Mavs Moneyball - All PostsRick Carlisle approved.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50869/mmb-fav.png2024-03-19T00:01:00-05:00http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/rss/current/2024-03-19T00:01:00-05:002024-03-19T00:01:00-05:00Mavericks vs Spurs Preview: 3 questions as Dallas takes on San Antonio
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<img alt="Denver Nuggets v Dallas Mavericks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IfGH59SmAaD9y5Hc7tLLvD-oT8U=/79x0:4921x3228/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73217019/2084805545.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Mavericks have another test against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs</p> <p id="MgVhUz">The Dallas Mavericks face the San Antonio Spurs for the final time this season Tuesday night in San Antonio. Dallas is looking to go a perfect 4-0 against its divisional rival.</p>
<p id="S7GOfy">After beating the Spurs in a close game in the season opener, the last two matchups have been blowouts in the Mavericks favor. Dallas has taken care of business against below .500 teams, with a 21-5 record against losing teams this season. While the Spurs are still toiling at the bottom of the standings, rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama keeps getting better by the week, and will present a challenge for the new-look Mavericks front court.</p>
<p id="QsIJlm">Here are three questions to consider for the in-state matchup.</p>
<h2 id="x0GRdH"><strong>Will the Mavericks starting 5 come out looking like the team that just beat the defending champs?</strong></h2>
<p id="RkuJ5V">An NBA starting lineup can be something like a jigsaw puzzle, resembling a discordant scene not dissimilar to a Bosch painting until the true image begins to work itself out through either the inherent skill of the dissectologist at the helm of the puzzle, or (more frequently) via the process of dumb luck. However it may be, it appears as if coach Jason Kidd has finally put together the Botticelli we’ve all been impatiently awaiting (yes, Luka gets to be Venus). </p>
<p id="VxFJGk">The combination of Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. has created a unique and effective blend of chemistry and rotational balance. And it makes sense, especially when one realizes that Luka and Kyrie can (almost) win games via their own offensive output alone, that the ideal frontcourt to round out the remaining three spots in the Mavs’ starting five would always need to be – primarily – defensive-minded, highly athletic journeymen. The reader should be reminded here that Gafford very nearly broke the record for consecutive field goals made. Yes, I know stats have kind of taken over the focal point of sports coverage, but that record ain’t no joke, especially for an organization that has lacked quality bigs for as long as I have been alive. As we all know, it’s a lot easier to win the ballgame when the ball is going in the bucket, but team identity is forged when you have a group that can set a tone on a nightly basis. Not all games are going to end with a W, but creating a reputation as touch matchup is increasingly vital as this pony attempts to make some noise out in the west.</p>
<h2 id="NxHp65"><strong>Will the Mavs’ recent success at winning the rebounding game continue?</strong></h2>
<p id="gYR72T">In case no one is looking, there’s a 7’4 Frenchman casually waiting for tipoff at the Frost Bank Center. Well, more likely he’s having his caricature drawn next to wherever he’s parked his yacht along the riverwalk. While Victor Wembanyama hasn’t yet reached his full potential, he’s still creating matchup nightmares for teams across the league, making his presence felt on the boards and blocking shots with the regularity of an elite missile-defense system. While <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2024/3/17/24104171/mavericks-vs-nuggets-final-score-dallas-shocks-denver-107-105-kyrie-irving-game-winner">beating a Nuggets team with a healthy Jokic at the helm is not a task for some slouch</a>, then taking it to the Spurs in the paint and coming away with a W on the heels of that task is a challenge, indeed. Obviously, Wembanyama presents a different kind of matchup than Jokic does. His frame and physical movement are more similar to Dallas’ Dereck Lively II, who recently said in an interview that one of his own strong suits is stamina, rather than brawn (you’ll get there, Rook). </p>
<p id="VHVBr0">We’ll see if the Dallas frontcourt rotation can continue to be a big factor in a contest against another very talented big man. Don’t be surprised if a few close-range floaters get sent packing back up to north Texas.</p>
<h2 id="eMshPt"><strong>Can Luka continue to put up historic numbers and lead the Mavs to close out the season strong?</strong></h2>
<p id="8rlN8h">I don’t think anyone needs a reminder of what Luka does on a nightly basis. But... he’s the NBA’s scoring leader (so far) this season, it has lately become something of a disappointment if he doesn’t reach a 30-point triple-double line, and he routinely does something that justifies the coinage of “Luka-magic”. And, yet… his name consistently trails that of a few others in the MVP race this year. This is something that continues to bring frustration and ire to many within the fan base. We should be clear about our priorities, though. I, for my part, think it’s pretty obvious that he’s playing at an MVP level this season, and should, thus, be recognized for it. However, that trophy is awarded not only on the merits of individual achievement, but also through the achievement of an objectively successful regular season team campaign that those individual merits have given momentum to. A lot of analysts have drawn attention lately to the fact that this Mavs team is prone to streakiness. Well, their skills are commensurate with their job titles. The Mavs have been streaky. This is the time of the season that grit is needed to build momentum. While luck can often decide the final score, greatness finds a way to position itself for a greater chance at success. </p>
