Dallas Mavericks’ Dante Exum talks big shot vs. Rockets, playoff matchup vs. Clippers

One of the breakthrough stars of the Dallas Mavericks 2023-24 regular season was 6-5 wing Dante Exum, who was out of the NBA for two years before signing with the Mavs prior to this season and promptly becoming a fixture next to stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

Exum has played just under 20 minutes per game for the Mavericks, posting 7.8 points per game and shooting 49.1% from 3-point range. One of those 3s in particular went a long way toward keeping Dallas out of the NBA’s play-in tournament.

Prior to the Mavericks rematch with the LA Clippers in Round 1 of the playoffs, Exum visited with The Musers on Sportsradio 96.7 FM/1310 The Ticket (KTCK-AM) to discuss his 2023-24 season, his big shot against the Rockets, and the Mavericks’ upcoming playoff run.

See highlights from the interview below, edited for clarity.

On the long layoff before the playoffs: “I think it’s a good time just for everybody to get their bodies right and prepare. I think this is obviously going to be a battle in these playoffs. Everyone in the West is a very tough matchup, so I think any extra time that you get to prepare for the team is going to go to good use.”

On key to success outside of Gafford and Washington: “I think definitely the defensive end, just realizing how good we can be defensively. Obviously, adding [Daniel] Gafford and PJ [Washington] has helped that a lot. I think it’s just that buy-in from everybody and just realizing that we can be a good defensive team.”

“Buying in” to effort vs “buying in” to the scheme: “I think it’s buying into the scheme, but definitely with the additions that we’ve made, it’s going to change the landscape of how our defense works. I think that’s where everyone kind of realized, ‘Hey, if we just buy in to this and do it right and have everyone’s back, we can be a really good defensive team.’”

How many times he’s watched last-second game-tying 3 vs. the Rockets: “I’ve seen it so many times. It’s always everyone’s dream to hit a shot like that. Just to even go to overtime, obviously, you want to win a game like that. Just to send it to overtime and win the game, it was kind of a game where we did not have the energy and we were struggling, but I think hitting that shot gave us an opportunity to go win it and it was big for us.”

On upcoming matchup with the Clippers: “Obviously, they have some great offensive guys. I think it’s just limiting them as much as possible and then it’s just playing our game. Letting Luka do what Luka does and Kyrie as well. I think if we stay with that defensive scheme, send them down to Gafford, Lively, I think we’ll be good.”

On growth of the Luka-Kyrie duo: “It’s special. I think kind of what Luka’s done, it’s unbelievable. I think he keeps amazing with some of the stuff he does. It’s always surprising. I’m looking forward to this playoff series with him. And then obviously, Kyrie has stepped up in big moments. These players give big moment after big moment.

On his basketball journey from Australia: “You always hear about how it’s a different game over there and it truly is, but I think the biggest thing that I’m taking now is: the last five minutes of games over there is what decides it. Being a point guard over there has taught me how to control the game, put my team in situations that we can possibly win. I think that’s the biggest thing.”

On improvement in 3-point shooting: “I think the thing about it is obviously I’m going to try to shoot as much as possible, but I think one of the best things about me is I’m trying to make the best decision in every possession to get the best shot. If that’s me shooting it, I’m going to shoot it. I think teams are locking in to me shooting the ball, so it just opens a bit more of the paint.”

On taking the right shot: “I think obviously Luka and Kyrie create so much attention, teams are often willing to give up something. If it’s my 3, I make sure I’m set and in a good position to knock it down. I think that’s just important for my game and as they start … not let me shoot, then I just try to get in the paint and create for others.

On not having home court advantage: “I think we’re on the road so much, guys are used to it playing against away fans and whatnot that at the end of the day, it’s just playing basketball and I think if we can go in there and do what we’re supposed to do and what we’re practicing, it’s definitely possible (to win).”

To listen to the full interview, click or tap here.

Twitter: @dmn_mavericks

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