Portland Trail Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter reflected on Monday’s 125-122 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, highlighting the team’s growth in close-game situations. “I think we’re learning from them… we understand how to use the clock better. The foul situations, the no foul situations… it’s all a learning experience for us,” Splitter said.
Splitter addressed defensive execution late in the game, admitting there were lapses. “Not great, I would say. They were getting to the rim a lot of times… we had DC back under the rim. Marshall got an open shot, but it was a little bit what we give up for those situations,” he explained.
The coach discussed lineup experimentation, including using Robert Williams III with Yang Hansen and Donovan Clingan. “Historically Rob has been good playing with another five. So, we just gave a chance to see if it works with us… we have a lot of wings and guards out, just give a try and see how it goes,” Splitter said.
Splitter praised Caleb Love’s performance in crunch time. “Like always, he’s not afraid… knocking down shots, opening up the paint for us. Two huge free throws at the end. He was tremendous offensively for us and trying hard on defense,” he added.
He also spoke about managing challenges and momentum in tight contests. “Trying to not be emotional… sometimes it’s a 50/50 call. Tonight I saw on the screen he tripped and I go for it,” Splitter said regarding a late-game review that benefited Portland.
Regarding defensive efforts on Dallas’ Cooper Flagg, Splitter said, “We did an overall good job on him… too many fouls again, he got to understand that and just figure it out.” He also addressed Klay Thompson’s final shot, stating, “Just bad. He missed the shot because we couldn’t foul… a little bit of luck is also needed to win basketball games.”
Portland built a 17-point lead in the second quarter, but Dallas rallied in the second half, exchanging the lead eight times in the final frame. Deni Avdija narrowly missed a triple-double with 27 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds, while Shaedon Sharpe added 24 points. Caleb Love contributed 24 off the bench, hitting six 3-pointers and key free throws in the final minute.
Max Christie led the Mavericks with 25 points, with Brandon Williams adding 22 and Cooper Flagg finishing with 15 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. Portland shot 47% from the field and 77% from the line, holding off Dallas’ 51% shooting and 79% free throw conversion in the tightly contested matchup.
The Trail Blazers improve to 14-19 and will visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, while the Mavericks travel to Philadelphia on Thursday.
