Dallas Mavericks: Coach Rick Carlisle is not looking at the standings

Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle talked about his focus for the stretch run and how he is not looking at the standings.

The Dallas Mavericks are firmly entrenched in the Western Conference playoff race. They have 33 wins as they return from the All-Star break. The Mavs are currently seventh in the conference but are 8.5 games ahead of the ninth-seeded Portland Trail Blazers.

They are a young team. The Mavericks lack postseason experience. J.J. Barea is the only player on the roster with a championship ring. Their two star players have never played in an NBA playoff game.

That lack of experience makes head coach Rick Carlisle’s job a bit more difficult. He is trying to not only develop their skills and build them as a team but also instill that winning mentality that succeeds in the postseason.

Carlisle on the standings

Coach Carlisle met with the media following practice on Thursday. He had some interesting comments about what he is focusing on down the stretch. Fans can hear him talk about it here.

Carlisle not looking at the standings is important. He is focused on improving the team. Mavericks fans should be excited about that. They know Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis can continually get better. Carlisle is making that a priority too.

The coach and his staff are taking a wider view. They are not focused on minute details. Instead, it is a larger picture of improving and being the best team they can be.

Carlisle noted that he is not sure when he will begin to look at the standings. The answer may be never. If his focus is on improvement, that never ends. There are always ways to get better and round out your game.

Dallas Mavericks supporters should be excited about the stretch run. Luka and KP will be leading the charge as the team pushes toward the playoffs for the first time since 2016. There is plenty of exciting basketball on tap, so stay tuned.