DALLAS - – The Dallas Mavericks have looked like they’ve lacked energy too many times during their three-game losing streak.
It's as if somebody reached out and pulled the energy plug on the Mavs. But coach Rick Carlisle sees the situation differently.
“The thing we’ve got to remind ourselves constantly in this league is it’s a lot easier to be energized when the ball goes in,’’ Carlisle said after Tuesday’s practice. “But our approach has got to be that we’re going to be energetic and tough-minded defensively no matter what, and not be influenced the
other way because I believe that that has happened a little bit.’’
Back on Nov. 3, the Mavs shot a scorching hot 61.3 percent from the field during a 126-99 win over the Charlotte Bobcats. And in the very next game the Mavs shot a sizzling 61.5 percent from the floor during a 114-91 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Since then, the Mavs shot 46.4 percent and defeated Toronto, 109-104. That was followed by shooting percentages of 40.7 percent, 40.5 percent and 36.3 percent, respectively, during losses to New York, Charlotte and Minnesota.
“We’ve had hot shooting,’’ Carlisle said. “When the hot-shooting goes away it comes back to your defense and rebounding, because that’s keeping the other team from scoring and gaining possession of the ball so you can attack.
“And when you can gain possession of the ball on a rebound, you have a much better chance of attacking quickly and getting a great shot in transition.’’
-- Dwain Price
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