Dallas Mavs Use Practice to Prepare for 'Physical' Sacramento Kings Rematch

The Mavs expect a motivated and physical Kings team to make adjustments

March 28, 2024 — Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr. at Dallas Mavericks practice at Golden 1 Center / DallasBasketball.com

SACRAMENTO — The Dallas Mavericks are coming off a 132-96 victory over the Sacramento Kings, and a rematch is set for Friday at Golden 1 Center.

During Tuesday's game, Luka Doncic finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists without even checking into the game at any point in the fourth quarter. Kyrie Irving added 24 points and eight assists, with Tim Hardaway Jr. scoring 22 off the bench. Sacramento was held to shooting just 38.9% from the floor, with no player reaching the 20-point threshold. It was an impressive all-around effort, continuing the team's 9-1 record over the last 10 games.

Currently, the Mavs hold the sixth seed in the Western Conference and trail the Kings 2-1 in the season series. Using a practice on Thursday, Dallas aims to be prepared for potential adjustments Sacramento may utilize in the rematch.

March 28, 2024 — Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr. at Dallas Mavericks practice at Golden 1 Center / DallasBasketball.com

It's never easy to defeat an NBA team in consecutive matchups, whether in the regular season or playoffs. The Mavs have played multiple two-game mini-series this season, including a home-away set against the Utah Jazz before traveling to Sacramento. Dallas defeated Utah in both games, but the adjustments between games featured allowing 41 points in the first quarter in the second matchup before tightening things up defensively.

"Well, I think just in the past, so we can use our past experiences with Utah [and] if you go farther back in the season, New Orleans, we did the first one," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. "It didn't quite go well the second time. Utah, [we] recently had them, and then on to their place, so we're sitting here. They're going to be a different team than they were getting 40 [points] in the first [quarter].

"Just understanding, they've had a couple of days just like us to make some adjustments," Kidd explained. "We look for the pace to be faster. We understand the game is going to be physical at both ends. Another big game, another good test for us."

One factor in the Mavs' victory on Tuesday was a robust perimeter shooting result from the group, which demonstrates the recent struggles in this area. Dallas made 22 shots from the 3-point line while converting at a 56.4% clip. After the recent additions of P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, the team is confident they do not have to rely on the replication of such significant results to be successful.

"I think we used to be built that way. Now it's being able to dominate the paint, dominate the rim — bring this into Lob City a little bit. We're throwing a lot more lobs to one another and then trying to score at the rim. And then working inside out. Again, P.J. in the pick and roll, being able to pop, his ability to catch a shoot, he'll be able to put it on the floor. [and] re-drive it. It makes things easier for those other four on the floor."

Hardaway expects the Kings to be motivated to play with a greater physicality to defend their home court and bounce back, especially given the implications of Friday's matchup.

"We know what type of team it's going to be," Hardaway said. "They're going to come out way more aggressive, way more physical, and we got to match that intensity."

The stakes are high for the Mavs when they take on the Kings in the rematch, given a loss would result in losing the series 1-3, with Sacramento clinching the tiebreaker amid a tightly contested race for the sixth seed in the Western Conference. Dallas is focused on the task at hand but is well aware of the implications of the outcome.

"I'm just worried about myself and the team. I'm not worrying about the outside noise. We have a nice little 10-game stretch right now, finishing up the season," Hardaway said. "So, I just wanted to finish on a positive note. We know what position we are in, so I can't lie to you about that.

"We are watching everywhere around the league," Hardaway explained. "So, we have to make sure that we take care of business, and that's what we're focused on."

The Mavs are tasked with facing three teams highly motivated by play-in and playoff implications in upcoming matchups. After facing the Kings, Dallas will face the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors, both teams competing for the 10th spot in the Western Conference.