Luka Doncic missed his third straight game for Dallas, but the Mavericks have rebounded well without him. Although beaten at home by the featherless Pelicans two days ago, Jason Kidd's players also had to face the combined returns of CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson!
Suffice to say that it did not look good for the Texans, who nevertheless overthrew their opponents behind the 42 points of Kyrie Irving and the 41 points of Tim Hardaway Jr. !
“Timmy has been huge for us. He kept us in the match, scored important baskets” noted his coach. “But Kai was solid all afternoon as well. He just took what they gave him. He did that throughout this series of home meetings. He is our leader, and the guys follow him. »
Other valuable player: Derek Lively II. Back after five missed games, the rookie compiled 6 points and 12 rebounds, including 7 offensive ones. Valuable ammunition.
“His offensive rebounds gave us new opportunities, and his defensive rebounds were huge for us” detailed Jason Kidd. “We missed him in the first game (against the Pelicans). At the end of the match, he gave us second or third chances under the circle. »
For the person concerned, it is simply “ [s]we work “. But for Jason Kidd, who used his 23rd different major five in 41 games (a franchise record), being able to count on such soldiers is valuable.
“These kids grow up through adversity, and it’s wonderful to see”concluded the coach. “But we still have a long way to go. If we get healthy again, then it will become fun.”
For the moment, Dallas is in any case clinging to the Top 6 of the Western Conference, with 24 victories for 17 defeats.