<p id="QIvYFl">The Mavs have already started their final push towards the postseason. The lion’s share of their fate will be attributed to the success that Luka is able to will them to in the coming weeks. Fortunately, it seems as if his confidence in his teammates is becoming a strength for him, and it seems to be making him even better at what he does.</p>
<h2 id="tUmTfo"><strong>How to watch</strong></h2>
<p id="IEdVKr">Tipoff is Tuesday at 7 p.m. CT on Bally’s Sports Southwest or NBA League Pass.</p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2024/3/19/24105432/mavericks-vs-spurs-preview-3-questions-as-dallas-takes-on-san-antonio-nba-game-previewJasonWorleyy2024-03-18T12:00:00-05:002024-03-18T12:00:00-05:00Standings Watch: Mavericks have a chance to climb with favorable schedule
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<img alt="NBA: Sacramento Kings at Dallas Mavericks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FsejreauX43DPDRR1nA_4MMeCFk=/0x0:5296x3531/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73215558/usa_today_22392516.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>3 winnable games lie ahead for the Mavericks </p> <p id="655DBw">After a thrilling last-second win over the Nuggets, thanks to a left-handed push shot from Kyrie Irving, it’s time to assess where the Mavericks are in the standings and what lies ahead. As it stands, the Mavericks are in a 3-way tie with the Kings and Suns. Because of their winning percentage, the Kings currently sit in the 6th seed while the head-to-head tiebreaker has the Mavericks in 7th ahead of the Suns. The Warriors and Lakers are both 3 games behind the Mavericks in the 9th and 10th seeds. Unless tragedy strikes, only the Kings and Suns matter for the coming week. The Pelicans are just a game and a half ahead of the Mavericks, but they are red hot and it’s unlikely the Mavericks will be able to overcome them in the next seven days.</p>
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<h2 id="hHuL4z">6th Seed Sacramento Kings</h2>
<p id="ILts0s"> • Memphis Grizzlies</p>
<p id="5hLnPG"> • @ Toronto Raptors</p>
<p id="92iuvX"> • @ Washington Wizards</p>
<p id="dcNawK"> • @ Orlando Magic</p>
<p id="OlTbmM"> On one hand, the Kings will have a congested schedule in the coming week with 3 of their 4 games on the road. On the other, 3 of those games will come against some of the league’s bottom feeders. The best the Mavericks can hope for is 2-2 but it’s more likely that the Kings escape the week with a 3-1 record.</p>
<h2 id="8TYg0c"><strong>7th Seed Dallas Mavericks</strong></h2>
<p id="9UwBvb"> • @ San Antonio Spurs</p>
<p id="WLS1Sa"> • Utah Jazz</p>
<p id="zvcKDa"> • @ Utah Jazz</p>
<p id="DzEpBq">Knock on wood, the Mavericks can and should win the next 3 games. They’ll have to if they want to keep pace in a loaded race to avoid the play-in. The Mavericks have been known to lay the occasional dud against an inferior team. With a month left in the season, every game is as close to a must-win as it gets if they want to avoid finishing 7th or lower.</p>
<h2 id="Ca2GSI"><strong>8th Seed Phoenix Suns</strong></h2>
<p id="jLeEnE"> • Philadelphia 76ers</p>
<p id="3lZ6pZ"> • Atlanta Hawks</p>
<p id="E4CYDW"> • @ San Antonio Spurs</p>
<p id="QnfDqW">On paper, the Suns should win all three games but their propensity for giving up 4th quarter leads me to be cautious. I think a 2-1 week feels about right.</p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2024/3/18/24104922/standings-watch-dallas-mavericks-have-chance-to-climb-with-favorable-schedule-nbaXavier Santos2024-03-18T07:29:57-05:002024-03-18T07:29:57-05:005 great things about Kyrie Irving’s game winning shot against Denver
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<img alt="NBA: Denver Nuggets at Dallas Mavericks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tYZ5tuaOKZLp0x_qgFNRq4BGrrM=/0x6:5369x3585/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214827/usa_today_22801665.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Add that shot to the list of Maverick all timers.</p> <p id="aX0mJL">By now, you’ve seen it several times. Kyrie Irving’s etheral floating dagger etched in time and already amended to the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmqwP9-_Ghk">compedium of franchise buzzer beaters</a> in Dallas. Wow, just wow.</p>
<p id="WEbuJA">With around a second to go in the game, Irving added a signature moment to his career highlight reel. He also lifted this Mavericks team to their best win of the season. It is rare for a moment to have so many boxes checked - the difficulty, the pressure moment, the larger import on the season, and the chance to deliver in front of the home faithful in Dallas.</p>
<p id="A8FU36">Here are five takeaways complete with timestamps from the all angles video released by the Mavericks.</p>
<div id="Yjo6KC"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-TWZvqjH36A?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="gFtZrW">1. Mastering his craft (0:55)</h2>
<p id="TygTc3">In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell posulated the 10,000 hour rule - which states that in order to achieve mastery, one must devote 10,000 hours to their craft. As <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uB5PUpGzeY">Gladwell says here</a>, many misunderstood this to mean that talent was not a necessary ingredient. Gladwell has since clarifyed that it is that massive time committment over roughly ten years which serves as a catalyst to fully realize and express natural talent.</p>
<p id="3yAOQt">How often have we seen talented players come through the NBA and fail to realize their potential? How often does the money, the fame, and the inherent distractions of being an NBA player stunt, divert, and eventually derail that once obvious potential?</p>
