From what we’ve heard, Thirtysomething was an OK television show back in the day.
It’s way better as a run of points in an NBA game.
As the Mavericks enjoy a rare three-day break between games (thanks, In-Season Tournament schedule), it gave coach Jason Kidd a moment Monday to look back on the 30-0 run his team had to get back into the game against Oklahoma City on Saturday.
It’s just not something that comes along very often.
Or, ever. At least in the last quarter-century.
And it was more than just a historic string of offense (and defense). It was packed with positive teaching points that helped soften the blow of what ultimately was a 126-120 loss and the first two-plus quarters of the game that were lackluster, at best, for the Mavericks.
So what was Kidd’s No. 1 takeaway from the crazy stretch?
“It shows that we can play defense,” he said after Monday’s practice session.
Indeed, the Mavericks had their best stretch of defense of the season during that seven-minute scoreless streak by the Thunder.
Oklahoma City missed eight shots, four from inside the arc, four from beyond it. And had four turnovers. The Mavericks took advantage after virtually every miss and miscue.
The Mavericks showed the kind of resolve that coaches and fans love. And it started with Luka Dončić.
“It’s impressive, very impressive,” Kidd said. “Guys just stayed together. And our leader, Luka, was out there telling guys we have a chance, we can win this. But it all started with Luka’s confidence talking to the guys on the floor.
“Unfortunately it didn’t go the way we wanted, but it was better than 24 hours beforehand against Memphis. There was fight and energy. And that’s what we talked about.”
The Mavericks had been beaten by 14 points on Friday by the Memphis Grizzlies, which at this point are not in Oklahoma City’s class.
But the Mavericks bounced back and while they didn’t get the comeback win against the Thunder, it was a good sign.
And now, the Mavericks have to work at doing that sort of thing on a regular basis.
“We’ve talked about being consistent,” Kidd said of the defense. “We’ve shown that we can do it at times. It’s just a matter of being consistent. But injuries here of late have put us in a different situation. Guys are playing a little bit more minutes, but guys have also shown with that run that they can play defense.”
Ignition switch: It was interesting that the player who got the 30-0 run started was two-way player A.J. Lawson, with a three-pointer early in the fourth quarter.
Lawson, the slender 6-6 shooting guard, had not played in the first 17 games, spending most of his time with the G-League Texas Legends.
But when he got a chance on Saturday, he was ready, notching 12 points in 19 minutes, hitting three of seven three-pointers.
“It was an amazing feeling,” Lawson said Monday. “I felt truly blessed, especially after that game. I went home and realized, anything’s possible with God. I went home, talked to my parents, talked to my family, prayed and was very thankful and humbled.
“All the work I’ve put in this summer and throughout this season – one thing coach has always said is: stay ready. And I came in and brought the energy. I didn’t even know we were on that big of a run. That was a crazy run. I was definitely shocked. That’s history. It was a great feeling.”
Lawson spent nearly a month with the Legends, who run mostly the same offensive and defensive system that Kidd employs.
And with the Mavericks’ health situation – several players are banged up – it made sense to give Lawson a shot.
“His toughness, ability to score, shoot, and on the defensive end, he competes,” Kidd said. “He’s trying to do the right things all the time and that’s a big thing. He was a big part of that comeback the other night.”
So is Lawson a cog that could contribute long term? That will play out over time.
But he’s played well in the G-League, Kidd said, and it helps that this is his second season with the Mavericks.
Injury update: The Mavericks got some good news on the injury front Monday when Kyrie Irving (foot), Tim Hardaway Jr. (back) and Dante Exum (personal reasons) all returned to practice.
Still out were Maxi Kleber (toe) and Josh Green (elbow).
“No new updates,” Kidd said of Kleber. “He’s working in the weight room and been on the court for spot shooting. No running.”
He added that more information should be coming about Green Tuesday.
Twitter: @ESefko
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