Tim Cato

Staff Writer, Mavericks

Tim Cato is a staff writer at The Athletic covering the Dallas Mavericks. Previously, he wrote for SB Nation.

Mavericks' free-agency vision focuses on trusting their current core

After Friday's trade of Tim Hardaway Jr., Dallas is in much better position to bring back Derrick Jones Jr., should he want to return.

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Luka Dončić failed at the highest level. Now, he must learn from it

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Mavericks finally show Celtics and the NBA world their best

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As Mavericks teeter on brink of NBA Finals loss, Dereck Lively II offers a lifeline for the future

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Can Kyrie Irving crack Celtics' code? Mavericks' NBA Finals hopes depend on it

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Mavericks have no answers for Celtics in NBA Finals: 'We’ve just got to be better'

Dallas' problem-solving has carried it to the NBA Finals. But in two games against the Celtics, not enough is working.

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Boston, blow-up dolls and boos: Kyrie Irving opens up about Celtics fans

Irving admitted he “wasn’t his best self” during his time with the Celtics. On Saturday, he took accountability for the shortcomings.

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Mavericks aren't panicking after Game 1 NBA Finals loss. They've been here before

In Jason Kidd's tenure, the Mavericks have won four series after losing Game 1. They remain confident they can do it again.

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How Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving became 'connected for the rest of their lives'

The Mavs stars' bond seen now didn’t come right away. It took time, patience and ultimately an overseas trip for the full potential to show.

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Celtics vs. Mavericks: How this intriguing NBA Finals matchup will be won on the court

Beyond the Kyrie Irving and Kristaps Porziņģis reunions, the Celtics-Mavs series is about one question: how will these team stop each other?

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Kyrie Irving: 'Wasn't my best self' during Celtics tenure, 'looking forward' to NBA Finals in Boston

"When I look back on it, I just see it as a time where I learned how to let go of things and learned how to talk through my emotions."

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Mavericks' Luka Dončić stands on precipice of greatness that always seemed inevitable

After disposing of the Timberwolves decisively, Luka Dončić's long-awaited time is now. And he, and his team, want more.

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How Luka Dončić keyed Mavericks to Game 5 blowout over Timberwolves to win Western Conference finals

Dončić and Kyrie Irving combined for 72 points as Dallas advances to its first NBA Finals since 2011.

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Mavericks can't quite overcome Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving finally having off games

Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving both said the Mavericks' Game 4 loss was on them. They know they must be better to close out this series.

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How Anthony Edwards led Timberwolves to Game 4 win over Mavericks to extend series

Game 5 will be Thursday in Minnesota as the Timberwolves look to extend their season once again.

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How Dončić, Irving led Mavericks to Game 3 win vs. Timberwolves: 3 takeaways

The Mavericks are one win away from the NBA Finals.

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Kyrie Irving, Luka Dončić and the adaptable Mavericks devise yet another way to win

When their young center went down with a neck injury, the Mavericks seemed to be in trouble. Instead, they persevered for a 3-0 series lead.

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Mavericks' Dereck Lively II exits Game 3 vs. Timberwolves with neck sprain

Lively remained on the ground for about five minutes after the collision and appeared wobbly when walking to the locker room.

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Luka Dončić shows the Timberwolves — and the NBA world — that he is that guy

Luka Dončić's 3 to silence the Minnesota crowd did more than give Dallas a 2-0 series lead. It also cemented his generational status.

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How Luka Dončić, Mavericks overcame double-digit deficit vs. Timberwolves to win Game 2

The Mavericks head back to Dallas needing only two more wins to reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011.

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Mavericks' P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford have stood on business since they were kids

The acquisitions that are fueling the Mavericks' surge have a shared history that helps explain why they've become such great teammates.

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As Timberwolves shut down 3s, Mavericks find another way to win — again

Dallas, once one of the NBA's most prolific long-range teams, made just six 3s in Game 1 against Minnesota. It still found a way to win.

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How Luka Dončić lifted Mavericks to Game 1 victory over Timberwolves in Western Conference finals: 3 takeaways

Minnesota will look to even the series Friday at 7:30 p.m. for their first conference finals win since the 2003-04 season.

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Slovenians love Luka Dončić. But amid rocky playoffs, they're learning to trust his teammates

Slovenia's Luka Dončić mania, forever passionate, is maturing alongside him. Here's why this playoff run has been a chance for growth.

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Mavericks vs. Timberwolves: Key questions that will decide the NBA's West finals

The marquee superstar matchup is Luka Dončić vs. Anthony Edwards. How will each opponent guard the other's best option?

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