Recent wins show Mavericks’ late-game upgrades

After a recent game, coach Rick Carlisle was visibly concerned and had this blunt commentary about his team:

“Pretty simple. We got to do a better job closing out games. This is an experience we’re going to have to learn from . . . We’re a young team that has got to learn from these situations.”

And that was after a win – the eked-out victory over Minnesota on Monday when the Mavericks surrendered 45 fourth-quarter points to the Timberwolves.

Carlisle is well aware of the facts. Even though he stresses staying in the moment and sticking to the process, he understands the Mavericks still are two games under .500 (12-14) and in no position to feel entitled to anything going into Friday’s home…