Undersized but Unstoppable: Mavericks Rally Behind ‘Heart Over Height’ Mentality

The Dallas Mavericks have been forced to adapt on the fly after losing key big men Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford to injuries. With their frontcourt depleted, head coach Jason Kidd has had no choice but to roll out smaller lineups. In Monday’s 133-129 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, forwards Tristan Thompson and Kessler Edwards, both standing at just 6-foot-7, were the tallest players in the starting lineup.

Following the win, Thompson reflected on the challenges of playing without a true big man, joking that the Mavericks’ current situation reminds him of his high school basketball days. However, rather than dwelling on their size disadvantage, he coined a new mantra for the team.

“High school … That’s what it feels like sometimes because we’re so small,” Thompson said, as reported by The Dallas Morning News. “But we’ve got a lot of heart. Heart over height, you know?”

That heart was on full display against the Spurs, as the Mavericks managed to out-rebound their opponents 40-38 despite their smaller lineup. The game also showcased their resilience, as they clawed back from a deficit to secure a thrilling road victory.

Injuries have not only left the Mavericks undersized but also severely short-handed. Just a night before their win over the Spurs, they had only seven available players in the fourth quarter of a loss to the Phoenix Suns. The timing of these setbacks is especially difficult, as the team is already under intense media scrutiny following the blockbuster trade that sent five-time All-Star Luka Dončić out of Dallas in February.

Despite the adversity, Thompson remains unfazed.

“You still get to do what you love,” he told The Athletic. “It’s just another opportunity to show what you can do. That’s probably the toughest part … Not feeling sorry for yourself and realizing we have a job to do. This is the best job. It’s great, honestly.”

The Mavericks’ ability to compete despite their injuries speaks volumes about their mentality. While they may not have the size right now, they are proving that effort and determination can make up for physical limitations. If they continue to embrace their “heart over height” mindset, they could still find success even in the face of adversity.