The Dallas Mavericks were finally able to snap their five-game losing streak with a 106-99 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday. However, the highlight of point guard Dennis Smith Jr.'s night may have been some words of encouragement from Kings forward Vince Carter.
Smith Jr. is set to be a participant in this year's NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Following the victory over Sacramento, the rookie phenom said Carter gave him his blessing to win the competition, according to Mavs Insider Earl K. Sneed:
Dennis Smith Jr. says Vince Carter told him to “go out and win it” before the dunk contest All-Star Weekend. Carter’s nod meant a lot to the rookie. Smith Jr. says he has a dunk he’s never done before that he’ll break out that night.
Smith Jr. surely had enough motivation leading up to the contest. However, getting the nod from perhaps the greatest dunker in NBA history certainly kicks things up a notch, which could be the reason he plans to debut a new rim-rattler.
The playing field has since shifted with the injury to Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon. Smith Jr. will no longer be the only rookie as the high-flying Utah Jazz shooting guard Donovan Mitchell has been named as his replacement.
Regardless, Smith Jr. is well-aware of the added pressure that will be on his shoulders during All-Star weekend. Carter is credited with putting the Slam Dunk Contest on the map when he won it in 2000. Perhaps the young rookie is hoping he can help do the same.
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