Mavs Held Recent Postgame Meeting, Leaning on Superstars' Leadership
PHILADELPHIA — After the Dallas Mavericks experienced yet another letdown performance during Sunday's loss to the Charlotte Hornets, there was a post-game meeting to reflect. The they bounced back with a win over the rebuilding (and tanking) Indiana Pacers on Monday.
“As coaches, what can we do better to put guys in situations, stay positive,” Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. “Again, the energy of being positive, but the energy of encouraging them to stay focused.”
The Mavs had used halftime conversations to spark some motivation after slow starts in both of their loss to the Hornets. Given the team's need to win in order to get back into the play-in picture, there was a need for a deeper conversation after coming up short for a second consecutive time.
“Do we understand what’s at stake?,” Kidd asked. “It’s not about just today, but next season (and) the season after that of being able to reflect on being in tough situations and what did you do in the situation.
“When you look at our locker room, there’s maybe a handful of guys who’ve been in this situation.”
The belief still remains that despite the Mavs having lost 13 of their last 19 games, that it's simply a down stretch. The message is that while other teams may their "tough period" during an earlier portion of the season, they are going through to end the season, unlike last year's squad that surged and never looked back around New Year's Day.
“It’s just a matter of relaxing and trusting one another,” Kidd said. “All teams go through a tough period. Some would rather have it earlier (in the season) than late. We’re just having it right now.”
By going through a disappointing stretch, the Mavs view it as a test not only for character of everyone involved, but about the ability to get back to the basics.
“It’s a great test of character to stay together, to keep working the process, and then understanding that when you’re open, shoot the ball,” Kidd said. “And then on the defensive end, be connected and help one another and finish the play by getting a rebound.
“I think those are the things that can help you get to a better start.”
The leadership of the Mavs' two superstars — Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving — was highlighted by Kidd. There has been a sense of both players keeping a sense of connectivity among the group despite recent struggles.
“When you look at our two leaders, when you look at Luka and Kai, those guys are talking to their teammates (and) they’re encouraging them,” Kidd said. “I think those two have done a great job of keeping guys connected and keep talking at halftime — after the game, at breakfast meetings — to understand that it’s not just one shot or one person that’s going to do it. It’s a team. It’s a great test for us to go through.”
If the Mavs manage to put together a strong stretch to close the season, an outlook still remains to earn a spot in the play-in tournament. Entering Tuesday's NBA action, Dallas' 37-39 record places them in the 11th spot in the Western Conference, which trails the two teams in the final play-in spots, the Los Angeles Lakers and OKC Thunder, by just a half game.
The play of Doncic and Irving is a driving force for the Mavs' success and it's vital for them to not only remain available to play, but to work through the physical grind of late-season basketball amid injuries. If both of those factors don't occur, Dallas' chances of making a meaningful end to the season lacks.
Another flaw the Mavs face is a continued reliance on perimeter shooting clicking at a high rate in order to make up for an underwhelming defense. While last year's squad pulled off a Western Conference Finals run, they did so after finding a defensive identity to hang their hats on. They have been unable to do so during the stretch-run of this season.
Regardless of the Mavs' motivational tactics, there are also real personnel limitations influencing the defensive impact they can achieve, They are an undersized team, even when playing two bigs together, but lack bigger wings to make small ball click at a high level.
The Mavs must do what they can to make the most of this season, but most importantly, discovering a sustainable path to success with the current version of the roster is important. Otherwise, major changes may be necessary.
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