They weren't supposed to be there. In October 2023, if you’d told a betting man that the Dallas Mavericks 2024 roster would be the last one standing in the Western Conference, you would have gotten some very skeptical looks. Most "experts" had them pegged as a play-in team at best. Maybe a first-round exit.
But things changed. Fast.
The story of the 2023-24 Dallas Mavericks isn't just about a team playing basketball; it’s about a mid-season surgery that actually worked. General Manager Nico Harrison basically played a high-stakes game of Tetris at the trade deadline, and against all odds, the pieces fit perfectly.
The Luka and Kyrie Experiment Finally Clicked
For a while, people thought the Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving pairing was a disaster. You remember the talk. "There’s only one ball," they said. "Neither of them plays defense," they whined.
💡 You might also like: What Time Do the Chiefs Play on Christmas? A Practical Fan Guide
Honestly? They were wrong.
By the time the 2024 playoffs rolled around, Luka and Kyrie weren't just co-existing; they were taking turns destroying teams. Luka led the league in scoring during the regular season, putting up a casual 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. He was a human triple-double. Meanwhile, Kyrie settled into this veteran "closer" role that was frankly terrifying for opposing coaches. He averaged 25.6 points on nearly 50/40/90 shooting splits.
But a roster is more than two superstars. If it were just about Luka and Kyrie, they would have flamed out like they did the year before.
The Trade Deadline That Saved the Season
February 8, 2024. That’s the date everything flipped.
The Mavs were hovering around .500, looking a bit soft in the middle. They traded away Grant Williams (who just didn't fit the vibe) and Seth Curry to bring in two specific dudes: P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford.
It was an instant jolt of electricity.
- Daniel Gafford: This guy came in and started catching lobs like it was his only purpose in life. He brought a vertical threat that the Mavs hadn't had since... well, maybe ever. He shot over 70% from the field because, basically, everything he touched was a dunk.
- P.J. Washington: He provided the "enforcer" energy. He wasn't just a floor spacer; he was a guy who would stand in the corner, hit a massive three, and then go wrap up the opponent's best player on the other end. That "standing with arms crossed" pose in the Clippers series? Iconic.
Suddenly, the Dallas Mavericks 2024 roster had length. They had rim protection. They had guys who actually enjoyed playing defense.
The Rookie Factor: Dereck Lively II
We have to talk about the kid. Dereck Lively II was 19 years old for most of the season, and he was playing like a ten-year vet. Usually, rookie centers are a liability—they foul too much and get lost on rotations. Not Lively.
✨ Don't miss: Ronaldo Al Nassr Jersey: Why Most People Are Still Buying the Wrong Version
He formed a "two-headed monster" at the center position with Gafford. If Gafford wasn't blocking your shot, Lively was. He finished the season on the All-Rookie Second Team and became the emotional heartbeat of the bench. Seeing him and Luka develop that chemistry on the pick-and-roll was kinda beautiful to watch, honestly.
The Bench Mob and the Unsung Heroes
You can't overlook the "dirty work" guys.
- Derrick Jones Jr.: He signed for the minimum. Think about that. The starting small forward on a Finals team was on a minimum contract. He took the toughest defensive assignment every single night.
- Dante Exum: The comeback story of the year. After years in Europe, he came back and shot over 49% from three in the regular season. He was the steady hand when Kyrie or Luka needed a breather.
- Josh Green & Jaden Hardy: The "young legs." They provided the transition energy that kept the Mavs from becoming too stagnant.
Why This Roster Reached the Finals
It wasn't just talent. It was the fact that everyone finally accepted their role. In previous years, there was a lot of standing around watching Luka. In 2024, the defense became the identity.
After the trade deadline, the Mavs had one of the best defensive ratings in the entire NBA. They went on a 22-9 run to close out the season. They weren't just out-talenting people; they were out-working them. They beat a 51-win Clippers team, a 57-win Thunder team, and a 56-win Timberwolves team.
They ran into a buzzsaw in the Boston Celtics in the Finals, sure. But the path they took to get there proved that the Dallas Mavericks 2024 roster was built for the postseason.
🔗 Read more: Where Can I Watch the Green Bay Game Without Losing Your Mind
The 2023-24 Stat Sheet (The Numbers That Matter)
If you look at the raw data, the transformation is pretty wild.
- Luka Dončić: 33.9 PPG (League Leader)
- Kyrie Irving: 25.6 PPG
- Daniel Gafford: 2.1 BPG (with Dallas/Washington combined)
- P.J. Washington: 11.7 PPG (and a whole lot of "DAWG" mentality)
- Dereck Lively II: 8.8 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.4 BPG
The team finished 5th in the West with a 50-32 record. But that record is deceiving because they were a completely different animal after February.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Group
People think this was a "fluke" run. It wasn't.
If you watch the tape, the Mavs won because they solved the math. They realized that if you have two of the best shot-creators in history (Luka and Kyrie), you don't need more scorers. You need athletes who can run, jump, and guard multiple positions.
Nico Harrison stopped trying to find a "third star" and started finding "elite stars in their roles." That’s the blueprint.
Looking Forward
The 2024 season ended in a loss, but it changed the trajectory of the franchise. It proved that Luka could win with the right pieces. It proved Kyrie was still an elite, winning teammate.
Now, with the addition of guys like Klay Thompson for the following season, the 2024 roster serves as the foundation for everything coming next.
If you want to keep up with the current Mavs or dive deeper into these stats, you should definitely check out the official NBA tracking data or the Mavs' own team site. They've got the advanced "on/off" splits that show just how much Gafford and Lively changed the interior defense.
Check the upcoming schedule and see how the new additions are gelling with the core that made that 2024 run possible. It’s going to be a wild ride.