Dante Exum played an excellent game in a Dallas Mavericks jersey, as they secured a 125:112 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers on the road.
The former player of Barcelona and Partizan delivered truly impressive minutes, likely his best since returning to the NBA. The Australian seized the opportunity in the absence of Kyrie Irving and, alongside Luka Doncic, led the backcourt. He finished the game with 23 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, earning praise from head coach Jason Kidd.
“He was big. I had to start playing both ends, and I think he did a great job defensively. We lost Irving, and Dante did a really good job,” said Kidd.
After the game, Dante himself was very pleased, emphasizing the mentality of his team.
“One of the biggest things with our team is our next-man-up mentality,” he said, alluding to the fact that Kyrie Irving got injured.
“You see it now with me as an example. We have a lot of guys injured, and the guys have been able to step up. Hopefully, he Irving won’t be out too long, but we have a great roster that’s willing and ready to step up,” concluded Dante Exum.