DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are looking to make history and complete a 3-0 come-from-behind NBA Finals victory. The odds may be against Dallas, but the Mavs are maintaining their confidence. Derrick Jones Jr. understands the importance of tuning out the noise and taking the series one game at a time.
“Just take it one game at a time… Everybody is saying make history, we got to take it one game at a time, one possession at a time,” Jones said after shoot-around on Friday morning. “Just play the game how it's supposed to be played and live with the results.”
Jones has played a big role on both ends of the floor for the Mavs in 2023-24. He is still looking to contribute more from an offensive standpoint in the NBA Finals. If Jones finds his shot in Game 4, the Mavericks will receive a crucial boost.
Jones' defense will also make a difference. He has consistently guarded opposing teams' best players all season long. Jones loves the challenge, something that has continued into the postseason.
He is reportedly interested in staying in Dallas moving forward. Dallas likely shares the desire, as Jones has impacted the team's success. So what has Jones learned so far from playing in the 2024 NBA Finals?
“Every game matters, every possession matters,” Jones said. “Can't take no plays off. We got to follow the gameplan to a T as we script it through practice. Just gotta be locked in at every moment of the game. Especially every player that's on the floor, every player that's on the bench, you never know when your number is going to get called. So just gotta stay locked in.”
Derrick Jones Jr. could make pivotal Game 4 difference
Having a player like Jones on the roster is crucial. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor can help matters without question.
Jones is one of the best defenders in the NBA. He is going to play lockdown defense. The Mavericks need another scorer to step up around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, though.
Perhaps PJ Washington will find his shot and connect from long-range with more consistency. Jaden Hardy is a young guard with offensive potential who could make some noise. However, Jones is certainly a candidate to make an impact in the scoring department.
The Celtics are going to place their focus on Doncic and Irving. As a result, Jones should have some open looks. He loves the big moments and the challenges that come with it, so it would not be surprising to see Jones play well in Game 4.
Dallas will need a complete team effort to keep the series alive on Friday night.
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