If we put aside the last two matches of the regular season, where Jason Kidd had rotated extensively, the Mavericks have not lost two matches in a row since the first days of March. This is not trivial, even less so in the playoffs.
The Texans have in fact lost four games over the past month, but never two in a row. Facing the Clippers, then against the Thunder, they were able to find the resources to react. How can we explain this ability to bounce back?
“I attribute that to the environment of the team, from the top with our president, our owners, all the way down to the culture set by the players,” Kyrie Irving responds. “The coaching staff with Jason Kidd directs the players and everyone has a specific role and does their best. We have the feeling of being in the trenches together, of being in the tough together. And when we react like that, when we are honest with each other, then we come a long way. »
Preparing for the Thunder's response
A path that leads them to a victory in the conference final, after the success in Game 5 in Oklahoma City. The playmaker affirms it: defeats and errors bring the Mavericks together, and do not divide them.
“It’s important to know the difference between when we are well connected and when we are divided, when things take a different direction and we are not there for each other,” continues the former Cavaliers, Celtics and Nets. “We know how to make the difference and, in this match, we showed that we could respond to complicated defeats. »
Jason Kidd pointed out that Game 5 was a lot like the previous match. And unlike the last scenario, where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander overthrew Dallas, this time, the Texans held on.
“That’s our mentality. We know we let the last home game slip away”begins Luka Doncic. “Of course there have been little changes here and there, but ultimately it's about us being the aggressors, getting the offensive rebounds, playing together, having fun.”list Derek Lively II.
With a return to Dallas for Game 6, the Mavericks have a match point and they will have to win a second game in a row, facing the Thunder's adjustments. “We have to celebrate this victory because we went to Oklahoma City and we won. They are the best team in the Western Conference and they are playing very well. They will be well prepared for the sixth round. It's one of the hardest series I've ever been a part of.”assures Kyrie Irving.