"They’re over there trying to get paid, not play winning basketball” - Spencer Dinwiddie takes shots at former Washington Wizards teammates
Spencer Dinwiddie
© Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Mavericks dropped their 24th game of the season to the Washington Wizards on Tuesday. Despite Luka Doncic’s 41-point night, Dallas couldn’t overcome the 11th-seeded Wizards who, for the most part, have been mediocre this season.
When Spencer Dinwiddie was asked post-game about what went wrong for Dallas, the former Wizard said that the team has to be better. He also took shots at his former teammates in the process.
"For them [the Wizards], it’s a showcase. They're over there trying to get paid, not trying to play winning basketball. For a team that has real aspirations and has an MVP, went to the conference finals last year, we have to be better to a man,” Dinwiddie said, as reported by Dallas News’ Callie Caplan.
Why is Dinwiddie saying this?
What was ironic about Dinwiddie’s controversial statement was that he was talking about the same Wizards team they lost to. The guard had 20 points and eight assists in the contest, but as it has been for the Mavs all season, Doncic needed more support from his teammates.
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Dinwiddie’s post-game quote only backfired, and Kyle Kuzma and Kendrick Perkins couldn't help but respond.
After Tuesday’s loss to the Wizards, the Mavericks (25-24) are now just one game above .500. They’ve lost two games in a row and have been pretty much inconsistent all year.
Thanks to their performances as of late, the Mavs (who are now sitting in the 6th spot of the Western Conference) are now just one game above the 11th seed in the Western Conference and have a tough schedule coming up. They face the Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, New Orleans Pelicans, and Golden State Warriors in the next coming weeks.
The Mavs should focus on playing winning basketball
Dinwiddie’s comment about the Wizards may or may not be true, but at the end of the day, those are the types of quotes that can ruin your image. After all, Dallas isn’t playing winning basketball, as well. They may have the 5th best offense in the league, but also rank 26th on defense.
This isn’t going to cut it come Playoff time, and it’s Mark Cuban’s responsibility to fix their roster ahead of the trade deadline.
It will be an interesting next few months and post-season for Dinwiddie and the Mavs, who will either meet expectations or disappoint. With a mediocre Western Conference, anything is possible for Dallas, but just like what their guard said, they have to get better if they want to impose themselves as a legitimate title contender.
