Ryan Nembhard has been through enough close games this season to know what the Dallas Mavericks still need to figure out. Monday night against the Golden State Warriors, he wants to stop leaving it to chance.
“Limit threes, run them off the line, rebound, get out in transition, and try to enforce our will on the game that way,” Nembhard said at shootaround Monday morning ahead of tip-off against Golden State.
It’s a straightforward game plan against a Warriors team that has lost eight of nine and will be without Stephen Curry, Al Horford, and Moses Moody. Curry hasn’t played since Feb. 1 due to a sore right knee and is scheduled for a re-evaluation on Tuesday. Golden State has gone 6-15 without him.
The Mavericks (23-48) are coming off a 138-131 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday. Dallas led 72-63 at halftime but couldn’t hold on, extending their losing streak to 3 games and their home losing streak to 11 consecutive games, dating back to Jan. 22.
In that loss, Cooper Flagg posted 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Nembhard added 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists. It marked just the fourth time in franchise history that two rookies produced 10-5-5 lines in the same game.
Monday represents another chance to snap that home skid. Dallas has five remaining home games before the regular season ends.
Ryan Nembhard’s Growing Confidence as a Shooter
Nembhard has been deliberate about expanding his offensive game as the season has progressed. Catch-and-shoot threes have become a priority.
“I’ve been trying to get more catch-and-shoot threes off — that’s a big thing for me,” Nembhard said. “Just trying to space the floor, make guys close out, and respect my jump shot has been important. I also have that shot I’m pretty comfortable with in the midrange. I’m just trying to stay balanced with that and make it a statement in my game.”
Against the Clippers, Nembhard and the Mavericks did move the ball and push pace. He saw the positive even in the loss.
“I thought we moved the ball pretty well, shot more threes, and just tried to play with pace on both ends of the floor,” Nembhard said. “So I thought it was solid.”
Learning Through Rookie Season With Dallas Mavericks
Dallas has played in more than 40 clutch games this season, and the results have been up and down. No team has played that many. Nembhard acknowledged the team is still working through it.
“We’re trying to figure it out. We’ve got young guys, and we’re experimenting,” Nembhard said. “We’re trying to close out some of these games, and obviously we can be better in those situations. It’s hard to say, but the more we’re in them, the more we’re going to learn. That’s a fact. I think it’ll all be good for the future.”
The 82-game season has presented its own set of challenges for both rookies. Nembhard said the grind is unlike anything he experienced in college, though he’s staying locked in as the finish line approaches.
“It’s different for sure. It’s a lot tougher,” Nembhard said. “The All-Star break was a good reset for me, but it definitely gets long. I’m young, though — I’m feeling good going into these last 10 to 12 games.”
Kyrie Irving’s Influence as Dallas Mavericks Leader
Monday also carries some added significance. It’s the birthday of both Kyrie Irving and head coach Jason Kidd, and the Mavericks rookies made sure to mark the occasion.
“Yeah, the rookies sang ‘Happy Birthday,'” Nembhard said with a smile. “I don’t think they loved it, but we did it.”
Irving, who has dealt with injury this season, has remained a presence in the building and around the group. Nembhard has leaned on that relationship.
“He’s been great, especially now that he’s starting to be back in the gym more and around the team a lot more,” Nembhard said. “He has so much knowledge about the game and about life in general. It’s good to have those conversations with him and learn from him. I’m looking forward to continuing to be around him and learning.”
The Warriors (33-38) are wrapping up a six-game road trip at 1-4, their only win coming in Washington. After Monday, Golden State returns home for seven of its final 10 games as it chases the Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers for positioning in the Western Conference standings. A Mavericks win Monday would officially eliminate Dallas from postseason contention.
Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. CT on Peacock and NBC Sports Network from American Airlines Center.
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