For skeptics who thought the talk about Kristaps Porzingis’ improved mental and physical health coming into this season was hot air, you might want to rethink that position.
Based on Friday’s showing in a 122-114 preseason win over the Los Angeles Clippers, the zest with which Porzingis is approaching the preseason is something we’ve not seen in Dallas, particularly on defense.
Much has been made of Porzingis being able to concentrate on basketball – and not any lingering physical issues. It took only a few possessions early Friday to prove just how much more comfortable Porzingis looks.
After taking on a more complimentary role in the preseason opener Wednesday, Porzingis was assertive from the start against the Clippers and he would finish with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals in just 19 first-half minutes.
His defense was as active as the Mavericks have ever seen.
“That’s the biggest part,” Porzingis said about the difference physically this season as opposed to the past two years. “Offensively, I’m still able to do many things. But defensively is where I feel like I’ve taken a huge step forward. I have to make sure my body stays fit like this and keeps getting better as the season goes on.”
In the first three minutes, the 7-3 Porzingis stepped in front of a Reggie Jackson pass and the steal started a fast break that ended with Porzingis’ dunk on a feed from Luka Dončić. On the next possession, he blocked LA’s Harry Giles on a move to the rim.
It set the table for a terrific first half from Porzingis, who said that, while a few things have been tweaked in the defensive scheme under new head coach Jason Kidd, many of the basics are universal and have not changed.
“A few things are different,” Porzingis said. “A few things I would say are a bit clearer than last year. But I feel like most teams play more or less the same defense. But I like some of the things we’ve added.
“And a huge percentage of defense is just intensity and talking and leaving your energy there. If we have that, we’re going to be fine, no matter what the scheme is.”
Kidd said he’s been impressed by Porzingis, not just in Friday’s game, but throughout training camp.
“KP was KP,” Kidd said. “When we look back at KP when he was in New York, he did everything. For him to be the Unicorn and things he did on the offensive and defensive end – but unfortunately, sometimes you get hurt and you’re not comfortable, mentally or physically.
“He was an all-star when he wasn’t hurt. We’ll take that. If he’s not hurt, we believe he’s an all-star. And you saw that (against the Clippers).”
The Mavericks stuck to the preseason plan, playing Dončić, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Porzingis only in the first half. And Porzingis and Dončić were virtually a package deal, subbing in and out together on most occasions, although Luka got an extra minute of rest along the way.
This also was the first time all five projected starters were on the court for the jump ball. Dorian Finney-Smith and Dwight Powell sat out the preseason opener on Wednesday.
Porzingis was active defensively and running the court well, with Dončić finding him several times on the break.
And the post-up game was there, too. He took a feed on the low block and wheeled for a midrange fadeaway with five minutes left in the first quarter that put the Mavericks up 24-11.
He closed out the first half by taking a simple handoff from Dončić and burying a 3-pointer.
“Just being able to practice all the practices leading up to the season, playing preseason games and not having to jump into the regular season right away and being on a minute restriction and all that,” Porzingis said. “It’s a big advantage that I have not experienced for a while. I’m excited. It looks like we’re having fun out there.”
Luka wasn’t bad, either. He flirted with a triple-double in less than a half of work, rolling up 14 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.
Dwight Powell also looked sharp in his first appearance of the preseason with 14 points on five of six shooting.
The Mavericks improved to 2-0 in the preseason while the Clippers fell to 1-2. The game went back and forth in the second half with deep reserves getting most of the playing time.
Rookie Eugene Omoruyi, who put in some time with several starters, led the Mavericks down the stretch and finished with a team-best 19 points.
The Mavericks now have a nice gap between games. The preseason continues Wednesday at Charlotte and will conclude Friday at Milwaukee.
The regular season opens Oct. 21 at Atlanta.
Twitter: @ESefko
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