Dallas Mavericks

Mavericks show they aren't backing down

Published Apr. 28, 2015 8:06 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets are playing arguably the most physical first-round series in these playoffs, and this fact is not lost on any of those who're directly involved.

Here's ESPNDallas.com's Tim MacMahon with a few great quotes from Dallas' players:

“'That s--- was too much last game,' said Mavs center Tyson Chandler, who got whistled for a double technical along with Howard late in Game 4 when the big men got tangled up. 'It’s not even about playing dirty or anything like that. It’s about holding your ground.'

'Mom didn’t let me play football,” [Devin] Harris joked. 'I’ve got to get [tackles] in when I can.'”

The Mavericks aren't as talented as the Rockets right now, but perhaps being the more aggressive team is an edge they can use to their advantage.

(h/t: ESPN)

Photo Credit: AP Photo/David Zalubowski