Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd likes his team’s spirit with the postseason nearing, Eddie Sefko of Mavs.com relays. Dallas pulled out an OT win over the Rockets on Sunday and strengthened its grip on the fifth spot in the Western Conference.
“We have each other’s backs. We’re playing for something bigger than just the back of the jersey,” the Mavericks’ coach said. “We’re playing for one another. You can see the chemistry, the celebration at the end. It takes a long time to build that. That just doesn’t happen overnight. But the beauty of (Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic) hugging there at the end . . . those two trusting in their teammates that were out on the floor was huge.”
The Mavs’ backcourt duo combined for 85 points.
We have more from the Southwest Division:
- In their previous game, which Doncic sat out, the Mavericks got a big game out of midseason acquisition P.J. Washington. He erupted for 32 points, five rebounds, five steals and two blocks and also made the game-winning shot against the Warriors on Friday, Tim MacMahon of ESPN tweets. Washington grabbed 13 rebounds on Sunday.
- The Rockets were seemingly in control on Sunday but Dante Exum sent the game into overtime with a 3-pointer. Houston was officially eliminated from the postseason picture with the loss. “Right now, probably not a whole lot of good (to take from the tough loss),” Rockets guard Fred VanVleet told Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. “High-level game. Big shots. Big games. But ultimately, we found a way to lose down the stretch. Usually, you try to find ways to win. We gifted that one to them. That stings.”
- The Spurs’ Devonte’ Graham tried to keep an even-keeled approach this season despite limited playing time, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News tweets. Graham has only appeared in 18 games off the bench. “I get to play basketball for a living and life isn’t really that bad….If not playing basketball is the worst thing going on in my life, I think I am doing pretty well,” he said. “I just don’t look at the negatives.” Graham’s $12.65MM salary for next season is partially guaranteed at $2.85MM.
Well that’s one for my early season predictions…
And also not one for my early season predictions… To be fair I didn’t see Mark from Cuba making smart moves mid season as a possibility…
Yeah I remember you saying the Mavs wouldn’t make the playoffs and that Luka would demand a trade by the off-season after they sat him at the end of last year. That take aged like milk. Maybe you should work on getting a clue what you are talking about instead of saying ridiculous stuff and thinking you are funny with your repeated “Mark from Cuba” nonsense. Go get a napkin to get that egg off your face.
Lol all these food references make someone sound salty
About 4 years ago, I told Rockets fans that Rockets won’t make the playoffs before 2028. No Rockets fans believe me at that time.
Rockets have missed the playoffs 4 years in a row.
My new prediction
If Rockets don’t trade 2 of the following 3 top 4 draft picks, they have no chance to make playoffs next year.
Jalen Green
Smith
Amen Thompson
Why?
All three players play no defense , and are very soft.
Lakers are still going to be better than Rockets next year. DLo is better than Green.
I know you are well-known, and reviled, for your absurd takes here so I guess your proclamation of “no chance” isn’t particularly surprising but the Rockets young core who continues to develop and emerge as a legitimate force coupled with some surprising stabilizing veterans have fans excited about their future potential. No one is anticipating a championship anytime soon but the Rockets are once again a fun team to support with some potential to surprise the skeptics regarding their future ceiling.
Amen Thompson doesn’t play D, huh. Dude plays well and above a rookie, guards the best 1,2 or 3 nightly. Has all nba defensive promise 100%. Of course ESPN and Adam Silvers team will do better. The opponent is down 10-20 points before the tip.
Ehh Sillivan you know I’m a fan and while I agree with your take on the Rockets being abysmal for years to come I can’t agree with your takes on Smith and Thompson. Smith is going to be a good role player and maybe a bit more. Thompson is going to be a decent defensive stopper although you’re spot on with Green.
Tell me you haven’t watched the Rockets without telling me you haven’t watched the Rockets. Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith are arguably their best two defenders and that includes Brooks. That is a wildly absurd take. Green isn’t a great defender, but he definitely turned it up thru out this season. He’s no stopper, but he isn’t awful.
Anyone who watched that game saw the massive ref help for the mavs. Ftas in the 2nd Q 15-4, which fueled the comeback. 32 pfs on the Rockets in regulation when they avg 20.9…
Just a brutal loss. They make just one of three free throws at the end of regulation they win.