Dante Exum Rewards Dallas Mavs' Trust on Clutch 3-Pointer Against Sacramento Kings

Mavs guard Dante Exum made a pivotal go-ahead 3-pointer to lift his team against the Kings in a much-needed victory.

Mar 29, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum (0) holds onto a / Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

SACRAMENTO — The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Sacramento Kings 107-103 to sweep the two-game road mini-series at Golden 1 Center. The Mavs' second victory required the NBA's leader in clutch winning percentage to overcome trailing for much of the game to grind out a close win, including a deficit as large as 15 points.

“This group is tied together, trust on both ends,” Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. “We had good looks. We didn’t shoot the ball well in the first half, and we were only down nine. They’re a good team. They pushed the lead up, and everybody stayed confident.

Kyrie Irving scored 14 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter as Luka Doncic frequently commanded double teams. However, a pivotal 3-pointer by Dante Exum sealed the victory dramatically.

After Sacramento adjusted to shrink the floor in clutch time by having Domantas Sabonis "guard" Exum by pre-rotating off him, it was clear that Exum had to make the defense pay. He missed a few wide-open looks and later turned down a shot to drive into a crowd on one possession. He and his teammates stayed confident before taking the shot to put the Mavs up 106-103 with 28.1 seconds remaining in regulation.

“The trust was really tested when Exum was in the game late. He had great looks. No one was upset," Kidd said. "Everyone was just wanting him to make them. But everyone trusted him with that last three. That’s the beauty of this team is that we know they’re going to take the ball out of Luka and Kai’s hands and someone else is going to have to step up.”

The Mavs were prepared for a tougher challenge from the Kings. Their expectations were met, as they faced early adversity but responded with resilience and tenacity in the crucial moments.

Alongside Doncic's 26 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds, the Mavs received a collective effort highlighted by Exum's moment of glory, encapsulating the team's spirit. Dallas has won 10 of its last 11 games while winning six consecutive games, with two games against the Kings being instrumental in positioning for the sixth seed.

"Amazing, and that speaks of the trust of our team," Doncic remarked, praising the team's belief in each other, even in moments of adversity. "That shows that our team is great. We're having fun out there... Outside of Kai, Kai was amazing."

With continued proficient defense execution and tightening up on ball control, the Mavs had zero turnovers in the fourth quarter and outscored the Kings 34-21 in the final period to achieve the victory. Dallas hadn't led until Irving made two free throws after being fouled on a three-pointer to go up 94-92 with 6:21 remaining in regulation. Both teams traded leads until Exum's big shot and the team was delighted.

“It’s exciting. It’s a joyful moment,” Irving said of Exum’s shot. “As a young kid, when you’re first starting to play basketball, hopefully, your coach has taught you how to celebrate other people’s success. Even to the professional ranks, encouraging someone positively goes a long way.

“He missed a few shots that were pretty wide-open. But he made the one that counted most and we needed most," Irving explained. "I just love the way we came to the bench after he missed those two shots and we’re just looking at each other like: we’re going to be fine.”

Exum knew he had to stay aggressive looking to make the defense pay for leaving him open like he did in previous situations this season. During a career-year that features a now 50.0% conversion rate from the perimeter, he rewarded his teammates' trust.

“The biggest thing is everyone’s telling me: keep shooting, keep shooting,” Exum said. “(When I’m) open like that the whole game, they (the shots) are going to go up. Being on a team with Luka and Kai, late game, important game. Obviously, I’m shooting three shots. And I come to the bench, and them two are the ones telling me: shoot the next one, shoot the next one."

The Mavs will look to continue the momentum when they take on the Houston Rockets on Sunday, continuing a pivotal five-game Western Conference road trip.