One of the Dallas Mavericks' breakout stars during the 2023-24 regular season was 6-5 winger Dante Exum. He was out of the NBA for two years, but signed with the Mavs before this season and quickly became a fixture next to star Luka Doncic. And Kyrie Irving.
Exum played just under 20 minutes per game for the Mavericks, scoring 7.8 points per game and shooting 49.1 percent from 3-point range. His one of these three in particular went a long way in keeping Dallas out of his NBA play-in tournament.
Exum made his next visit ahead of the Mavericks' rematch with the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs. Musers on Sports Radio 96.7 FM/1310 The Ticket (KTCK-AM) We discuss his 2023-24 season, his big shot against the Rockets, and the Mavericks' upcoming playoff run.
See highlights of the interview below, edited for clarity.
Regarding the long layoff before the playoffs: “I think this is a good time for everyone to get fit and ready. I think it's going to be a tough battle obviously in the playoffs. The West is a very tough matchup for everyone, so any extra we can get to prepare our team. I think we can make good use of our time.”
On Gafford and the keys to success outside of Washington: “I definitely think defense is the end point. Just realizing how good we are defensively. Adding obviously, [Daniel] Gafford and PJ [Washington] That was very helpful. I think it was just everyone buying in and recognizing that we can be a good defensive team. ”
“Approval” of efforts and “approval” of plans: “I think this plan is gaining acceptance, but the additions we've added are definitely going to change the landscape of how our defense works. So everyone is saying, 'We're going to buy into this and do it right. I think we realized that if we take action and get everyone's cooperation, we can be a really good defensive team.”
How many times has he watched a Rockets game where the game was tied in the last second? “I've seen it many times. It's everyone's dream to hit a shot like that. Even if it goes to overtime, we obviously want to win a game like that. We just want to take it to overtime and try to win. It was a tough game because I didn't have the strength, but I think that shot was a huge factor in us going for the win.”
Regarding the upcoming matchup against the Clippers: “Obviously, they have great offensive players. I think it's just limiting them as much as possible and playing our game. Luka and Kyrie the same way Luka. Let them do it. If we keep that defensive scheme and send them to Gafford, Lively, I think it'll work.”
About the growth of the duo of Luka and Kyrie: “It's special. I think what Luka has done is incredible. I think he continues to be great with some of the things he does. I'm always amazed. This with him. I'm looking forward to the playoff series. And obviously, Kyrie stepped up in big moments. These guys give us big moments after big moments.
Basketball journey from Australia: “I keep hearing that the game over there is completely different, and that's true. But the biggest thing I'm thinking about right now is that the last five minutes of the game over there will decide the game.” Being a point guard there, I learned how to control the game and how to put my team in situations where we could potentially win. I think that's the biggest thing. ”
Regarding improving 3-point shooting: “Obviously I try to shoot as much as I can, but I think one of the best things about me is just trying to make the best decisions every possession to get the best shot.” If that's what I'm going to shoot, I'm going to shoot it. I think teams are focused on me shooting the ball, so I just open up the paint a little bit more.”
When taking the right shot: “Obviously Luka and Kyrie are getting so much attention that I think teams are often willing to give something up. If it's my three, I'm ready. I think that's important for my game and when the game starts… not letting them take shots, getting into the paint and making sure I'm in a good position to take it down. I'm just trying to make it for the sake of it.
On the lack of home court advantage: “I think we’re on the road quite a bit. Guys are used to playing against away fans and at the end of the day, it’s just playing basketball and we can go out there and do our thing. I don't think so.''If you do what you have to do and practice, it's definitely possible (to win).''
Click or tap here to listen to the full interview.
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