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Jason Kidd reveals Mavericks’ resiliency secret in NBA playoffs

The Mavericks’ tenacity in the 2024 NBA playoffs has impressed.

Dallas — Following their 105-101 victory in Game 3, the Dallas Mavericks now lead their Western Conference semifinals series 2-1 over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dallas lost Game 1 in Oklahoma City, but has since won back-to-back games. Before winning the series in six games, the Mavs also dropped Game 1 of their first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Throughout the entire season, the Mavericks team has emphasised resilience. They’ve proven adept at figuring out how to pick themselves back up after setbacks. Mavs head coach Jason Kidd talked about the team’s resiliency on Sunday.

“The team’s composure, trust, and comprehension that a series differs slightly from a season are what come to mind when discussing the team,” Kidd remarked. “We all think we have each other’s backs,” is the conversation taking place in the locker room. It’s important to have optimism while travelling. Just the silence in the locker room, on the bench. either prior to or during the half. Regardless of the outcome, there is a sense of composure and comprehension of our responsibilities whether we are winning or losing.

It’s just a feeling of positivity. That is demonstrated here in the playoffs.

The Mavericks have proven resilient in the 2023–24 campaign. Kyrie Irving was acquired by the franchise from the Brooklyn Nets in 2022–2023. The moment the team failed to make it to the NBA playoffs in 2023, critics began to doubt the fit.

The early season criticism persisted in 2023–2024. In the end, the Mavs quiet their critics by blocking out the noise. The squad advanced and finished as the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference after acquiring PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford before the trade deadline.

And as Kidd mentioned, the Mavericks’ perseverance is now showing in the postseason.

Daniel Gafford talks on the tenacity of the Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) dunks over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the second half during game three of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center.
USA TODAY Sports’ Kevin Jairaj

Speaking with media on Sunday was Daniel Gafford, who was, as previously noted, acquired prior to the trade deadline. Gafford’s performance and contagious energy have benefited the team. He has faith in the Mavericks’ capacity to recover from challenging performances.

Together, we figure out how to get over the hump, Gafford remarked. “We attempt to work as a team to overcome any challenges that stand in our way. Frustrations exist. However, we manage to pull ourselves back in. Just give up something to position ourselves to win in the postseason. Everyone is eager to compete and to succeed. Thus, we must act as a team to move forward and take that next step.

“It’s clear how much we want it at the end of the day from the way we respond to losses every time they occur at the start of the series. We don’t want to enter the offseason feeling let down by ourselves. We simply figure out how to be united. Simply walk outside and play with great enthusiasm.

It’s important to remember Gafford’s statement that the Mavs can “figure out some type of way to get through” challenges as a team. When Luka Doncic sprained his right knee during the Clippers series, several analysts wrote the Mavericks out. Despite Luka’s continuing participation, some critics surfaced because Doncic was dealing with an ailment.

Dallas keeps shutting down the naysayers.

Still, the Mavericks have done a fantastic job of shutting down the naysayers. They’ve demonstrated their ability to succeed together. Although Gafford, Washington, and other players have made significant contributions, Doncic and Irving are the team’s stars.

In the NBA playoffs, handling hardship with the utmost seriousness is crucial. Without a doubt, the entire Mavericks team performs well under duress.

“When we’re at home, play with the atmosphere; when we’re away, play against it,” Gafford added. defending the home court. And those are just a few of the observations I would make about the playoff series we’ve been in. Teams have frequently been the ones to initiate contact. We have to react appropriately. And I believe that each time we’ve answered, we’ve done it correctly.

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