“We were here, what, two weeks ago?” We had just lost five matches and we were wondering, in the locker room, how to get back on the same wavelength. » Kyrie Irving has not forgotten this complicated period, just after the All-Star Game and until the beginning of March, where he and the Mavericks were worrying.
Since then, they have had nine victories in ten matches and the last one by 36 points against the Kings shows that the Texans are in great shape.
“We don’t send messages”, assures Jason Kidd. “We take things one after the other, like possessions. We know where we are and how important this road trip is. This is only the second game of five. We still have to play Sacramento on Friday and it will be a different team. »
What is particularly interesting is the defensive level of the Mavericks. The Jazz were stuck at 64 points after three quarters on Monday and the next day, the Kings were at 68 points after 36 minutes. We can also refer to the 105 points conceded against the Nuggets a few days ago.
The best time to defend well
The defense, so failing during the crisis but helped by the presence of Daniel Gafford (one defeat in twelve matches in the major five) and PJ Washington, is now in place.
“If the coaches would like the defense to be perfect from training camp, it sometimes takes a little time”recalls the Dallas coach. “However, there is no better time to defend than March, when the serious things begin. And our offense is one of the best in the league. »
With 55% shooting success, 56% on 3-pointers, 34 assists for nine lost balls, Kyrie Irving and his teammates played offensively against the Kings.
“It feels good to know that, with our penetrations and our balls in the racket, we can create opportunities for everyone. We get open and rhythmic shots. And when that's the case, we're even harder to beat.” notes the playmaker of the Mavericks. “We attack the basket well but as soon as the long shots fall in, the defense comes up on us, takes two shots. And as she takes the ball away from Luka Doncic and me, it gives others chances. »
PJ Washington even allowed himself to shoot 4/6 at 3-points. ” I trust. I'm in the room every day and my confidence has never wavered. I take open shots”thus explains the interior, which therefore has the wind at its back, like its comrades. “As long as we stay together and take care of ourselves, we don't care about others. If we play basketball like this every night, we will be difficult to beat. »