<p id="dTVU6Z">For Kyrie Irving, the opposite is true. Right now, all his injuries and controversies have mercifully faded from the forefront. What we are seeing over the last few weeks and what the Nuggets saw in those final moments is a player who has spent years in the gym building out the outer edges of his craft. That shot went in because Irving has honed his game with intention. At the 0:55 mark you can see his outstretched left hand, as if to say to the world...”I’ve built the left hand game into my arsenal with dedication for moments like this”.</p>
<h2 id="fJicqM">2. The Luka/Kyrie friendship is beautiful and undeniable (2:11)</h2>
<p id="rnEvRx">Much was made of Kyrie Irving’s arrival just over a year ago. In that stretch of games, we saw discombulation in late game situations. With a full training camp and more time to bond on and off the court, the results are showing that Kyrie Irving is an ideal co-pilot for Luka Doncic.</p>
<p id="59hgGq">Beyond the obvious on-court fit, it has become increasingly clear over the course of the year that these two incandesent talents have gone beyond the instant mutual respect from last season. The facial expressions and words of solidarity point to a real friendship that has taken shape.</p>
<p id="Uj7WO0">The look of pure astonishment on Doncic’s face seemed to be a mixture of a hilarious punch line and an unexpected turn on a thrill ride. Why? Because he knows. Luka works on that same brand of off-kilter, off-hand, horse-game ending bag of tricks. It also had to feel like the karmic opposite of the Max Strus heartbreaker. It has to feel great for #77 to not be the only source of magic on this incarnation of the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com">Dallas Mavericks</a>.</p>
<h2 id="0niH8c">3. Maxi Kleber’s game winner was one year ago - to the day. (1:03)</h2>
<p id="alDmyN">Luka Doncic was not the only Maverick with his hands on his head in disbelief. Maxi Kleber inbounded the ball to Kyrie Irving one year to the day after Irving dished a last second pass to Kleber in Los Angeles. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxVqmxTo31o">Kleber’s game winner</a> was one of the highlights of last season (alongside Luka’s 60 point miracle effort versus the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com">Knicks</a>).</p>
<p id="uBR2Af">What are the odds that in successive years and on the same calendar day the Mavericks concoct two game winners involving Irving to Kleber and then Kleber to Irving?</p>
<h2 id="xf4jeo">4. Cuban enjoys the celebration (2:43)</h2>
<p id="nDkuQG">There have to be a ton of incredible things about being a billionaire most of us will never understand. The same can be said of owning a sports team. Even after selling off most of his stake, Mark Cuban is still there celebrating in the pile with the players.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Mavericks' energy after Kyrie Irving's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TissotBuzzerBeater?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TissotBuzzerBeater</a> was wholesome! <a href="https://t.co/vUHJPyy832">pic.twitter.com/vUHJPyy832</a></p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1769596831355359491?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="PEv3bo">If you want to praise or jeer Cuban for his tenure, there are ways and reasons to. But in that moment, I found myself pondering just how great that has to feel. Short of having the stature and talent to be a star player in the league and hitting such an incredible shot, it has to be amazing to be in on that frenzy as players and coaches bask in the collective joy. Cuban has the institutional memory from celebrating roughly a quarter century of Maverick moments - from before Derrick Lively II was born. Makes you wonder why more owners are not in those piles and makes you wish that caring that much was a requisite to the sale being approved by the league. Once he is gone, Cuban will be missed and we probably will not see another owner anywhere near this passionate in our lifetime. Give me a flawed owner who gives a damn anyday over one just looking to turn a profit.</p>
<h2 id="nkjeqv">5. Denver fan stoically takes it all in. (1:07)</h2>
<p id="hgNFHd">What else can you do but stand there amid the bedlum and take a sip of your beer?</p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2024/3/18/24104503/5-great-things-about-kyrie-irvings-game-winning-shot-against-denverBrent Brooks2024-03-17T20:00:00-05:002024-03-17T20:00:00-05:00Podcast: Kyrie Irving game winner propels Dallas Mavericks past Denver Nuggets
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<img alt="Denver Nuggets v Dallas Mavericks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7Zlpef3ym1VVVhnZLStiOrmAqxA=/0x0:8495x5663/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214199/2084804747.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Dallas gets an awesome win over Denver off an incredible game-winning shot</p> <p id="lXnha2">The <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com">Dallas Mavericks</a> pulled off an incredible, <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2024/3/17/24104171/mavericks-vs-nuggets-final-score-dallas-shocks-denver-107-105-kyrie-irving-game-winner">come-from-behind win</a> to defeat the Denver Nuggets, 107-105. Kyrie Irving <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dallas-mavericks-game-coverage/2024/3/17/24104329/kyrie-irvings-game-winner-dallas-mavericks-denver-nuggets-107-105">hit the game-winning bucket </a>with no time remaining off an in-bounds play where he saw a crazy, left-handed skyhook go down. </p>
<p id="JLtTTU">Following the game, Matthew Phillips and I went live to react to the shot, the win, and analyze what we thought worked and didn’t in this game. We spent the first ten minutes of the show breaking down the final shot and what led up to it. It’s got to be the wildest Dallas game winner since Luka Doncic’s make over the Clippers in double-overtime back in 2020 during the Bubble. </p>
