Dallas Mavericks adopt defensive identity entering potential final Game 6 against Clippers

The Mavericks’ strategic adjustments were evident as they frequently utilized larger lineups, placing Maxi Kleber on the court alongside either Daniel Gafford or Dereck Lively II. This reinforced frontcourt disrupted the Clippers’ ability to penetrate the paint and forced them to take difficult shots from the perimeter, culminating in a poor shooting performance of just 37.9% overall and 25.7% from range. of three points.

Kyrie Irving accepted the challenge of applying relentless pressure on James Harden, who finished with a disappointing seven points on 2-for-12 shooting from the field and 1-for-7 from deep. It was a necessary adjustment after Harden joined Paul George in scoring 33 points apiece in Game 5, preventing a 31-point Dallas comeback.

“I think D Jones and PJ play great defense,” Doncic said. “Kyrie was playing great defense, putting pressure on him the whole time and, like I said, we’re just staying focused, we’re communicating, we know the scouting on him. So we just follow the scouting.”

George was held to 15 points on 4-13 shooting that night and 2-6 from beyond the arc. Dallas left him too much room to shoot during Game 5, which allowed him to get off to such a good start by scoring 26 of his 33 points before halftime. There was a greater focus on containing the 3-point line.

“I’m just trying to make it difficult and get all three out of the game,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “I thought the guys did a great job contesting 3-pointers.”

Kleber also highlighted the team’s defensive philosophy, emphasizing collective effort and acceptance of physicality. Whether the Mavericks are containing on the perimeter, needing to funnel dribble penetration into a rim protector, or relying on the short defender to make a timely rotation, they have shown impressive periods of coming together at a high level.

“Just the physical aspect, you know the right mentality. “I think after the last game we saw that we could come out flat, especially in the first quarter, and I think we did a better job today, all of us collectively,” Kleber said. “You know it’s not just a one-man job, it’s never, it doesn’t matter if it’s like Zubac or if it’s a PG, Harden or anyone, it’s never a one-man job, we have to make sure we protect each other and you guys.” “. I know that has to be the mentality and when everyone plays with the right physicality, those things are eliminated.”

Irving, speaking about his role, emphasized the importance of setting a defensive tone early on. He had more of a focus on attacking offensively early, with the first two plays written for him to take advantage of Doncic’s gravity as a blocker, resulting in Irving scoring first and then creating a lob to Washington. Irving’s goal was to be disruptive on defense.

“It was just about taking what the defense was giving me and then understanding that a lot of my energy was going to be poured into the defensive end,” Irving said. “So I just wanted to start the game by giving myself something easy and give my teammates the confidence that we’re going to attack them all night.”

Irving reflected further on the evolution of the Mavericks’ defensive identity, a change that has become a defining trait as the season has progressed, rather than an approach particularly implemented for one game.

“I think that’s become part of our identity since the end of the regular season,” Irving said. “Really putting our hat on the defensive side and understanding that some of the best teams in NBA history have won championships playing defense.”

Irving also took this defensive challenge personally, seeing it as an opportunity to improve his game and the team’s prospects. This collective approach and strategic execution on the defensive end will be instrumental in their goal of securing a playoff push, particularly with both superstars, Doncic and Irving, taking on the challenge.

“Defense is part of the game of basketball. I think if you study the game enough and understand some of the best players in history on both sides,” Irving said. “I’m just trying to get my name out there with some of those guys, and I think it starts on a defensive end and not necessarily proving it to anyone or trying to make my mark or be known by the defense, but just showing it as much as possible.” possible and you must be in excellent condition to be able to make an impact in that sense.

If the Mavericks earn a win in Game 6, they will play Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday at the Paycom Center. If the Clippers force a Game 7, it will be played on Sunday at Crypto.com Arena.

“Today was a very important game. Now we have to win one of two,” Doncic said. “We have to go back to Dallas and play the same way. We know our fans are going to be amazing at home. We haven’t done anything yet.”