Introduction
An intriguing NBA rivalry has emerged recently between the Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks centred around sensational young superstars Luka Doncic and Trae Young. With both franchises back in playoff contention, Dallas and Atlanta have brewed a competitive rivalry with postseason implications in recent years. Mavericks vs Hawks Series storylines like the Doncic-Young draft day trade and swaggering scoring duels between the prodigy point guards have amplified the matchups between these rising squads. Examining this blossoming rivalry provides insight into two franchises writing exciting new chapters.
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Origins in the Doncic-Young Bond
The rivalry traces back to the 2018 NBA Draft when the Hawks selected Doncic third overall before trading him to Dallas for Young, who Atlanta took fifth. This swap linked the franchises and sparked endless comparisons between the two point guards. Their draft night handshake symbolized the spirit of competition driving this burgeoning feud. Doncic and Young’s simultaneous emergence into NBA stardom fueled mounting hype surrounding their every showdown.
Soaring Young vs. Maturing Doncic
In the early years after the trade, Trae Young took flight as a highlight machine. At the same time, questions persisted about Doncic’s development. But the Mavericks star moulded into an MVP candidate by 2020 while adding muscle and polish. Mavericks vs Hawks Now, their stylistic clash pits Young’s long-range bombs and crafty finishes against Doncic’s overpowering size and patient precision. Seeing which phenom can top the other captures the imagination, unlike any other NBA matchup.
Players
| Points | Rebounds | Assists | Minutes played | Position | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Doncic | 73 | 10 | 7 | 44′ | F-G | |
| Trae Young | 30 | 1 | 11 | 33′ | G | |
| Jalen Johnson | 25 | 3 | 3 | 37′ | F | |
| Bogdan Bogdanovic | 24 | 4 | 2 | 27′ | G | |
| Dejounte Murray | 22 | 5 | 7 | 37′ | G | |
| Josh Green | 21 | 2 | 4 | 35′ | G | |
| Saddiq Bey | 16 | 7 | 5 | 37′ | F | |
| Tim Hardaway Jr. | 13 | 4 | 3 | 32′ | G-F | |
| Clint Capela | 10 | 8 | 2 | 24′ | C | |
| Dante Exum | 9 | 0 | 3 | 26′ | G | |
| Dereck Lively | 9 | 11 | 4 | 27′ | C | |
| Grant Williams | 9 | 5 | 4 | 28′ | F | |
| Garrison Mathews | 8 | 2 | 0 | 14′ | G | |
| Jaden Hardy | 8 | 1 | 1 | 13′ | G | |
| Onyeka Okongwu | 8 | 6 | 2 | 23′ | F-C | |
| Richaun Holmes | 4 | 3 | 1 | 13′ | F | |
| Derrick Jones | 2 | 1 | 1 | 17′ | F | |
| Patty Mills | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5′ | G |
Chasing the Next Dirk vs. Dominique
Beyond just Doncic and Young, the franchises themselves bring urgency to this rivalry. Dallas is hungry to unearth its next Dirk Nowitzki after the legend’s retirement. Meanwhile, Atlanta aims to rediscover the excitement of Dominique Wilkins’ heyday. Both fanbases see mirror images in their rising rivals. Mavericks vs Hawks Upending the other feels symbolic of climbing the NBA hierarchy. Add geographical ties between the regional hubs, and the foundations of a perennial rivalry solidify.
Playoff Showdowns Add Stakes
The 2021 playoffs saw the feud escalate as the Hawks defeated an injury-plagued Mavs squad in six first-round games. Mavericks vs Hawks Trae exploited Dallas’ absence of Doncic to author his postseason breakout. The loss fueled Luka’s motivation for redemption. With both teams harbouring title aspirations in the future, this rivalry should continue playing out on the playoffs’ biggest stages.
Key Games in Mavericks vs Hawks Rivalry History
Some of the most memorable contests featuring Trae Young, Luka Doncic, and the Mavericks-Hawks rivalry include:
- February 2, 2022: Trae erupted for 45 points while Luka countered with 21 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists in a tight Hawks road win.
- February 3, 2021: In their first meeting since the playoffs, Young’s late-game heroics lifted Atlanta over Dallas again 94-91.
- February 22, 2020: Doncic posted a monster triple-double with 28 points, 10 boards and 10 assists to lead Dallas past Trae Young’s 50 points in a fun shootout.
- October 24, 2018: Young and Doncic first squared off as rookies, with Young’s Hawks earning a 111-104 home victory as Trae tallied 14 assists.
