The phrase refers to crossword puzzles where the answer to a clue is the name of a basketball player who plays or has played for the Dallas Mavericks, a team in the National Basketball Association. A typical clue might be “Mavericks point guard, number 77” with the answer being “Luka Doncic”. These puzzles test knowledge of basketball, particularly the Dallas Mavericks roster, both past and present.
Such puzzles serve as an engaging way to combine sports trivia with wordplay. They offer mental stimulation and can be a source of entertainment for basketball enthusiasts. Furthermore, the inclusion of a teams players within this type of puzzle format contributes to the teams recognition and can foster a deeper connection with its fanbase. Historically, sports-themed crosswords have been a popular way to test and showcase sports knowledge.