Carlisle on Doncic, Porzingis: ‘As we move along in this, their chemistry continues to build’
Goforitradio Staff
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The Mavericks(19-16) picked up where they left off before the All-Star break. Led by the duo of Kristaps Porzingis, who had a team-high 28 points and 14 rebounds, and All-Star Luka Doncic, who had a triple-double with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, the Mavericks defeated the Spurs(18-15) at home 115-104.
Dallas has now won four straight and 11 of their last 14 games.
Doncic and Porzingis combined for 50 points and 26 rebounds. After the game, Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle discussed the growing chemistry between Doncic and Porzingis.
“They’re both great young players,” Carlisle said. “As we move along in this, their chemistry continues to build. We’re seeing a lot of different situations with KP [Kristaps Porzingis], different kinds of guys guarding him; smaller guys, liberal switching, trying to bait him into situations that aren’t great situations for him or the team.
“He’s doing a great job of reading and making the defense pay a price. Sometimes it’s just simply with spacing, sometimes it’s with cutting, sometimes it’s with flashes deep into the paint and creating kick-out 3s or and-ones. I just really love the way he’s adjusting to the way people are playing him. Doncic is great. Guy was a starter on the All-Star team. What else do you want me to say?”
Doncic, who recorded his 33rd overall triple-double, which ties Bob Cousy for the 13th-most in NBA history, likes what he sees out of Porzingis.
“We are progressing as a team,” Doncic said. “KP has been way better gaining confidence after his injury. I think he is still working to build his confidence, and he is going to be way better.”
Porzingis missed the first nine games of the season due to knee surgery in the offseason and missed three games recently due to a back injury, but according to him, he’s almost back to himself.
“I feel like I am getting there,” he said. “I still have to keep working at it. After surgery, the leg is not feeling the same, so you have to keep working on the strength and make sure that is strong and stable, and you feel confident. It is nonstop work… I am looking forward to the second part of the season.”
When Doncic and Porzingis are rolling, Dallas is tough to beat, and seeing Porzingis playing well is a welcomed sight for the Mavericks and their fanbase.