<div id="EKBGge"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XrzMB7Xd1Sw?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
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<p id="it7DQd">After that, we spent a lot of time talking about why Dallas was in a position to win this game (as well as lose it, if we’re honest). Dallas played a lot of bully ball, outworking the Nuggets on the glass and for loose balls. The offense came and went for Dallas, with all non-Kyrie and Luka players going 0-13 from distance.</p>
<aside id="myB401"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Quote board: “In Kyrie we trust” ","url":"https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2024/3/17/24104401/quote-board-in-kyrie-we-trust"}]}'></div></aside><p id="nuPqDG">This may go down as a season-defining win. Dallas hasn’t had many definitive games against top talent in either conference, so seeing that they CAN get a win like this should go a long way towards assuaging fears within the fanbase. This was a really fun show and if you watch the video, it goes straight into the live, fan participation show. That show will come out on audio feeds Monday afternoon. </p>
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<p id="CGn5Fy"><em><strong>You can check out our After Dark Recap podcasts, YouTube Live recordings, and guest shows on the Pod Maverick</strong></em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6ckzV6HkHYTgAx08y4hrcH"><em><strong> Podcast feed</strong></em></a><em><strong>. Please subscribe, rate, and review.</strong></em></p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2024/3/17/24104390/podcast-kyrie-irving-game-winner-propels-dallas-mavericks-past-denver-nuggetsKirk Henderson2024-03-17T19:34:09-05:002024-03-17T19:34:09-05:00Quote board: “In Kyrie we trust”
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<img alt="Denver Nuggets v Dallas Mavericks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PdObRv5_D-1vNKg68H4PapqOty0=/277x0:7380x4735/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214149/2084804591.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Dallas players an Jason Kidd talk after defeating Denver at home </p> <p id="BdOH6v">The <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com">Dallas Mavericks</a> won a <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2024/3/17/24104171/mavericks-vs-nuggets-final-score-dallas-shocks-denver-107-105-kyrie-irving-game-winner">thrilling game against the Denver Nuggets </a>on Sunday afternoon, winning 107-105 on an <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dallas-mavericks-game-coverage/2024/3/17/24104329/kyrie-irvings-game-winner-dallas-mavericks-denver-nuggets-107-105">incredible Kyrie Irving lefty sky-hook</a>. Following the game, head coach Jason Kidd as well as players Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, and Dereck Lively II spoke to the press. Here’s what they had to say: </p>
<h2 id="xd7GDp">Jason Kidd</h2>
<p id="yLV4Cf"><em>(On whether or not he’s witnessed a more difficult game-winning shot...)</em></p>
<p id="7wT7aT">“Probably not but I’ve seen a lot. But when you say opposite hand, understanding his left hand, Kai (Kyrie Irving) is one of the best finishers in the league and probably is going to go down as one of the best finishers ever. His float game with the right, left — it’s just natural and he delivered. I thought Luka [Dončić] put us in a position by tying it and then Kai, being able to read the situation and get the ball. I thought Maxi [Kleber] — I don’t know if he gets credit for two assists but — to be able to get the ball in was big. I thought the team stayed together. Denver is the reigning champ; they’ve seen everything, they came back. But we got stops when we had to, and we executed late game.”</p>
<p id="5SQBML"><em>(On the conversation before the final play and for whom it was drawn up...)</em></p>
<p id="CJREzW">“It was actually for, Maxi [Kleber] has two reads on both (of the final two) plays there, Luka [Dončić] and Kai (Kyrie Irving). Luka was open first on the first one. To be able to catch and shoot, to be able to execute — we practiced this and to be able to run the same play and have Kai come off the baseline. We talked about it and ran it in Oklahoma City. Just to be able to execute and trust one another was big this afternoon.”</p>
<p id="2N6C2v"><em>(On the team’s defensive performance...)</em></p>
<p id="SgIN5a">“They executed the game plan. Just going into this afternoon, understanding Denver dominates the paint — and I think they only got 38 [points in the paint] this afternoon with Joker (Nikola Jokic) and those guys. Joker’s ability to get the ball in the paint and be able to pass to [Aaron] Gordon. I thought Maxi [Kleber], I thought P.J. [Washington], I thought being able to put a four on Joker and let our five roam and protect the rim was big tonight with [Daniel] Gafford and D-Live (Dereck Lively II). Those two did a really good job of executing the game plan and then being able to rebound out of that. When you give a free run to Gordon or these other guys on the perimeter, it can put you in a bad situation rebounding. But I thought, again, we did a good job of rebounding the ball. D-Jones (Derrick Jones Jr.), P.J., those guys being able to come back and help out.”</p>
<p id="Edc2KY"><em>(On offensive rebounding and second-chance points...)</em></p>
<p id="Gy2TBn">“They’re small and I think there was a carryover from Oklahoma City — they’re small, too. I thought Gaff (Daniel Gafford) and those guys, P.J. [Washington], D-Jones (Derrick Jones Jr.), to be able to give us second and third opportunities. I thought Gaff and D-Live kept the balls alive and came up with second or third opportunities against a very talented team like Denver, it gives you a chance.”</p>
<h2 id="mSSLaJ">Kyrie Irving</h2>
<p id="RroV4O"><em>(On his buzzer beating left-handed floater to win the game tonight…)</em></p>
