Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has repeatedly shown the ability to bring out the best in players, especially unheralded role players.

Dallas improved to 4-1 in games where Luka Doncic has not played this year, as Doncic missed the contest due to a right wrist sprain. The Mavs' success despite Doncic's absence has been important, and after the game Kidd explained how Dallas is finding ways to win.

With Luka Doncic, Klay Thompson, and Daniel Gafford out, Dallas started Kyrie Irving, Quentin Grimes, Naji Marshall, PJ Washington, and Dereck Lively II, while the Knicks rolled out former Maverick Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns.