Currently, no NBA team holds a better record over their past 12 games than the Dallas Mavericks. Counting Saturday's 125 - 118 win over the Toronto Raptors, the Mavs have an astonishing 11 - 1 record during this period. This is the best won - loss record any NBA team can boast of in their last 12 games. So, what's the secret behind the Mavericks' dominance after a 5 - 7 start to the season?

Coach Jason Kidd's Insights

According to coach Jason Kidd, it's about getting comfortable with each other and getting back into the swing of the system both offensively and defensively. They've faced some illnesses and injuries, which led to different lineups. But now, everyone is on the same page. "As much as we would like to have it in training camp, sometimes it just takes some time," Kidd said.The wins started pouring in after the Mavericks suffered a four - game losing streak capped by a 115 - 113 loss in Utah on Nov. 14. After that, a team meeting was held, and the winning streak continued. Even in the lone loss since then, against the Miami Heat on Nov. 24, the Mavs showed great fight. They tied the game with 4.3 seconds left in regulation but lost in overtime.

Guard Kyrie Irving's Perspective

Guard Kyrie Irving believes the team has been playing fearless. They've carried over their performance from game to game, knowing they didn't play their best basketball and needing to cover for each other on the defensive end, especially getting all the defensive rebounds. "A lot of games we've been playing we've been getting great stops, but we just got to finish the possessions. These games have been going really well for us just because everybody's eating. When everybody eats, we all do well, and when we play well as a team we're a tough team to stop," Irving said.

Players Accepting Roles

Players accepting their roles and playing to the fullest has been a bonus for the Mavericks. During training camp and early in the season, they talk about roles, but often it gets disrupted by illnesses or injuries. Take guard Spencer Dinwiddie as an example. He was third on the depth chart behind Dante Exum. But Exum got injured in training camp and was out, so Dinwiddie jumped to the backup position.Also, when Luka Dončić was out nursing injuries and the Mavs went 5 - 1 during this recent stretch, it was a real eye - opener. They won at Oklahoma City and Denver without Dončić and defeated the New York Knicks with him in street clothes.

Luka Dončić's Explanation

Luka Dončić attributes the team's recent success to great defense, a great pace, sharing the ball, and chemistry. "We're just playing hard and playing fun, and that's what we've got to do," he said.The Mavericks are on a seven - game winning streak, tying their longest last season and being their longest since winning the 2011 NBA title.

Olivier - Maxence Prosper's Impact

Playing in his home country and in front of 42 adoring family members and friends, Mavericks forward Olivier - Maxence Prosper had his best game of the season against the Toronto Raptors. Born in Montreal, Canada, he finished with a season - high tying five points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one blocked shot in 10 impactful minutes."He was great," coach Jason Kidd said. "I think we talked about him pre - game that he was going to get some time, and he did an incredible job with his energy and defensive ability. Offensively, he made plays and gave us second and third opportunities and was able to finish at the rim." Kidd is impressed with Prosper's approach to his job. "When you watch O - Max from training camp to where he is today, you can see the game has slowed down and he has improved. He comes to work early and puts in the time. He has the opportunity to learn from players like P. J. Washington and Maxi Kleber and understand how to be successful in this league. He has a front row seat for that and has improved."

Other Notes

Saturday was Slovenian Heritage Night for the Toronto Raptors, showing a lot of love to Mavs point guard Luka Dončić. "It's a big thing," Dončić said. "When they announced me (in the starting lineup) I heard the noises. It's a very special thing to have this kind of thing in an away arena, and it's always a blessing to experience that." Coach Jason Kidd agreed, saying, "When you have Luka, no matter if it's heritage night or not, there's a lot of support for him. He's one of, if not the best player in the world. So, to have that here tonight, he's very proudful of that and takes that very serious." Dončić put on a show with a triple - double, finishing with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists. It was his 47th 30 - point triple - double, and he's just one behind Russell Westbrook, who is second on the NBA's all - time 30 - point triple - double list with 48.Since being the Mavericks' starting center when they advanced to the 2022 Western Conference Finals, Mavs center Dwight Powell has seen his role change drastically. He rarely gets much playing time now, but he still comes to work early and is one of the last to leave. He's a great example for everyone of what it means to be a pro. "He comes to work with a smile and helps the team. And when there's an injury or someone is out, he steps in and does his job at a high level. We've been very fortunate to have a player like that," Kidd said.Dante Exum (right wrist surgery), Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain), Maxi Kleber (illness), and Naji Marshall (illness) all missed Saturday's game.