The Dallas Mavericks lost to the Phoenix Suns earlier tonight by a score of 130-26. The Mavericks kept pace with Phoenix and even enjoyed periods with leads, but couldn’t hold out till the end.
Irving lamented the Mavericks’ ability to blow leads and believes better chemistry will be the answer to their current struggles.
“Just not losing the leads, or kind of coming in and not having a team-first mentality. Guys are coming off the bench and want to come in and show their talent, obviously put points on the board. But I think we’re just easing into and just knowing that if we continue to play at a very high pace, everybody’s going to get their shots. Just continuing to have that next-play mentality. If you don’t get it that one play, do something for your teammate in order to get him a better shot or put yourself in position. It’s just one of those times throughout the season, especially where we are after the trade, where our units are figuring each other out. And when we do, we’ll be good.”
While a lot of focus is placed on discussing "fit" with Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, I asked Irving about how the lineups are progressing when he leads the Mavericks' bench group:
"Just not losing the leads, or kind of coming in and not having a team-first mentality. Guys are… pic.twitter.com/gaBi2Jjb2Y
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) March 6, 2023
The game was notable for Kevin Durant hitting a game-winner and Devin Booker trash-talking Luka Doncic after the game had been sealed by the Suns. Irving and Booker also got into it, meaning there’ll be a proverbial ‘big-fight feel’ if these teams end up meeting in the playoffs.
How Can Dallas Salvage Their Season?
This loss means the Mavericks are 2-5 in games where Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are playing together. The only positive is that the Mavericks have lost all those games by under 5 points and have been in a game-winning situation for each. The inability to find the right play has frustrated Dallas.
Looking at an even bigger picture, the Mavs shouldn’t be blowing as many leads as they end up doing. Blowing a 27-point lead against the Lakers should have been inexcusable and their lack of defense continues to haunt them.
Jason Kidd might not be able to fix their lack of defensive talent through coaching, so maybe if the team can get an offseason together without Kyrie leaving, they’ll be better positioned next season.
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