Mavs Pull Away From Hawks, Finish NBA Summer League on 4-Game Win Streak

LAS VEGAS — Despite various teams shutting down a significant share of key players on their final day of Summer League participation, the Dallas Mavericks were without only Jaden Hardy and McKinley Wright IV due to injury. The Mavs finished with a 4-1 record in Las Vegas.

It began as a struggle for the Mavs to execute in the half-court with the Hawks aggressively attempting to disrupt their initial actions. However, as the game progressed, Jordan "Jelly" Walker and Mike Miles Jr. stepped up to bring needed playmaking to the offense. 

The Mavs played more out of handoffs and through the big at the elbow to get some flow to the unit at times, but the prevailing theme was Walker making big, momentum swinging plays that continued to grow the lead. Brandon Randolph had a big second half with 20 points overall.

With Summer League being a helpful tool to experiment, the Mavs utilized a matchup zone often during the second quarter. The Hawks' physical frontcourt some challenges inside in the opening period. Atlanta struggled to execute, but that continued even after the break 

Another common theme for the Mavs throughout Summer League has been their focus on using ICE coverage to prevent middle dribble penetration in ball screen coverage, while also making the low-man rotation. Another focus was to "Channel 1" the roller — meaning to prevent the rim roller from getting behind the big defender. Each of those areas proved to have strong execution. 

The Mavs created major separation after halftime, leading by as many as 25 points in the third quarter. With Dallas getting out in transition and converting from deep, the Hawks were unable to get stops on a consistent basis. From that point on, Atlanta never recovered and even trailed by as 28 at one point in the final period. 

The focus will quickly shift to the Mavs' roster decisions. The team has already agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with Taze Moore and has A.J. Lawson and Miles signed to two of their three available two-way contracts. McKinley Wright IV remains two-way eligible, but his deal expired.  

In terms of bigger picture roster focuses, the Mavs remain linked to possible moves at the center position as the team aims to bring along Dereck Lively II slowly. The team has already acquired Grant Williams, Richaun Holmes, Seth Curry, and Dante Exum, in addition to re-signing Kyrie Irving and Dwight Powell. 

Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).