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Mavericks Head Coach Reveals How Boxing Legend Mike Tyson Helped Luka Doncic & Co. Beat Utah Jazz

Published 04/06/2021, 10:30 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The Dallas Mavericks pulled off an amazing victory yesterday as they beat arguably the best team in the NBA, the Utah Jazz. Coming into the match, the Jazz were in red-hot form with a nine game winning streak and had the best overall record.

The Mavericks, on the other hand, were coming off of a four game winning streak of their own, but were missing multiple key players against the Jazz. Their record against the Jazz this season was also appalling, with two back-to-back losses.

USA Today via Reuters

Despite all the chips being down for Dallas, superstar Luka Doncic and forward Dorian Finney Smith put on a show against the Jazz, scoring 31 points and 23 points, respectively. Guards Jalen Brunson and Tim Hardaway Jr. also chipped in, adding a total of 36 points off the bench.

With such an all-round performance, the Mavs were ultimately victorious and won the game 111-103. They now have a record of 28 wins and 21 losses and are the seventh seed in the Western Conference.

Mavericks’ Rick Carlisle reveals how Mike Tyson motivated Luka Doncic & Co. against the Jazz

After a slow start to the season, the Mavericks have had a drastic turn around off-late. Coach Rick Carlisle has been a key figure in this. Working in a more defense oriented lineup, the Mavs are showing the ability to grind out results.

USA Today via Reuters

With their defense locked in, the Mavs could contain the lethal perimeter shooting of the Jazz. In the post game press conference, the veteran coach spoke about how he used legendary boxer Mike Tyson to inspire his team before the game.

“There was a quotation we talked about before the game. Mike Tyson once said, ‘Everybody has a plan until they get hit in the mouth’ and you know last two times we played these guys you know we were the ones that got hit in the mouth. We knew we had to be the ones that were hitting tonight.”

He added, “Our level of physical presence was much, much better you know just all the way across the board um and i think that was the key to the game you know they felt us the majority of the game.

The Mavs are in impeccable form off-late. With players like Kristaps Porzingis returning soon, they will only get stronger and better. Given how the champions Los Angeles Lakers are slipping without LeBron James and Anthony Davis, if the Mavs continue their splendid run of form, we might see them in the top six very soon.

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Written by:

Aditya Mohapatra

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Aditya Mohapatra is a sports enthusiast who primarily covers the NBA for EssentiallySports. Having graduated in Mass Communication, he has prior experience in writing for ABP News, and has been writing for EssentiallySports since November 2020. This die-hard Los Angeles Lakers fan feels that LeBron James is the best thing to have ever happened to the NBA, and will hold a healthy debate with anyone suggesting otherwise.
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