Coach Jason Kidd said the Mavericks’ test against Phoenix on Monday would be a nice measuring stick to see how much his team had grown.
So after a thorough 130-111 victory, what did they learn?
Allow Luka Dončić to explain.
“They’re probably one of the best in the league, great team,” he said. “But I think we showed we can play. When we defend, we showed we can play.”
It’s interesting the confluence of events that have helped the Mavericks get past their slump that included five losses in six games.
First, Kidd inserted Tim Hardaway Jr. into the starting lineup in place of Reggie Bullock.
Then, Josh Green got an uptick in his playing time — well-earned, by the way.
And suddenly, a flicker of improved play has become a blaze of confidence as the Mavericks have won three of four and have nosed back above .500 at 12-11.
“We set the tone in the third quarter at the end,” Kidd said of moving out from a 16-point lead to a 96-75 advantage going into the fourth quarter. “I think we’re starting to become consistent and understanding what we have to do rebounding the ball, taking care of the ball. And making shots is a part of it.
“This is a great team win against the best team in the West.”
And here’s our takeaways from that win that might have been the most complete of the season.
LIGHTING IT UP: The Mavericks made 20-of-41 three-pointers and three-pointers and in particular it was important to see some much-needed production from Maxi Kleber. He hit two of his four long balls and for a guy who has not seen the ball go through the net often enough lately, it was a needed confidence boost. In addition, Hardaway and Spencer Dinwiddie continued to sizzle from beyond the arc, as did Luka. Hardaway and Spencer Dinwiddie continued to sizzle from beyond the arc, as did Luka. Hardaway and Spencer Dinwiddie continued to sizzle from beyond the arc, as did Luka. The Mavericks outscored the Suns by 21 from the three-point stripe. Maybe – just, maybe – that long-awaited hot stretch from downtown has arrived.
MULTIPLE SIXTH MEN? The Mavericks got a combined 34 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists from Josh Green and Christian Wood. That’s what is known as big-time contributions off the bench. Green has quickly become a full-fledged rotation member who is pushing hard for more playing time, which he got (31 minutes) against the Suns. And Wood seems to be settling in nicely to his new role. Green, by the way, was the most effective Maverick of the night, according to the plus-minus. The Mavericks were plus-26 when he was on the floor. They were plus-20 when Luka was playing.
STRONG NUMBERS: The biggest number coming out of the win? Probably, zero. That’s the number of minutes Dončić played in the fourth quarter for the second game in a row. Considering the back-to-back at Denver is waiting for the Mavericks, it was an excellent benefit of the blowout. And, just for the record, Kidd explained when he would have looked down the bench and called Luka’s number if the game had gotten a little dicey. “Some would say 15 points if they got it that close,” Kidd said. “This is the second one where we gave him the fourth quarter off. Hopefully he’s fresh to go tomorrow.”
SIDESHOWS (BONUS TAKE): The Mavericks were well aware that Odell Beckham Jr. was in the arena, seated on the front row near the Suns’ bench. They did their best to convince Beckham to sign with the Cowboys. “I tried,” said Dončić. “Hopefully. I can’t say nothing. But . . . go Cowboys.” . . . Meanwhile, Luka came out of the contest with an impressive raspberry under his left eye, courtesy of Maxi Kleber’s wayward, and unintentional, flailing arm. “Maxi didn’t say sorry,” Luka said, although he added he did get a text from the big man.
Twitter: @ESefko
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