Just a week ago, the Mavericks left Utah with their heads in the bag, after an inglorious setback at the Jazz, the fault in particular of a disastrous defense in the final moments. Seven days later, the Dallas rearguard held firm against Denver in the final minutes, like the two decisive counterattacks from Dereck Lively II. A change of attitude and result made possible in particular by a team meeting organized just after the Salt Lake City slap, as revealed by PJ Washington this Friday.
The Mavericks power forward said the post-game at the Delta Center was lively. “ After that loss, we came together and said we had to be better than that » assured PJ Washington. The former Hornets player added that Dallas coaches also took part in this interview. And it has obviously done the greatest good to the Texans, who now have four consecutive victories!
Dallas 'learned a lesson'
The Mavericks, who were unable to win at the end of the match since the start of the season, notably remain on two victories in the “clutch”, Sunday at the Thunder this Friday and therefore in Denver, this without Luka Doncic. However, they had to pull back and stay mentally strong as they saw their 24-point lead melt away in the second period against the fury of the Nuggets at home.
“ It's always difficult in this room, we must salute their performance » Kyrie Irving told ESPN. “ In the third quarter, we didn't make enough effort, starting with myself. As one of the leaders of the team, I have to be better, continue to talk to the guys, and stay on the same rhythm that gave us this lead. We learned a lesson, clearly. »
While in Utah, the last minutes had given rise to several situations poorly managed by the Mavericks, Jason Kidd's players this time knew how to return to their fundamentals without panicking.
Kyrie Irving defended very well throughout the second period, PJ Washington took over by attacking the Nuggets circle, the same recipe that worked so well in the first period. The interior was bleeding, once again since his return from injury, with 22 points, 13 rebounds and 3 interceptions and confirms his role as the X factor of the Mavs. His fifth double-double with Dallas was synonymous with a fifth victory.
The lieutenants stepped up to the plate
He was also well supported by Naji Marshall, as valuable defensively as in attack where he was able to take advantage of the favorable opposition left by Mike Malone, who notably relied more on a confident Russell Westbrook than on the size of Christian Braun.
“ I am proud of the entire squad » welcomed Kyrie Irving. “ We all raised our game when the time was right. We went for this victory with our guts. We have to do our best to find our rhythm, to find each other with confidence, especially in difficult contexts like here in Denver. Against the best in the league, you have to be at your best. I'm happy we played hard tonight for 48 minutes, that's what we needed to do tonight. »
Dallas is now in a favorable position to win the wild card spot and finish best second in the Western groups in the NBA Cup.
If the Mavs are assured of finishing behind the Warriors in Group C, their record of two wins and one loss but above all their very favorable point difference of +41 after crushing the Pelicans on Tuesday gives them control of their destiny before face Memphis to conclude this first phase. “ We're trying to go to Vegas » smiled PJ Washington at a press conference.
