San Antonio’s suffocating ball pressure was the ultimate difference maker against the Dallas Mavericks, leading to loose balls, transition points, and fueling even more defensive intensity from the Spurs. But even in a tough contest, one young player, Sergio De Larrea, delivered a “really, really good game” that has coach Dusty May talking.
Dallas Fights in the Paint, Spurs Bring the Heat
The Mavericks found themselves hitting some incredibly difficult shots early on, exactly what San Antonio forced them into. Guys like Naji and Larry were hitting floaters when shooters got face-guarded, which May noted helped loosen things up a bit. Once they got into the paint, Dallas executed well, playing off two feet, using fakes, and finding back door cuts for finishes. They even managed to get Wemby away from the basket by being more active early, which is huge considering how everything usually funnels to him. But the second half saw things get “static and stagnant,” with May crediting San Antonio’s relentless pressure as much as his own team’s struggles. The Spurs just kept bringing it at a high level.
De Larrea’s Defense is Leveling Up
Despite the outcome, Sergio De Larrea shone bright, and Dusty May couldn’t be clearer, saying he “thought he was great.” In hindsight, May wished De Larrea could’ve gotten more catches without having to initiate the offense against pressure from guys like Castle. Still, De Larrea’s defense is visibly improving, particularly his all-ball defense. He was chasing down long rebounds, coming up with five boards and dishing out four assists. That’s a serious stat line for a young player going against one of the league’s best defensive backcourts, with Castle and Vassell bringing their athleticism, strength, and hustle. May is looking to a future where “the best scenario for us is to have multiple (ball) handlers” in some lineups, and De Larrea is clearly proving he can be a part of that.
This opportunity against the Spurs was big for De Larrea. He didn’t get the same minutes the night before in Indiana, for obvious reasons with Coop and Kyrie eating up those possessions. But his performance against San Antonio has absolutely earned him more and more trust. He’s been playing “pretty consistently” like this, factoring in summer league, exhibition play, and practice. You gotta love seeing a young guy step up when the lights are on.
What’s next for De Larrea? With him earning trust, you have to think May will be looking for more spots to work him into the rotation. It’s all about figuring out those lineup options, balancing size versus small-ball, especially when opponents can counter so quickly. But with a young player consistently delivering like this, his role can only grow from here.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mavs Moneyball.
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