Consistency is something all coaches and players in the NBA crave. It represents a little piece of dependability in an otherwise unpredictable business.
The holidays are the perfect time to give – and receive – the gift of consistency. And the Mavericks may have stumbled onto a very stable situation with their starting lineup.
For the sixth time this season, Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson and Dereck Lively II stepped to center court for the jump ball on Monday against Portland.
And for the sixth time, the Mavericks walked away winners with that starting lineup, spanking the Trail Blazers 132-108 at American Airlines Center.
“We need more sample size, need more minutes,” coach Jason Kidd said. “It doesn’t mean we’re always going to be successful or win. We want to be tested if things don’t go well or certain defenses are giving us problems with that starting group, how can we make adjustments, how can we grow.”
However, the early returns are quite encouraging.
Just as players desire dependable minutes and a steady spot in the rotation, coaches love the idea of being able to keep things constant. And when Kidd gets reliable results from a certain strategy or lineup, it’s a good bet he’ll ride that as long as he can.
“It’s our responsibility to come out with that energy and do the little things,” Irving said. “I love when we play fast and when we’re playing smart while we’re playing fast and with pace. When we’re playing well defensively we’re a very tough team to beat, and we know that.”
There will be other lineups that will be used. Injuries, illnesses, slumps and whatnot can all have an impact.
And Kidd wants to see other options to see how various groups respond if situations require it.
“We haven’t had a good chance yet to get a sample size of small ball,” he said. “But hopefully we will as we go forward.”
For now, expect the combo of Irving, Dončić, Washington, Thompson and Lively to be in the lineup together until there’s some legitimate reason for them to be broken up.
Here’s our other takeaways from the blowout win over Portland:
Third time’s the charm: Or in this case, the third quarter was the charm. The Mavericks had a good finish to the first half against the Blazers, edging out to a 62-53 lead. But they cranked things up with a sizzling third quarter, outscoring the Blazers 40-23 and effectively rendering the fourth quarter nothing but showtime. In that quarter, Dončić, Irving and Daniel Gafford combined for 31 points and 11-of-15 shooting. “That third quarter was really key for us to extend that league and I think he (Luka) did a great job of getting us going,” Irving said. Added Kidd: “Lot of growth, mentally and physically. Understanding where we are in the season and what this part of the schedule means. To take control of that third with a 40-point quarter let me know that they were paying attention and ready to continue to keep playing Mavs basketball. And they played at a very high level in that third quarter.
Throwing out the ‘D’ word: The Mavericks have gone 6-2 in games Dončić has missed this season, a mark that would have been unthinkable in a lot of previous seasons. It’s all part of the growth process. “We have a special team and I’m not taking it for granted,” Irving said. “I’m grateful for the bumps and bruises we’ve had. It’s only going to help us later on. We’re trying to build a dynasty, build something special here. That comes with (being willing to change). Luka’s played a certain way for a large portion of his career. I’ve played a certain way. But when you have guys you have to implement in, you want to give them confidence and you got to sacrifice a piece of your game. And that’s the most beautiful part of the sport . . . because down the line, I’m going to need them and Luka’s going to need them. We’re all going to need each other.” That’s why eight players were able to score in double figures two games ago against the Los Angeles Clippers.
The flip side: Irving, by the way, has been on the other side of this equation. “I dealt with a lot of flak in Cleveland,” he said. “If LeBron (James) wasn’t playing, we were not good at all. And when KD (Kevin Durant) didn’t play in Brooklyn (same thing). I felt like when guys aren’t in the lineup, the pressure’s on me. I think I’ve been able to learn through that portion of my career to trust other guys. Sometimes, you got to be carried as a leader.” It’s all part of developing a team. Maybe even a dynasty.
X: @ESefko
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