It’s been 13 long years since the Mavericks were in the NBA Finals.
But the core of the group that brought home the championship in 2011 hasn’t forgotten what it’s like. And they have been there to support Jason Kidd and this new generation of Mavericks.
Kidd said before Game 4 of the Western Conference finals Tuesday that he spent a part of Monday night at Dirk Nowitzki’s house, enjoying the camaraderie and giving his brain a break from endless film and strategizing sessions.
But when Kidd was asked about which team is better, he couldn’t help having some fun with the question.
“I’d say the ’11 team was better for sure because I was on it,” Kidd said. “And Dirk’s my neighbor so I don’t want to (make him mad).”
Turning a bit more serious, Kidd tried to analyze the title team and this one, which is closer to reaching the NBA Finals than any Mavericks’ team since 2011.
“That team was old in ’11,” he said. “This is a young team. Talented team. This team probably has a little more talent, youth. But when you look at the old guys on the ’11 team, they knew what they had to do.
“They both were teams that sacrificed. The (players) in ’11 sacrificed. They maybe felt their role could be different, but they enjoyed their role. We had injuries on that team. But we had a next-man-up mentality, very similar to this team here.”
The players like Jason Terry and Shawn Marion, whose names grace the 2011 championship banner at American Airlines Center, have been consistent in saying that they have a brotherhood that will last a lifetime.
And it’s showing this year, Kidd said.
“I was with Dirk yesterday, spent some time over there at his house,” Kidd said. “Saw Jet here the night (at the arena). It’s good to see him always. And then Shawn Marion’s texting every day. Trix is not short on words. He’s been great.
“Those guys have reached out. They’re cheering from afar. They like the team and like what’s happening and hopefully we can finish it by winning a championship. But we can’t get there yet. We got to figure out how to end this series first.”
Kleber’s return: While Dereck Lively II was out with a neck sprain, the Mavericks got some help at the center position when Maxi Kleber made his return from a separated AC joint in his right shoulder.
The injury had sidelined him since the Game 6 clincher in the first round against the Los Angeles Clippers on May 3, missing 24 days.
Kidd said he would ease Kleber back into action and he did so with short stints.
Short, but effective.
Kleber had an impact early when he took a charge from Karl-Anthony Towns. He then held his ground while bodying Rudy Gobert on a post-up and forced a shot-clock violation.
Meanwhile, Lively’s absence changed a few things – for both teams, as Minnesota coach Chris Finch said.
“Anytime you’re missing one of your key players, it changes the dynamic of what they can do,” Finch said. “It gives them obviously less size and bounce at the rim, but if Kleber’s back and playing at the five, that gives them a stretch lineup that we haven’t seen all series.”
Lively, by the way, was on the Mavericks’ bench cheering on his teammates.
“He’s doing a lot better,” Kidd said. “Sore, but he’s doing better.”
Barkley ahead of his time: On the TNT pregame show, Charles Barkley wasn’t exactly stepping out on a limb, but he did jump to the NBA Finals that already has Boston in it and, unless history is made, will be joined by the Mavericks.
Before Game 4, Barkley decided he needed to preview the Finals. He said the projected return of former Maverick Kristaps Porzingis to the Celtics lineup would have a big impact.
“He’s going to have to be (healthy) if they’re going to win this thing against the Mavs,” Barkley said. “The Mavs are going to be very formidable. That’s going to be a heck of a series.
“Getting Kleber back is a really big deal. You’re not going to guard these guys one on one and he was one of their best shooters. He’s better than all those Mavs’ shooters right now. That’s going to be a hell of a series. But they’re going to need Porzingis.”
X: @ESefko
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