Despite a disappointing start, the Dallas Mavericks overcame the Mavericks' strong start and defeated the San Antonio Spurs 116-93, winning their sixth straight game. Kyrie Irving had a game-high 34 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, two steals and one block for Dallas. Luka Doncic had 27 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals and one block. Irving and Doncic became the first teammates to record at least 25 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the same game.
Mavericks rookie center Derek Lively II also returned to action for the first time since January 29, but missed seven games with a broken nose. Lively came off the bench and had eight points, five rebounds, one assist, and four blocks. The four blocks were the third game this season with four or more blocks.
After the game, the players and coaches said:
kyrie irving
(When he defeated Spurs center Victor Wembaneyama…)
“Personally, I remember him blocking my shot in the first game of the season when he came into the league. He's just a force. He has great timing and he You can tell they study the game well. Defensively, there's not much they can't do. Being able to get the most out of him on that one possession felt good to me. Future. I don't know how much more we're going to get out of him just because of how much ground he covers. It was an exciting play and I'm grateful that we were able to convert.”
(On his decision-making process when finishing against elite defenders…)
“First of all, don't be afraid. If you step into that paint, the paint will come off. Especially if you're landing on one or both feet, be sure to land safely, be careful about contact, and know how strong the big is before you land.” You have to know, even if the guards there are good defenders, it just limits their athleticism. You have to be crafty around the rim and be able to outrun your opponent and finish at times. But a lot of players try to block shots when I get closer to the rim. I like to play in that in-between area, between 16 feet and 1 foot, and I'm very efficient there. . When I see the bigs over there, I feel like it's an advantage if I can use the rim as protection and I know I can convert that at a high rate. So I'm thinking that when I go to the lane and just being creative. I'm thinking not only about getting to the target, but also about getting to the hoop. A lot of coaches have seen me grow up when I was playing on their teams, but I'm not just thinking about making layups at a really efficient rate. Until then, I didn’t really like or appreciate my creativity in the air.”
(Regarding the increase in team performance during consecutive wins…)
“I'm proud of the progress we're making little by little. It's about being in the locker room and continuing to do that work on our off days and doing the little things to be ready to play for whatever minutes the coaches require.” It's about us and all of us. Once we mature in the sense of being able to do our part well, I think you'll see some very successful basketball being played.”
Derek Lively II
(On how it felt to be back on the field tonight after being sidelined for the past seven games with a broken nose…)
“It felt great to be with my family again.” [and] So that you can bring energy. Being able to come out and finish the first two-thirds of the season. It was amazing. “
(Tonight's win extends the Mavericks' winning streak to 6 games…)
“Look, we just were able to show how well we can play. We still have a lot of mistakes, so we fixed those mistakes and made some invisible We know that if we fix things, we can blow past gains out of proportion.”
(On Mavericks center Daniel Gafford's play since joining the team at the trade deadline…)
“He's been great. He brings that energy. [and] We're always talking. he's a great character.he has high energy [and a] high motor. [He’s] Just go out there and chase every board and chase every shot. Having someone like that on your team makes your job even easier. ”
jason kidd
(On tonight's performance of Mavericks center Derek Lively II, who missed the past seven games with a broken nose…)
“I thought [Dereck] The vibrancy was wonderful. He gave us energy to play 17 minutes. He was really great, both defensively and offensively. So before he went to Indiana to play in the “Baby All-Star Game,” it was good for him to get those 17 minutes solid and then come back and be ready for the second half. [of the season]”
(On Mavericks forward PJ Washington Jr.'s performance tonight…)
“I just love pajamas. [Washington Jr.] He protects us. He’s guarding everyone and he’s guarding at a high level. So that gives us the depth to play him on big wings, bigger wings, even smaller wings. So we need that to make sure his defense is up to par in the short amount of time here. The other beauty he brings to the table is that he doesn't demand the ball offensively, he just lets the game take care of himself. [With] His playmaking ability, we want to see him playmaking, and I thought he made some great passes and great reads.Just to see him comfortable, but defensively with him. [Mavericks forward] maxi [Kleber] Please provide something that will definitely work here. ”
(The team is on a 6-game winning streak…)
“I think the key word is 'team.' I think we're coming together. We're starting to get healthy. We're not used to being healthy, so it's a little bit of a change.” So the players will have to make that adjustment because they won't get as much playing time, but our depth should be one of our weapons. Also, our pace, fast We talked about being able to play at the beginning of this year. There were limitations due to my physical condition, but now that I'm healthy, I think I can play fast, and I think that will help my defense as well. It's going to be a fun second half. Should be [of the season]”
Victor Wenbanyama
(About the biggest difference from the start to the middle of the game…)
“You know, at the start of the second quarter, we had a pretty good lead. We were behind at half. I don't think our shot-making was good tonight. It happens, and these… For players of type [Mavericks guards] Luke [Dončić] and kylie [Irving], we're not going to stop all the possessions they have. We must be relentless and apply the knowledge gained from our scouting reports to every position. Every shot they don't take and every turnover they make is a small victory and we need to get as many of them as possible. ”
greg popovich
(On general points from the end of Q2 and beginning of Q3…)
“Well, I saw a lot of good things, but shot-making wasn't one of them. You know the league today. You can go 40-10 and still have a good chance to win the game for sure. Not that. We had a lot of defensive switches, and that's the first thing, but I think we took some great shots. Contest shots and stuff like that weren't an issue. They weren't. They were wide open. We didn't make any. So that puts you in a hole. Besides, I thought Luke [Dončić] and kylie [Irving], they played like Hall of Famers. they were great. We couldn't do anything with them, but we saw a lot of good things from the young players that we can grow from. You just have to keep hitting shots. If you don't shoot, they won't come in, which will only make your nights tougher. ”
(About the difference between the first half and the second half of tonight's Spurs center Victor Wembaneyama…)
“Well, I get it, that's tough. You're treating him the same way I was treating David. [Robinson]. So, David, come on.He had his 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks, but you [mad at] To him? Come on, come in 27 minutes. ”
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