Jason Kidd and the Mavericks are in uncharted territory. Indeed, since 2022 that he has been on the Dallas bench, the coach has played six playoff series and in the first five, he had always lost Game 1! The victory in Minnesota is therefore a little “surprise” for him and his players.
“It’s new for everyone. But, again, at this stage of the season it's about winning so we found a way to win away. And we have to do it again this Friday”, announces the Texans coach.
Accustomed to reacting during Game 2, the Mavericks will, for once, have to assume and respond to the reaction of the Wolves, awakened by Chris Finch. Victory is imperative for them, otherwise they will be in great difficulty.
“We know that they will play at their best in this second round,” says Daniel Gafford. “I am sure that, at the end of the day, they feel that they should have won Game 1. So we will play at our best level in Game 2 as well. They will be more physical and we must be ready to take the first cut. »
Anthony Edwards owes a rematch
The one who is most anticipated is obviously Anthony Edwards. The guard didn't have a bad game, with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists, but he mainly shot 3-pointers (5/12) and didn't have his usual aggressiveness. “I didn’t attack enough”he confided after the meeting, pointing to a lack of energy to explain his passivity.
“We have to make his life difficult and surround him with defenders,” analyzes Jason Kidd. “He’s one of the best players in the world. We can't stop him, only make his life difficult and hope he misses shots. We expect him to attack quickly and often in Game 2. We will protect our racket. »
PJ Washington details the keys to a possible victory for the Mavericks. To do this, he and his teammates will have to “don’t lose the ball, take easy shots and obviously take open shots”. But still ? “Be ourselves. We have to defend and stay together for 48 minutes. » Meeting tonight !
