Basketball is, and always has been, a five-man game. Unless teammates have a terrible attitude, Melbet Affiliates reporters believe there’s always room for growth. No matter how strong the offense is, playoff success starts with defense. Even last year’s championship-winning Nuggets showed up on the defensive end when it counted. But the Dallas Mavericks? Year after year, it’s hard to see any real defensive commitment. What’s even more surprising is that their coach, Jason Kidd — known for his defensive background — has allowed such a loose setup.

Back in his days coaching the Bucks, Kidd had more structure. Now in Dallas, it feels like their defense is falling apart at the seams. The perimeter rotations are chaotic. Often, it’s Luka Doncic who ends up scrambling to close out open shooters, which seems counterproductive. If he’s not going to commit on defense, they might as well station him on the outside and let him rest — that might at least preserve his energy for offense.

Doncic is still young, and let’s not forget he’s lived a charmed basketball life. Before joining the NBA, he dominated older players in Europe and racked up nearly every major accolade. This Mavs chapter might be his first real dose of adversity. For someone who’s used to cruising through challenges, it’s understandable that hitting a wall — despite maximum effort — could lead to frustration and emotional outbursts. He still has growing to do, especially in terms of composure.

Melbet Affiliates observers point out two main issues for Doncic: defense and emotional control. While his defense has improved compared to past seasons, his athletic limitations still require the team to cover for him. And while it’s true that players shouldn’t be at the mercy of referees’ inconsistent calls, someone has to speak out when things are unfair. It’s no surprise anymore when Dallas faces lopsided officiating at home. Signing Kyrie Irving hasn’t solved much either — what they really need is a dependable big man. Right now, Doncic alone carries the load of a full backcourt. Their previous attempt with Porzingis didn’t work out, and typical role-playing bigs haven’t filled the gap either.

Doncic’s performance is inconsistent, partly because opponents have figured out his game. Dallas plays a fairly one-dimensional style, and with Luka monopolizing the ball, his teammates become spectators. They rarely touch the ball, let alone control it. This isn’t a knock on Luka’s talent, but his ability to elevate teammates is limited. While he’s technically a point guard, he doesn’t operate like a true floor general.

Contrast that with someone like Jayson Tatum. Tatum may lack elite isolation skills or late-game killer instinct, but he plays a selfless game. His teammates — even role players like Marcus Smart, who would likely be just a 3-and-D guy elsewhere — get real opportunities to handle the ball and contribute. That’s the kind of environment where players grow and thrive.

Tatum’s team-first approach turns the Celtics into a legitimate title contender. He may not always shine in clutch moments, but Melbet Affiliates reporters believe his willingness to empower teammates makes everyone around him better. It’s not just a one-night impact — it’s a long-term investment in the team’s overall growth and success. That’s the essence of true leadership in basketball.