with 39 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists; Irving contributed 16 points and six assists; and Timmy provided a spark off the bench with 19 points, hitting 5-of-10 from beyond the arc. Five of the Mavericks scored in double figures, and the visitors outscored the Knicks in three of the four quarters.
But it wasn’t a fair fight. Before the game, New York traded Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier, Malachi Flynn, and Ryan Arcidiacono for Detroit’s Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanović. Of the remaining players, Randle (shoulder), Brunson (ankle), and Jericho Sims (illness) were all out. Hence, the shorthanded Knicks rolled out a starting lineup of Miles McBride (21 points), Donte DiVincenzo (36 points), Josh Hart (23 points, 10 rebounds), Precious Achiuwa (13 points, 16 rebounds), and Isaiah Hartenstein (10 points in 15 minutes). New York was so depleted, Taj Gibson and Charlie Brown, Jr. both logged 22 minutes. Give this loss an asterisk, commish.
Knicks / Dallas 2024-25 Schedule
- Nov 27, 2024, Knicks at Mavs, 7:30 PM ET
- Mar 25, 2025, Knicks vs Mavs, 7:30 PM ET
Dallas’ Offseason Moves
The Dallas Mavericks made some big moves this offseason to strengthen their roster. The most notable addition is sharpshooter Klay Thompson, creating a dynamic offensive trio alongside Dončić and Irving. Thompson’s elite shooting should make the Mavericks even more dangerous from beyond the arc.
In addition to Thompson, the Mavericks acquired OAKAAKUYOAK Quentin Grimes (strong defense, three-point accuracy) in exchange for Tim Hardaway, Jr. They also signed versatile forward Naji Marshall, who brings defensive toughness; and they brought back veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie to add experience and playmaking off the bench.
Dallas’ Projected Starters
PG: Luka Dončić
SG: Kyrie Irving
SF: Klay Thompson
PF: P.J. Washington
C: Daniel Gafford
The outlook for the Dallas Mavericks’ 2024-25 season is rosy, with projections suggesting a regular season win-loss record of 51-31. They should finish near the top of the highly competitive Western Conference, setting the stage for another deep playoff run. Analysts predict that the Mavericks have a strong chance of reaching the Western Conference Finals once again, thanks to their revamped roster and star power.
Central to their high expectations is the dynamic duo of Luka and Kyrie. The addition of Thompson, a veteran scorer with championship pedigree, could elevate the Mavericks’ offense, provided that he has enough left in the tank to be a reliable third scoring option. Quentin Grimes will bring the D to Dallas, and with a supporting cast of Dereck Lively II, PJ Washington, and Daniel Gafford, the Mavs are poised to be serious championship contenders.
The Mavs can run up the score, but New York should be able to do the same with their assortment of gunslinging wings. While the Knicks are unlikely to have Mitchell Robinson available for the November contest, their center should be back for the March date and they will benefit from his rebounding ability. Look for New York to make these games high-scoring slugfests and to split the pair.
Go Knicks!