The Dallas Mavericks have been on a tear leading up to their Christmas Day game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the Mavericks have won 14 out of their last 17 games since a November 14 loss versus the Utah Jazz that dropped Dallas to 5-7 at the time. The Mavericks now have a two-game lead for the fourth seed in the Western Conference, and they are in close contention with the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies for the second and third seed.

Dallas’ recent stretch has defined their season and they’ve established a real identity for themselves, which is something that is paramount if they want to make a run back to the NBA Finals this season. The Mavericks arguably have a more talented offensive lineup compared to even last season, and while a backup defensive-oriented wing or big man could truly complete this Mavericks rotation, it’s not a far fetch to say this is the best roster the Mavericks have had in years.

Dallas’ foe in the NBA Finals last June, the Boston Celtics, are currently sitting as the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 22-7. The Mavericks struggled to counter the sheer offensive versatility of the Celtics last season in the Finals, but this may not be near as much of an issue as last season if the Mavericks were to encounter the Celtics in an NBA Finals rematch next June.

The Mavericks certainly can’t undermine how talented of a roster the Celtics have and they should keep their eye on Boston all season long should a potential Finals rematch arise, but the Mavericks undoubtedly have a better opportunity to exploit a weak point in Boston’s lineup whenever the two face off against each other later this season.