DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are preparing for a crucial Game 6 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but it's understood they're playing a team that isn't ready to end the season. .
“My mood and mentality haven't changed,” said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 31.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 7.2 assists in the series. “It's one game at a time. I wanted to win (Game 5) as much as I want to win the next game.”
Chet Holmgren focuses on making the right reads and maintaining confidence under pressure. Although he has made a big impact defensively in the paint, he has struggled to find his rhythm offensively this series, averaging 14.8 points. Despite the blowout loss in Game 5, Holmgren believes his team has made great strides offensively.
“It's about making the right reading,” Holmgren said. “Throughout the entire game, we were making the right plays. We just weren't converting. The stats showed that too. We had fewer turnovers, more assist potential, That was the best number in the entire playoffs. When you make a shot like that, you just don't get that shot, so of course you talk about how well you played and you made the right play. That’s different.”
As the Thunder face the challenge of Game 6, Holmgren emphasizes the importance of execution over excuses. There has been speculation that Oklahoma City's approach led to the right shots, but lacked the execution needed for a winning result.
“Losing for any reason is no fun. It doesn't matter if the execution is good or poor. A loss is a loss,” Holmgren said. There are no excuses for losing. I didn't lose because I lost, it wasn't because of this or that. We just need to turn it around. ”
Holmgren credited the Mavericks' defensive scheme with opening up more 3-point shooting opportunities, but noted there are many aspects to this series.
“As the series unfolds, it's certainly not that simple. There's a lot involved in it,” Holmgren said. “It's just part of the series battle. He's one of the things Dallas is working on, but it's not the only thing.”
When asked about the pressure of playing such an important game in the series, Holmgren remained steadfast in his approach. He believes it's important not to read too much into the situation. Oklahoma City must play knowing that if they lose, their season will be over.
“We have to go into the game with confidence, whether we're trying to eliminate them or the series is still tied,” Holmgren said. We have to play with confidence no matter the situation. ”
Looking back on his first NBA playoff experience, Holmgren emphasizes the intensity and competitive nature of postseason play rather than any particular lessons he learned.
“Yeah, I don't expect anything more than that. The playoffs are the highest level of basketball in the world, and you get really competitive and motivated players,” Holmgren said. No one wants to just put it down and call it a season. Everyone is working on it and the officials are allowing us to make a little bit of play, which leads to some physical, hard-fought battles. ”
Going into his first repechage match, Holmgren remains determined to give it his all. There is nothing to save during the competition because it is a must-win game.
“Obviously in the previous series there was an elimination game. “No matter which side you're on, the elimination game is the hardest,” Holmgren said. “If we lose, we just have to understand that the season is over and fight as hard as we can.'' We shouldn't hold anything back. We should go out there and give it our all. ”
Holmgren learned valuable lessons from playing in his first playoff game, understanding the unpredictability and high stakes of each game.
“I'm not saying it's just one thing, but I'm sure nothing is guaranteed. Anything can happen. One call, a sprained ankle, a missed shot, an offensive rebound could end the season. Sometimes it can change the flow of the game, so you have to do everything you can to make sure that one play goes in your direction.”
As the Thunder prepare for Game 6, Holmgren's acumen and determination will be crucial in their efforts to extend the series and keep their playoff hopes alive.
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