In the Mavericks’ 106-101 victory Friday night against the Detroit Pistons, something unique began to take shape. It started early, and had to emerge out of some ugly play by a few Mavericks’ staples. Few players seemed able to get a rhythm going. That is, except for the two youngest starters on the floor (for either team).
Luka Doncic and Dennis Smith Jr. came out assertive early, pushing in transition, finding each other in the open floor, and dictating play offensively. For long stretches it felt as if they were the only two finding any success.