<p id="3WGnT7">“It felt good. It’s a play that we work on during shootaround pretty often, so it felt good to execute. I had trust in my teammates out there and, in the end, being lucky enough to hit a left-hand floater. I looked at it after the game and I was pretty far out. Shots that I work on and just being ambidextrous and just trusting the skills that I work on.”</p>
<p id="Nfo3y6"><em>(On the decision to shoot the game-winner…)</em></p>
<p id="FugPMo">“A majority of it is instinctual and comes from preparation for hours that no one sees. I saw [Nikola] Jokic taking away my pull-up going left. I had hit one or two tonight, so I knew he was gonna come up, but I didn’t know he was gonna commit like that. He was forcing me inside the 3-point line, so as soon as I felt him kind of behind me, I was like ‘Oh, I have my left hand it’s wide-open, why don’t I go to it’. I think that’s what happened [and] how I saw it. [It’s] just instincts.”</p>
<p id="meTeFX"><em>(On this Mavericks team’s identity over the past several games…)</em></p>
<p id="JdjsWK">“I feel like we match up with everybody well, especially on the defensive end. We have the ability to switch one through five and we also have a foundational defense we’ve been going through pretty much the whole season. I felt like we just consistently worked on our communication and the trust that we have in the intangible skill sets to be able to stop teams. Then, we also have the skill sets offensively to dominate teams and really get out in transition, and not so much playing half-court and the iso game. If we get a few fast break points, if we score 15 fastbreak points, it’s gonna be a hard night for any team. We are gonna keep playing to our strengths and when it gets tough and we face a little adversity throughout the game, we’re able to slow the game down and throw it to the post or go to our comp plays.”</p>
<p id="hXFJSR"><em>(On the synergy when playing with Mavericks guard Luka Dončić consistently…)</em></p>
<p id="aksLHe">“It feels good to be able to play those amount of consistent games and get a feel for one another. [It] really shows what we’ve been working on in practice too. You guys don’t get a chance to see all our practices, it’s me and Luka playing against our second five. We got a great chemistry and when we got guys making shots alongside of us, it makes it a lot easier.” </p>
<h2 id="p9j7uf">Luka Doncic</h2>
<p id="KZHll0"><em>(On Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving’s game winning shot…)</em></p>
<p id="BeAmZX">“Unbelievable, man. I don’t think people realize how tough of a shot that is. With the off-hand, like even to have a chance, I don’t think people realize how tough that is. I don’t think I have seen anything that special.”</p>
<p id="PSeLX3"><em>(On practicing shots like Kyrie’s game-winner…)</em></p>
<p id="AEltwD">“In practice he does that all the time. But in the game, that’s different. Anybody can try anything in practice, but in a game that’s different.”</p>
<p id="O6HTBe"><em>(On how this game felt compared to previous games against the Nuggets…)</em></p>
<p id="LTHs3c">“It was just great energy from the start. The entire game we just had great energy for 48 minutes.”</p>
<p id="M6oSqU"><em>(On what a win like this does for the team…)</em></p>
<p id="wkhsZz">“I think it’s a really big win. You know going against the Nuggets, they were champions last year. They have an amazing team, they have the MVP, it’s tough to play against them. So, it’s really good for us.”</p>
<h2 id="LhHhf6">Dereck Lively II</h2>
<p id="Ft0e8L"><em>(On Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving’s game winning shot…)</em></p>
<p id="L0rWj7">“I have seen a lot of great shots in practice and games, but that one takes the cake. In Kyrie [Irving] we trust. As soon as we give him the ball, we know he’s going to find a great shot or make a great opportunity for someone else. Whenever we see him get the ball, just sit back and watch it happen. No one was expecting him to make that layup, no one was expecting him to make that floater, but he made the shot.”</p>
<p id="74s3lM"><em>(On the team’s confidence coming from a game like this…)</em></p>
<p id="WO0CF9">“We just got to build off it. I feel like our defensive talk is definitely stepping up, and stepping in the right direction. So just to be able to build off it, got to be able to learn from our mistakes and get to the next one. We’re not going to be able to just sit here and be like, ‘Yeah we won a game.’ They’re a great team, but there are other great teams out there.”</p>
<aside id="xkzBnY"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Stats Rundown: 4 stats to know from the Mavericks 107-105 victory over the Denver Nuggets ","url":"https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2024/3/17/24104300/dallas-mavericks-denver-nuggets-stats-highlights-score-107-105-kyrie-irving-game-winner-luka-doncic"}]}'></div></aside><p id="cNrYIm"><em>(On what was improved about the team’s defense tonight…)</em></p>
<p id="xmMBsS">“There were definitely some times we just had to change up what we were doing, changing who was guarding who, moving around how we were guarding things, how we were playing things. Throughout the entire game it was just kind of figuring out what scheme would work at that time, and as soon as it stopped working, we wanted to change it again.”</p>
<p id="AiAqNa"><em>(On the team’s improvement from the last time they played the Nuggets…)</em></p>
<p id="mYxQH1">“It comes down to us having chemistry and trusting one another. Being able to trust in switches, being able to trust on having the roll man, having the next man roll over and rotate. Just playing together, for not even that long of a time, but being able to build as much trust as we can.”</p>
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<p id="gIpP3A"></p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2024/3/17/24104401/quote-board-in-kyrie-we-trustKirk Henderson2024-03-17T19:00:00-05:002024-03-17T19:00:00-05:00Stats Rundown: 4 stats to know from the Mavericks 107-105 victory over the Denver Nuggets
<figure>
