The Mavericks still might not make the playoffs. And even if they do, making noise against the Golden State Warriors or San Antonio Spurs will be the longest of shots.
But give them credit, in the wake of losing Chandler Parsons they’re at least making the stretch run interesting, dramatic and perhaps rewarding.
Playing again without Parsons (gone for the season after knee surgery) and starting point guard Deron Williams (still sidelined by a sports hernia), Rick Carlisle’s scrappy bunch won their fourth consecutive game Sunday in Minnesota.
Left for dead a week ago after a blowout loss in Sacramento that saddled them with 10 losses in 12 games and out of the playoff picture, Dallas has suddenly played like a gritty, galvanized team.
Granted, the wins in the modest streak have come against the Nuggets, Knicks, Pistons and Timberwolves, but a month ago the Mavs were losing to teams like this, at home no less. J.J. Barea has been resurrected, Justin Anderson’s athleticism is refreshing and Dallas has slowed its pace and began grinding out wins by holding those four teams under 90 points. During its 2-10 slide the Mavs allowed 113 per game.
And, to think, the Mavs had a 4-0 week despite Dirk Nowitzki shooting only 28 percent.
Beginning with a crucial home game against the Rockets Wednesday, the final five games will all feel like playoff games. And they’ll all be against teams in the playoffs or fighting for a shot.
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But if Dallas didn’t regroup and have this perfect week, we’d already be talking about next season.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
