General manager Nico Harrison repeatedly insisted this week that “defense wins championships.” In Wednesday’s play-in game in Sacramento, his Dallas Mavericks won with defense — and a heaping helping of offense.
Thanks to Anthony Davis anchoring a newly healthy Mavericks frontcourt with Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, Dallas throttled the Sacramento Kings, holding them well below their season average of 115.7 points in a 120-106 win.
Domantas Sabonis scored only 11 points, frustrated by the interior presence of Davis & Co. Sabonis shot 5-of-13, but turned the ball over five times, while his team amassed 18 turnovers. The Mavericks blocked eight shots, got nine steals and committed only 14 fouls, keeping the Kings to only 13 free throw attempts.
Still, no matter how good a team’s defense is, some scoring doesn’t hurt. Davis racked up 27 points, going 3-of-6 on three-pointers, grabbed four offensive rebounds and delivered one memorable assist.
