DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks have completely changed their approach as a team. To begin the 2024-25 season, Dallas' offense was its strength with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving leading the way. The Doncic trade in February that led to Anthony Davis ending up in Dallas has given the Mavs a new identity. Last season, the Mavericks often utilized a lineup with one big on the floor — something that has changed following the trade.
Dallas started D'Angelo Russell, Klay Thompson, Cooper Flagg, AD and Dereck Lively II on Saturday night against the Charlotte Hornets. Flagg played well despite a 120-116 loss, while the lineup itself had its share of ups and downs. After the game, Lively addressed the big lineup with Davis (6'10”) and himself (7'1″) on the floor at the same time.
A lot of talk about the two bigs approach on here tonight. I asked Dereck Lively II about playing alongside Anthony Davis.#MFFL pic.twitter.com/bQRMqtEXCP
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) October 12, 2025
“It's just knowing when he's out there on the perimeter, I'm backing him up,” Lively told reporters. “When I'm out there on the perimeter, he's backing me up… just being on a tandem. If he's on the left side of the floor guarding the ball, I'm backing him on the right side. I'm making sure everyone is in the correct spots, vice versa. When I'm talking, he's talking. Whenever he's talking, I'm talking. We're backing each other up.
“I'm trying to pick his brain on what sets he's trying to get into, what spots he's trying to get to, you know, help him get easy buckets, easy shots. While also everyone's focused on him, I'm gonna get my easy shots. So, we're just learning, playing together, it's been a lot of fun. We're out there having fun. Wouldn't trade it for anything.”
There are positives from the lineup. Opposing teams will obviously have a difficult time scoring at the basket. Potential drivers will think twice before approaching the paint with the two bigs in the game.
However, there could be negatives. The Mavs' pace will be impacted and Dallas' three-point shooting could be questionable. Lively shared his thoughts on possible challenges as well.
“We just can't step on each other's toes,” Lively said. “I wouldn't say it's challenging, it's just learning one another. We've had a whole summer, just growing together… Now it's just evolving that into a game. Things are not always going to go as you want it to go on the court. So, it's just being as adaptive as you possibly can on the floor.”
The Mavericks' big lineup has pros and cons. Dallas is all in on a defensive approach, though, so it should help in that regard — at least in the paint.
