Dallas Mavs Prepare for 'Scrappy' Defensive-Minded Houston Rockets
DALLAS — After losing to the Los Angeles Clippers, the Dallas Mavericks will begin a three-game homestand with a matchup against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday. Amid losing four of their last six games, the Mavs will need to produce a strong stretch to sustain high positioning in the Western Conference standings.
The Rockets are a much different-looking team compared to the 22-60 record they posted in 2022-23. After adding various veteran talents like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, along with the continued development of Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, the team has found a rhythm with an 8-6 record through 14 games.
"They compete on both ends offensively, understanding that they can post up, they can shoot the three, they have athletes, they can get out and run," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. "They're not the Houston of old giving these guys a lot of confidence, but they got guys over there that have been on winning teams. They've helped these younger guys understand what it means to work and to win."
Another significant difference for the Rockets has been the coaching of Ime Udoka, who replaced Stephen Silas at the front of the bench. Under the team's new leadership, there has been more fo a defensive identity established. They will look to make life difficult on Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, requiring the rest of the unit to step up, especially after a rough outing for the supporting cast against the Clippers.
"You look at what he may, he's one of the best coaches in this league," Kidd said. "But the one thing he's carried over from Boston is the defense. They're number one in defense, and they get after it. They're a team that defends, likes to defend, and then with Freddy as their leader, he sets the tone on both ends."
Coming off scoring a season-low 88 points against the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, the Mavs will look to bounce back against the Rockets. Given Houston is a tough defensive squad in its own right, getting back into form won't be easy.
"Defensively, again, and reiterating that you just have to stay aggressive on the offensive end, on the floor when you have opportunities, so especially when you're playing a veteran team like that," Hardaway said. "They're going to swipe, foul, they're going to get the benefit of the whistle.
"We just have to do a better job of staying strong with the ball and playing through contact, and it's their home floor," Hardaway explained. "We're on the road, so our back is against the wall from the start of the game. We just have to go out there and make sure we stay aggressive and patient and see how they're playing us."
The Mavs respect the veterans the Rockets added this offseason, acknowledging they are a team that defends at a high level and have established an identity. With a new coaching staff and more established talent around Green and Sengun, Dallas understands there needs to be strong preparation to get the job done.
"They're scrappy. They play hard, they play aggressive, playing defense most importantly," Hardaway said. "I feel like they have an identity now — new coaching staff and veterans that can help the young guys help [Jalen] Green out. [Alperen] Sengun is playing unbelievable basketball right now. We know what we got coming into our building tomorrow, so we got to be prepared."
Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic against the Houston Rockets.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
In terms of where the Mavs are at entering Tuesday's game, the Mavs understand the importance of protecting their home floor after spending much of the start of the season on the road. With a 10-6 record, Kidd remains optimistic about what they can achieve as they settle back into competing at American Airlines Center for the team's next three games.
"I think 10-6, we're in a good place. We've had a lot of games on the road. So far, we've played well on the road," Kidd said. "Now, we have to protect our home and play a little bit better at home, but we've been out on the road here a lot of late. And so, hopefully, in the next 10 to 12 days, we're home to protect home court."
Hardaway sees room for improvement for the Mavs, mostly with staying locked in on the details of what the coaching staff has provided in gameplanning. Whether it's about matchups or executing within the scheme, there is a sense that a closer attention to detail can be sustained to maximize results.
"We could be better. We know that as a ball club. There are some ways that we like to get away from us," Hardaway said. "Some situations that we just have to do better at as a team. On the floor, knowing personnel, knowing our scheme, staying patient with the game plan, and just making sure that we let the game come to us."
