Dallas Mavericks head coach Dusty May praised his team’s unselfishness, defensive effort and ability to make crucial plays late in a 113-109 road win over the Miami Heat on Monday night.
The Mavericks improved to 2-2 after overcoming multiple Miami runs, with Cooper Flagg scoring 29 points and dishing out 11 assists. Dallas recorded 31 assists on 43 made field goals, a statistic May highlighted when discussing the team’s performance.
“I thought we played extremely hard. We were quick to the ball, and when Miami would go on a run, we’d find a way to hang around,” May said. “Our guys simply made big, big plays and big shots at the end.”
May also praised the relationship between Dallas’ leading players and its younger contributors.
“It’s a lot of fun when your two superstars are as unselfish as they are and they show as much grace as they bring along these younger players,” he said. “It’s been fun to be a part of and see us so far.”
Flagg scored 12 points in the fourth quarter and blocked Andrew Wiggins’ three-point attempt with 31 seconds remaining, preserving Dallas’ two-point lead. May said the reigning Rookie of the Year‘s ability to take over possessions stems from his desire to win and willingness to make the right decision.
“Thing with Coop, he’s trying to win,” May said. “He has a different gear. He has a different level of focus and attention, and when he needs it, it’s there.”
The coach also pointed to Flagg’s passing as an area that could produce even bigger numbers as Dallas develops its offensive rhythm. “If we get to where we’re really finding a rhythm offensively, he’ll have some 15, 20 assist games. There’s no question,” May said.
PJ Washington contributed 20 points in 41 minutes, including a crucial three-pointer and several important defensive plays against Giannis Antetokounmpo. May praised Washington’s engagement throughout the contest.
“I thought he was engaged for almost the full 41 minutes,” May said. “The last loose ball he came up with, there was five or 10 of those throughout the game that he just found a way to go get. And then obviously made a huge three.”
Walter Clayton Jr. added 15 points off the bench after Sergio de Larrea went down in the second quarter. May revealed that Clayton had already played earlier that day in Dallas’ “stay ready” game.
“Walt played in the stay ready game earlier today, so he basically did a doubleheader,” May said. “He’s a gamer. He’s got ice water in his veins. He’s unfazed.”
May also defended the team’s approach to shooting through difficult stretches, citing the effort of Zaccharie Risacher. “If you’re playing the right way and the ball finds you, then we trust you based on your work in practice,” he said, adding that he wanted Risacher to keep shooting despite his misses.
The Mavericks will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, while Miami visits Atlanta looking for its first win after falling to 0-4.