<img alt="Denver Nuggets v Dallas Mavericks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VmsnY2g7v6wLslS0_BKhcj1ly4A=/0x0:7837x5225/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214091/2084804640.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Kyrie Irving delivered the Mavericks a victory in one of the most fun games of the season</p> <p id="nZ2SiY">The <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com">Dallas Mavericks</a> defeated the <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2024/3/17/24104171/mavericks-vs-nuggets-final-score-dallas-shocks-denver-107-105-kyrie-irving-game-winner">Denver Nuggets 107-105 </a>on one of the most fantastical game winners in recent memory. Kyrie Irving <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dallas-mavericks-game-coverage/2024/3/17/24104329/kyrie-irvings-game-winner-dallas-mavericks-denver-nuggets-107-105">made a running, left-handed baby sky hook</a>, over a solid contest from Nikola Jokic to win the game. </p>
<p id="Qm9YFQ">This game showed very clearly the Mavericks’ flaws and why those flaws may not matter in a short series. The Mavericks dominated the Nuggets in the paint and on the boards. Luka Doncic and Irving made critical shots at important times. The Mavericks used their new-found length and athleticism to make the Nuggets struggle just enough. </p>
<p id="afXFtO">Here are the stats to know:</p>
<h2 id="fCg5J9">2: Kyrie Irving has now hit two official game winners</h2>
<p id="z9D1pa">This shot will never compare with his shot over Stephen Curry in the finals, given the stakes. But, it is one of the most impressive makes in a career full of incredible shot-making. Irving is the hero of this game, and he deserves absolutely all of the flowers. He finished the game with 24 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, three steals and a block as he contributed in every way throughout the game. </p>
<h2 id="KCnEou">37: Points scored by Luka Doncic</h2>
<p id="l6Vsk7">This wasn’t Doncic’s best game. The Nuggets have size, length and athleticism to throw at him in droves and they bothered him. Doncic has become the basketball version of Novocain though. Just give him time, he always works. He also chipped in nine rebounds. He only had three assists but that was because the Mavericks couldn’t make shots. </p>
<h2 id="iSKmLA">20: Points the Mavericks outscored the Nuggets by with Derrick Jones Jr on the court</h2>
<p id="mRT4Mz">Derrick Jones Jr was fantastic defensively and on the boards all night. He missed all three of his three-point attempts, but he grabbed eight boards and contested shots all night. He was not credited with a block or a steal, but do not let that deter you from understanding the defensive impact he had. Jones was one of the best Mavericks tonight.</p>
<aside id="IWxG3e"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Quote board: “In Kyrie we trust”","url":"https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2024/3/17/24104401/quote-board-in-kyrie-we-trust"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="wzwKFr">22: The Mavericks rebounding advantage</h2>
<p id="c5cVBh">The Mavericks grabbed 59 rebounds to the Nuggets 37. This is literally how the Mavericks won the game. They crushed the Nuggets inside despite Jokic grabbing 11 rebounds. PJ Washington was the only Maverick in double digits, as he matched Jokic with 11 rebounds. This was really just a story of the Mavericks pursuing the ball with relentless aggression and being rewarded with rebounds and ultimately a win for their efforts. </p>
<p id="OvRNzQ">Overall, this was a very fun game, with the best possible outcome. </p>
<p id="vB3iRS"><em><strong>You can listen to our </strong></em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3y0C8zTWtLFnzwK4NVCIzI?si=rzK8n-sSRE6i-aFR-o5H1w"><em><strong>latest podcast episode</strong></em></a><em><strong> in the player embedded below, and to make sure you don’t miss a single one moving forward, subscribe to the Pod Maverick podcast feed on</strong></em><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pod-maverick-a-dallas-mavericks-podcast/id1365537266"><em><strong> Apple</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6ckzV6HkHYTgAx08y4hrcH"><em><strong>Spotify</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ibG9ndGFsa3JhZGlvLmNvbS9tYXZzbW9uZXliYWxsL3BvZGNhc3Q"><em><strong>Google Podcasts</strong></em></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.pandora.com/podcast/pod-maverick-a-dallas-mavericks-podcast/PC:1000056319"><em><strong>Pandora</strong></em></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://pca.st/l3hY"><em><strong>Pocketcasts</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Pod_Maverick/streams"><em><strong>YouTube</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Pod_Maverick/podcasts"><em><strong>YouTube Podcasts</strong></em></a><em><strong>,</strong></em><a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2b0d1877-74bf-47b1-ae00-6e204b91812e/pod-maverick-a-dallas-mavericks-podcast?ascsubtag=___sb__p_23847303__t_w__r_mavsmoneyball.com/mavericks-scores-results__d_D&ots=1"><em><strong> Amazon Music</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://castbox.fm/channel/id2025260?country=us"><em><strong>Castbox</strong></em></a>.</p>
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<p id="n2bu7q"></p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2024/3/17/24104300/dallas-mavericks-denver-nuggets-stats-highlights-score-107-105-kyrie-irving-game-winner-luka-doncicMatt Phillips2024-03-17T18:41:20-05:002024-03-17T18:41:20-05:00Reacting to Kyrie Irving’s buzzer-beating game-winner against the Denver Nuggets
<figure>
<img alt="Denver Nuggets v Dallas Mavericks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G2jpJeb_qLSH069W5DdeMT1Kfvs=/0x0:8495x5663/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214053/2084804747.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Tunnel vision-ing on Kyrie Irving’s buzzer beater to beat Denver</p> <p id="Crvkvu">After Dallas and Denver took turns trading blows down the stretch of what was a highly competitive matchup, the Mavericks found themselves in possession of the ball with 2.8 seconds on the clock, a tie game, and a chance to win. </p>
