No one ever gave the Dallas Mavericks a chance, especially when things went haywire linked to that celebrated botched job on acquiring DeAndre Jordan. The Mavs were left scrambling for scraps, but it seems that they mustered just enough to make a good go at the 2015–16 National Basketball Association (NBA) season.

Early in the season, when most never gave the Mavericks a fighting chance, lo and behold — the Mavs are sitting pretty at third spot (as of this writing) with a 9–4 card. They find themselves within striking distance of two other favored teams, the perfect Golden State Warriors (14–0) and the rejuvenated San Antonio Spurs (9–3).

Apparently the team has made the necessary adjustments and has embraced the team concept. Dirk Nowitzki is still around but is far from the only reliable gun whom head coach Rick Carlisle has under his arsenal.

Further to that thought, the Mavs are doing it with most of the NBA vets in sick bay. Chandler Parsons is not yet 100%, same with Deron Williams and Wesley Matthews. From the looks of it, the players who are up and healthy have stepped up and the effort has been enough to help the Mavs surprise many at this point in the season.

Adjustments and contributions are coming from all over.

Zaza Pachulia has been holding fort at center until JaVale Mcgee is able to get up and play. Dwight Powell is also holding up, two centers who have obviously been filling up the slack that was supposed to be the one filled by Jordan had he not U-turned.

Credit coach Carlisle for defining the roles and setting the goals for the Mavericks. They may not be the star-studded bunch but whatever it is, their mileage so far is something no one expected.

How long can the Mavs hold on to this surprise performance? For now, it would be wise to take it one day at a time and then take it from there.