Bad Blood Brewing
Hard fouls and chirping between the rivals have increased tensions. In 2021, Young was ejected for shoving a mid-air Tim Hardaway Jr. Trae frequently badgers and points at Dallas’ bench after making baskets. The bad blood remains mostly symbolic, but the matchups are growing increasingly spirited.
Swaggering Styles Clash
Beyond their draft connection, Trae and Luka boast contrasting styles that clash entertainingly. Young plays with flashy handles and long-range bombs, while Doncic utilizes craftiness and size. When they go shot-for-shot, the swaggering, sharp-shooting point guards put on a captivating show reflective of larger franchise ambitions.
The NBA hardwood heats up as the Dallas Mavericks (24-20) head south to clash with the Atlanta Hawks (18-26) in the State Farm Arena. Mavericks vs Hawks Both teams carry the swagger of their mascots – the Mavericks, fueled by the audacious Luka Doncic, and the Hawks, driven by the tenacious Trae Young. Mavericks vs Hawks This isn’t just a regular-season matchup; it’s a battle for crucial playoff positioning in the Western and Eastern Conferences, respectively. Buckle up, ballers, because this one promises fireworks.
Explosive Offenses, Questionable Defenses:
Get ready for an offensive showcase. The Mavericks boast the league’s 4th highest scoring average (118.7 points per game), spearheaded by the unstoppable Luka Doncic. The “Triple-Double Machine” averages 28.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.6 assists, a nightly masterclass in offensive orchestration. Mavericks vs Hawks He’s surrounded by sharpshooters like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Spencer Dinwiddie, making the Mavs’ perimeter attack a nightmare for any defence.
Meanwhile, the Hawks countered with their offensive dynamo in Trae Young. His dazzling handles and pinpoint passes weave magic, averaging 26.9 points and 9.8 assists. John Collins brings athleticism and scoring punch inside, while Bogdan Bogdanovic’s long-range sniping stretches defences. Mavericks vs Hawks However, both teams have leaky defences, ranking in the bottom third of the league in points allowed. This game could easily turn into a shootout, with the outcome hinging on who gets hot first.
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Luka Doncic vs. Dejounte Murray: This point guard showdown is a battle of contrasting styles. Doncic’s offensive creativity clashes with Murray’s defensive tenacity. Can Murray lock down Luka, or will the Slovenian maestro weave his scoring magic against the Hawks’ defensive anchor?
- Clint Capela vs. John Collins:Â The battle for paint dominance pits Capela’s rebounding prowess against Collins’ athleticism and scoring. Mavericks vs Hawks Whoever controls the boards and sets the tone inside could swing the momentum in their team’s favour.
- Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bogdan Bogdanovic: Both teams rely heavily on their sharpshooters to space the floor and open driving lanes for their stars. Expect a hot-hand duel between these two perimeter marksmen, as their accuracy could be the difference between victory and defeat.
Bold Predictions:
- Trae Young explodes for a 40-point triple-double, but it’s not enough to overcome the Mavericks’ offensive firepower.
- Luka Doncic notches a casual 35-10-10 triple-double, reminding everyone why he’s an MVP candidate.
- The Mavericks’ defence tightens up in the clutch, forcing key turnovers and securing a narrow victory.
Conclusion
In just a few short years, the Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks have cultivated one of the NBA’s most compelling modern rivalries. Mavericks vs Hawks With young superstars like Luka Doncic and Trae Young leading competitive clubs, this series appears poised to entertain and escalate for years to come. When Mavs and Hawks meet, a thrilling showcase now awaits.
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FAQs:
When did Doncic and Young first face off in the NBA?
Doncic and Young first duelled as rookies on October 24, 2018, with Young’s Hawks defeating Doncic’s Mavericks 111-104 in Dallas.
How often do the Mavs and Hawks play?
The Mavericks and Hawks play twice per regular season as members of opposing Eastern and Western Conferences.
Who has more wins head-to-head since 2018?
The Hawks lead their head-to-head series with the Mavericks 5-3 since 2018 following Trae Young and Luka Doncic’s draft night trade.
What are the teams’ biggest playoff clash?
The Hawks upset the injury-riddled Mavericks 4-2 in the first round of the 2021 NBA playoffs behind a breakout performance from Trae Young.
When will the rivals play next?
The Mavericks and Hawks are not scheduled to play in the 2022-23 regular season but could meet in the 2023 playoffs if both qualify.