<p id="M46Dij">First, let’s take a look at the Doncic three that tied up the game and set the table for the buzzer-beater.</p>
<div id="rnsmai"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/mumk95" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="n2lnKG">Dallas had let a double-digit lead slip away and the Nugget’s Jamal Murray had just nailed a cold-blooded three to put Denver ahead. Undaunted, Luka hit right back, leveling the game at 105. A missed Murray jumper later, and Dallas had the ball called a timeout, setting up the brilliance from Irving. </p>
<div id="A4O7wy"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/o/wa0kk4" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="oLN2VH">In years past, Mavs fans have begged, and pleaded for any kind of out-of-timeout play at the end of games that wasn’t just a Luka step-back three. This was certainly something different. It didn’t exactly generate an easy look, but it got the ball into the hands of one of the best playmakers in the league, and sometimes that’s all you need. Kyrie did the rest. Drifting, left-handed, hook shot over Nikola Jokic to win the game. Beautiful. </p>
<p id="RoYw9f">Luka Doncic could hardly believe what he’d seen. </p>
<div id="uFoYaq">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Luka Doncic's reaction to Kyrie Irving's INSANE game winner <a href="https://t.co/5fBSLj0wmf">pic.twitter.com/5fBSLj0wmf</a> <a href="https://t.co/NloGNgH5fU">https://t.co/NloGNgH5fU</a></p>— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1769485324026003848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p id="MhMIYK">Fellow point guards Damian Lillard and Jalen Brunson also gave Irving his flowers.</p>
<div id="DvGrEI">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kyrie that is sooooooo tough</p>— Jalen Brunson (@jalenbrunson1) <a href="https://twitter.com/jalenbrunson1/status/1769484042498625994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
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<div id="BKB57F">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kyrie the most skilled mf ever bra…</p>— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dame_Lillard/status/1769484631651262863?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="E4dvJL">It was a huge shot that gave Dallas an even bigger win as they move into seventh in the West and a statistical tie with the Sacramento Kings for the sixth and final non-play-in post season slot. A kings team who, by the way, Dallas plays in back-to-back games next week. Big times ahead, but savor this one for now. It was an all-timer. </p>
<p id="vB3iRS"><em><strong>You can listen to our </strong></em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3y0C8zTWtLFnzwK4NVCIzI?si=rzK8n-sSRE6i-aFR-o5H1w"><em><strong>latest podcast episode</strong></em></a><em><strong> in the player embedded below, and to make sure you don’t miss a single one moving forward, subscribe to the Pod Maverick podcast feed on</strong></em><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pod-maverick-a-dallas-mavericks-podcast/id1365537266"><em><strong> Apple</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6ckzV6HkHYTgAx08y4hrcH"><em><strong>Spotify</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ibG9ndGFsa3JhZGlvLmNvbS9tYXZzbW9uZXliYWxsL3BvZGNhc3Q"><em><strong>Google Podcasts</strong></em></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://www.pandora.com/podcast/pod-maverick-a-dallas-mavericks-podcast/PC:1000056319"><em><strong>Pandora</strong></em></a><strong>, </strong><a href="https://pca.st/l3hY"><em><strong>Pocketcasts</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Pod_Maverick/streams"><em><strong>YouTube</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Pod_Maverick/podcasts"><em><strong>YouTube Podcasts</strong></em></a><em><strong>,</strong></em><a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2b0d1877-74bf-47b1-ae00-6e204b91812e/pod-maverick-a-dallas-mavericks-podcast?ascsubtag=___sb__p_23847303__t_w__r_mavsmoneyball.com/mavericks-scores-results__d_D&ots=1"><em><strong> Amazon Music</strong></em></a><em><strong>, </strong></em><a href="https://castbox.fm/channel/id2025260?country=us"><em><strong>Castbox</strong></em></a>.</p>
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<p id="CGn5Fy"><em><strong>You can check out our After Dark Recap podcasts, YouTube Live recordings, and guest shows on the Pod Maverick</strong></em><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6ckzV6HkHYTgAx08y4hrcH"><em><strong> Podcast feed</strong></em></a><em><strong>. Please subscribe, rate, and review.</strong></em></p>
<p id="hvQRan"></p>
https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dallas-mavericks-game-coverage/2024/3/17/24104329/kyrie-irvings-game-winner-dallas-mavericks-denver-nuggets-107-105Matt Gilroy2024-03-17T17:09:44-05:002024-03-17T17:09:44-05:003 thoughts after Dallas shocked Denver with a Kyrie Irving game-winner, 107-105
<figure>
<img alt="Denver Nuggets v Dallas Mavericks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KP1QAcvSPgJ0w-UiIHtqVySm9UE=/0x1112:5268x4624/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213759/2084803042.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A Kyrie Irving walk-off left-handed sky hook seals the game </p> <p id="7oEU1y">The <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com">Dallas Mavericks</a> shocked the Denver Nuggets on Sunday afternoon, winning on the back of a <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dallas-mavericks-game-coverage/2024/3/17/24104329/kyrie-irvings-game-winner-dallas-mavericks-denver-nuggets-107-105">Kyrie Irving buzzer-beating left-handed skyhook</a>, 107-105. Luka Doncic led Dallas with 37 points and nine rebounds, while Kyrie scored 24, dished out nine assists, and grabbed seven rebounds. Jamal Murray led Denver with 23 points. </p>
