Mavs Headline NBA Rivalry Tour

The Dallas Mavericks made a lot of enemies on their way to the 2024 NBA Finals. Firstly, embarrassing the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 6 probably didn't help Kawhi Leonard's ego or the Clippers' feelings of Dallas. Although, perhaps the Clippers are a bad example. Nonetheless, the most embarrassing outcome for a Dallas playoff opponent was the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Despite having the top defense in the NBA, the Mavericks beat them in five games, including a blowout victory in Game 5. Doncic did his signature lean-in, as to say something to Anthony Edwards, when it's clear the series is out reach. The Mavericks will play the Timberwolves on Christmas Day.

However, the NBA understands marketing, and pitting the face of Adidas against the top athlete for the Jordan brand on multiple primetime slots will put eyes on televisions and streaming sites. Doncic vs. Edwards is top-tier entertainment.

The Mavericks lead the rivalry week with two matchups.

Rivalry week starts on Jan. 21 and ends on Jan. 25. Dallas leads the rivalry week with two matchups.

The Mavs host the Timberwolves on Jan. 22 on ESPN at 6:30 Central Time.

Next on the Mavs' docket for rivalry week is an NBA Finals rematch against the Boston Celtics on Jan. 25. Shockingly, the Mavs host the Celtics, despite losing the NBA Finals in five games. Nonetheless, the Mavericks improved in the 2024 offseason, and the Celtics re-signed their core players.

It's hard to have a rivalry week without the Mavs as Doncic knows how to piss off his opponents.