Aussie Mitch Creek seizes opportunity in Vegas with powerhouse performance for Dallas

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At Las Vegas Summer League, opportunity is everything and Mitch Creek grabbed his with both hands today in the Dallas Mavericks’ 91-71 win over the Golden State Warriors.

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After coming off the bench in Dallas’ first two games, Creek was inserted into the starting lineup and the coaching staff’s decision was rewarded immediately with the Aussie setting the tone for Dallas on both ends of the floor.

“I felt a lot more comfortable out there,” Creek told NBA Australia post-game. “You know playing consistent minutes you’re able to keep in the flow of the game and make good reads offensively and defensively, so it was nice to have a good one today.

“You know when you’re out there you warm up and you’re straight on the court, it’s always easier to get a bit of a rhythm and understand the flow of the game and the tempo.”


 

In 18 minutes of action, Creek posted 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, seven rebounds and a whole lot of hustle.

He saved his best for last, in the fourth quarter, bringing down the house down the Thomas and Mack Center, finishing this strong and-1 at the rim after Kostas Antetokounmpo dropped his defender with the sweet crossover to set up Creek at the rim.

Creek has consistently produced when he’s been on the court for Dallas this week, but being in the starting lineup for today’s game only skyrocketed his confidence as he looks to earn a roster spot for the 2018/19 season.

“Confidence is the biggest thing in basketball and probably the most underrated thing to have,” Creek added. “So for me to go out there and have a game like this it makes me believe even more so that I can go out there and do this every single day, so hopefully the next game’s exactly the same.”

Coaches and fans have marveled at his physical style of play, with the seasoned pro not shying away from contact, hunting down loose balls and putting in those extra effort plays, keeping his defenders on their toes each and every possession.

“It’s just trying to find my mismatches, trying to figure out how I can beat my opponent, how I can help the team win and every single possession counts in this league and in this environment,” Creek said. “I’m just trying to go out there and read both ends of the court and trying to break down my defender as best as possible."

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Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor for The Sporting News.