<p id="sJbuda">Luka and Irving went to work early, scoring or assisting on the first 10 points of the game, forcing an early Denver timeout. Denver stormed right back, pushing right through flimsy perimeter defense and forcing the issue at the free throw line. The Mavericks went cold after a hot start and coach Jason Kidd had to call a timeout after an easy Nikola Jokic lay-in pushed the Denver lead to four. Dallas found some offense out of the timeout but couldn’t stop the Nuggets offense. Denver coach Michael Malone picked up a technical towards the end of the quarter, arguing in defense of Jokic. The Mavericks managed to hang around, trailing the Nuggets 34-30 after one period. </p>
<p id="H3uyuJ">Dallas quickly took the lead to start the second only for the Nuggets to rally right back. Luka Doncic found his three-ball mid-quarter, hitting two on back-to-back possessions after missing his previous four. The squads traded baskets much of the frame, with Dante Exum resuming his role as bench sparkplug in a beneficial way for Dallas. But Denver squeaked head before the half, taking a 61-58 lead after two periods. </p>
<p id="oYbYLk">The Nuggets pressed ahead in the third, with the threat of Jokic causing the Mavericks continued problems at the rim and in space. After the Nuggets took a 70-65 lead on a transition three, Dallas called a timeout to settle the team down. The Mavericks responded with a 9-0 run with buckets from four different Mavericks. Dallas closed the quarter in spectacular fashion, with some strong defense from the entire unit and great shot-making from Kyrie Irving. Dallas took an 84-79 lead into the final frame. </p>
<p id="ZHgNkk">The Dallas defense kept apace to start the fourth and the offensive rebounding from the Mavericks started to take a toll on the Nuggets. Denver called an angry timeout following a Gafford putback, with Michael Malone imploring his team to grab a rebound. Denver pulled back within six points on two occasions only for the Mavericks to respond with big shots. Dallas looked to be running away with the game, leading by as many as 13 before back-to-back Nuggets threes made it a game again. Kidd opted for a defensive line up that scored just four points in the final six-plus minutes of the game as Denver slowly worked back in the game, then took the lead on a Murray three with 27 seconds left. Luka wasn’t done yet though, drilling a three to tie the game. Dallas ended up with the last play of the game with Kyrie Irving hitting the walk-off left-handed sky hook to win the game! Dallas wins 107-105.</p>
<aside id="7SMLSk"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Stats Rundown: 4 stats to know from the Mavericks 107-105 victory over the Denver Nuggets ","url":"https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2024/3/17/24104300/dallas-mavericks-denver-nuggets-stats-highlights-score-107-105-kyrie-irving-game-winner-luka-doncic"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="itYm5K">Bullying the bullies</h2>
<p id="y7Z1XE">The Dallas Mavericks absolutely took the fight to the Nuggets on Sunday and it paid off in all the right ways. Dallas isn’t exactly a team known for it’s bully-ball efforts, but any time you can grab 21 offensive rebounds (15 more than Denver) and push the defending champs around in the paint to the tune of 62 paint points to 38, you have to do it. </p>
<p id="28pdqA">The effort and intensity were so clear after the first quarter when Denver scored 34 points. The Mavericks held Denver to 27, then 18, then 26 to close this game and it was really fun to watch that kind of gritty game from a Dallas team that has often relied on their scoring to win the game. </p>
<h2 id="89Mydb">Kyrie and Luka work together, period</h2>
<p id="fXxHLQ">The halftime show was filled with the typical drivel from NBA talking heads who don’t watch the games or look at the data, politely lambasting Doncic for not sharing enough with Irving. The data on these two is GREAT—they have an offensive rating together of 118.4, which is really freaking high. The defense is usually the question and both guys played locked-in defense against the Nuggets and what do you know, they won the game!</p>
<p id="vb2FUQ">Also, that Kyrie Irving shot! That’s one of the wildest game-winners I have ever seen! Let’s look at it again. And again. And again.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">KAI CALLED GAME <a href="https://t.co/0bCaVuutXx">pic.twitter.com/0bCaVuutXx</a></p>— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) <a href="https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1769486160164741258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
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<h2 id="41bFxA">The closing line up Dallas used was frightening</h2>
<p id="ATeOof">And it wasn’t scary in a good way. I am just delighted that the Mavericks won, but after getting up 98-85 on a Luka Doncic lay-in at the 6:50 mark of the fourth, Dallas scored just FOUR points over the next 6:20. Maxi Kleber has scored 11 points in his last 163 minutes of basketball. Teams are not defending him. I get that they’re going to use him some still, but if the offense isn’t scoring, whatever he’s providing on defense doesn’t matter.</p>
<aside id="N5zVTm"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Quote board: “In Kyrie we trust” ","url":"https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2024/3/17/24104401/quote-board-in-kyrie-we-trust"}]}'></div></aside><p id="E0qBM5">That’s really, really, really bad and it nearly cost them the game. Had they lost the game, that lineup and the decision to stick with Maxi Kleber while going iso on offense would have been the main talking point. I’m glad it’s not. </p>
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https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/2024/3/17/24104171/mavericks-vs-nuggets-final-score-dallas-shocks-denver-107-105-kyrie-irving-game-winnerKirk Henderson