Things don’t happen overnight in the NBA. Look no further than the San Antonio Spurs, who have a ton of feel-good momentum with all-world rookie Victor Wembanyama.
And a worst-in-the-Western-Conference 3-14 record.
Things take time. And that includes the Mavericks’ pursuit of a better defense.
It wasn’t happening early in the season, but it’s been gradually gaining traction.
In the last three games, they have allowed an average of 107.7 points per game. That may not sound like a great number, but compared to the 118.1 points they’ve allowed for the season, it’s massive improvement.
“We’re paying a little bit more attention to it,” coach Jason Kidd said.
And the Mavericks also now have had the benefit of a few practice days, which allows some of the younger players to gain experience in a learning environment.
“System-wise, the new guys are understanding what we’re asking them to do,” Kidd said. “I think even in the loss to the Clippers (when they allowed 107 points), I thought our defense kept us in that game where it got down to 11 or nine. But when you look of late, just paying attention and feeling comfortable with what we’re asking them to do.
“Practice time definitely helps. For a stretch there, it was play every other day. Now we’ve had an opportunity to have practice.”
The Mavericks won’t be facing the stiffest defensive test on Friday night. The Memphis Grizzlies visit without a slew of their key players, including high-scoring guard Ja Morant, who is serving an NBA suspension.
The Grizzlies so far have averaged 105.6 points per game, next-to-last in the NBA.
Here’s what else to look for as the Mavericks continue their three-game home stand:
- The Grizzlies have been mostly easy pickings so far, as their record would indicate. But they did pick up a 105-91 home win over Utah on Wednesday to stop a four-game losing streak. In that game, they had a massive rebounding advantage (51-39) and limited the Jazz to 37.8 percent shooting. Center Jaren Jackson Jr. had 20 points, six rebounds and six blocks in that game.
- Their injury list is long and impactful. Center Steven Adams (knee surgery) is gone for the season and forward Brandon Clarke (Achilles) has been recovering since March with no timetable to return. Marcus Smart (ankle), Xavier Tillman (knee), Luke Kennard (knee) and Jake LaRavia (eye) are all out. And, of course, Ja Morant still is serving his 25-game NBA suspension.
- The Mavericks are coming off Tuesday’s 121-115 win over Houston, which featured 41 points, nine rebounds and nine assists by Luka Dončić. He got lots of help from Kyrie Irving with 27 points. This is the middle of three home games for the Mavericks, a stretch that technically will reach four home games with the addition of next Wednesday’s game against Utah. That game, plus the Dec. 8 trip to Portland, were added to the schedule when the Mavericks did not reach the knockout stage of the In-Season Tournament.
- The Mavericks have some injury concerns of their own. Tim Hardaway Jr. (back spasms) is questionable for the game as is O-Max Prosper (right ankle sprain). Maxi Kleber remains sidelined with a dislocated right small toe. “He’s doing some stuff on the court, same stuff he’s been doing,” Kidd said of Kleber. “He’s out of the boot when he’s doing his work, so that’s a good sign.”
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (4-13) vs. MAVERICKS (11-6)
- When, where: 6:30 p.m. Friday, American Airlines Center, Dallas.
- TV: Bally Sports Southwest.
- Radio: 97.1 FM The Freak; 99.1 FM Zona MX (Spanish).
X: @ESefko
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