Mookie Betts embodied the âMamba Mentalityâ on Thursday night, staying super focused on the task at hand as the Los Angeles Dodgers moved to the brink of another World Series appearance.Â
After the Dodgers took a commanding 3-0 NLCS lead over the Milwaukee Brewers with a 3-1 win, Betts made it clear that any sort of celebration would have to wait.Â
As Sports Illustrated reported, Betts told reporters, âI have zero emotions right now. Weâre ahead, but like Kobe said, the jobâs not done.â
The comment echoed Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, a reminder of the relentless focus and drive that has inspired so many athletes across Los Angeles.
After Game 3, Mookie Betts echoed the mindset of the late Kobe Bryant, who famously shrugged off a 2-0 Finals lead in 2009 when asked why he wasnât smiling:Â
âWhatâs there to be happy about? Jobâs not finished.â
Mookie channeled Kobeâs mentality after Game 3.Â
The Mamba Mentality
The Dodgersâ veteran infielder spoke like a player who has been here before. Betts is a three time World Series champion and has been in so many moments like this before.Â
He understands how quickly momentum can shift in October and in a playoff situation.Â
While his calm demeanor mirrors Bryantâs, his leadership continues to set the tone for a Dodgers clubhouse built on experience and composure.Â
Manager Dave Roberts praised Betts earlier in the series for his ability to âlead without panic,â especially when the pressure is highest. Â
That attitude has spread to the entire roster as the Dodgers have not gotten complacent.
They have learned to take it one at bat at a time, one inning at a time and one game at a time in order to reach their final goal.Â
Mookie Betts has been a focal point of the Dodgers success ever since he came to the Dodgers in 2020 and has completely shifted the culture inside the locker room.Â
From 2013-2019, the Dodgers lost in either the NLDS, NLCS or the World Series.
But in Mookie’s first season, he led the Dodgers to their first World Series in 32 years. He then played a key role again during their 2024 title run.Â
Mookie Betts is a true leader and champion, much like Kobe Bryant.
Heâs channeling that same intense mindset Kobe was known for as he is staying completely locked in on achieving the ultimate goal of bringing another World Series back to Los Angeles.Â
Dodgers NLCS OutlookÂ
The Dodgers have been nothing short of dominant this postseason.Â
Through three NLCS games, theyâve allowed just nine total hits, the fewest through the first three games of a playoff series in nearly 120 years, per TNT.Â
 The pitching staff has posted a combined ERA under 2.00 during the playoffs, while the Dodgers lineup continues to come up with big hits at the right time.Â
The Dodgers are a win away from punching its ticket to the World Series and a chance to defend its 2024 title.Â
The Dodgers will look to finish the job and complete the sweep against the Brewers in Game 4 Friday night at 5:38 p.m. PST.
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