If nothing else this season, the Mavericks are elite closers.
Yes it took an acrobatic, left-handed layup by J.J. Barea and two key defensive stops in the final minute. Yes they almost blew a 21-point lead. And yes it came at home against the lowly, 8-win Timberwolves.
But, alas, Dallas’ first game without Rajon Rondo ended like most of their games with late leads have ended all season.
With a win.
Thanks to last night’s escape, the Mavs are now 25-0 when leading after three quarters. No other team in the NBA has such an unblemished record.
The Mavs were also 25-0 on the road last season when leading heading into the fourth quarter, best in the NBA.
It speaks to Rick Carlisle’s late-game’s coaching. It speaks to Dirk Nowitzki’s calm in the clutch and Monta Ellis’ crunch-time play-making. The Mavericks have warts, yes. And even though Barea filled in for Rondo admirably last night, they need their starter back sooner rather than later.
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But at least we know, come playoff time, the Mavs are good with the lead and great as closers.
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 currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
