Times like this that make it easier to understand why the Mavericks constructed their roster for this season the way they did.
They knew back in October that whenever this season got rolling, it was going to be a war of attrition.
And not just because of COVID-19, although that certainly has been a pain. It’s also the frequency of games that have reduced practice time and increased aches and pains.
So wily veterans like Trey Burke have become vital. This stretch of injuries and rapid-fire games have shown it.
On Monday, he responded with 19 points and five assists in 28 minutes off the bench. This after not playing one second in the previous six games.
The 6-foot guard, along with Boban Marjanović, got the Mavericks back in the game after falling behind 31-13. And it wasn’t just a dart-throw by coach Rick Carlisle that Burke got a shot to make a difference at a time when Josh Richardson and J.J. Redick both were out.
“Burke has just been great,” Carlisle said. “He’s been working his butt off to stay ready. He’s a positive voice in the locker room. He’s encouraging everybody and the guy’s not even playing.
“The whole entire coaching staff felt like he was going to be ready to play and help us and he did in a big way. He helped us get back into it.”
Burke knows the drill. He earned his way onto the Mavericks’ roster this season with his showing in the bubble last August. Things have been different this year with Jalen Brunson healthy and the acquisition of Richardson and, more recently, Redick.
And he knew there would be stretches when his services were not needed. But that didn’t impact the way he approached his job.
“It’s tough,” Burke said. “It can go from DNPs to playing 15, 20 minutes a night. You just never know. You always got to stay ready. This year, it’s been tough. But my coaches and teammates have done a good job telling me to be me out there, play my style of basketball, be aggressive. But it’s not easy.”
Carlisle said the Mavericks always try to put together a deep roster, but that goal was rooted in the knowledge that this season would be different.
“Even when you’re talking about a ‘normal’ season, depth is so important,” Carlisle said. “Guys get banged up, you’re going to need guys who can step in.
“Us bringing Trey back was a no brainer. Through the turbulence of this year, he’s been a very consistent worker, a very consistent messenger of positivity. He’s a team guy. Even if he’s not playing, he keeps his head up.”
And he can keep his scoring up, too, when given the chance.
Injury update: The Mavericks again were without Kristaps Porzingis (left ankle) and Josh Richardson (right hamstring) against the Warriors on Tuesday.
Carlisle couldn’t offer a firm timetable on Porzingis, but did say:
“It’s possible he could play Thursday (at Detroit in the finale of this three-game trip). Or maybe it could be the weekend or shortly thereafter.
“He’s worked out pretty aggressively the last few days. He’s just got to stay on this path.”
Carlisle said that the hope is that if Porzingis has to miss three or four games, it will have some benefit in the area of recharging as the playoffs approach.
The good news is that Maxi Kleber (back) and Luka Doncic (elbow) both were able to play against Golden State.
Twitter: @ESefko
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