The Dallas Mavericks hosted the Los Angeles Lakers in a highly-anticipated clash between the two teams after they revamped their squads at the trade deadline. The Lakers’ depth won out, overcoming a 27-point lead to snatch the win from Dallas.
This was a sensational win for the Lakers and a pretty horrible loss for Dallas, who looked out of sorts in the second half. The team was clearly frustrated by the referee’s decisions and let them affect their body language.
Jason Kidd wasn’t happy with his team after the game, urging his team to grow up. Luka Doncic agreed, taking accountability for the lack of maturity the Mavericks’ showed in the loss.
Mavericks' Luka Doncic on Jason Kidd calling for greater maturity amid distractions by officiating:
"It's probably true. That's it." pic.twitter.com/9EIwpDAwZz
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) February 27, 2023
“It’s probably true. I knew you were going to be the one to ask me this question. Yeah (it’s a fair question), it’s probably true.”
Doncic’s arguments with the referees have often put the Mavs in situations where they’re playing 4-on-5 basketball because Luka hasn’t come back to defend due to referee arguments. Today was not a good look for the MVP candidate and the Mavs are 1-4 since adding Kyrie Irving to the team.
Are The Mavericks Headed For A Disappointing Summer?
It doesn’t look like the Dallas Mavericks are going to repeat their success from last season in 2023. Despite adding Kyrie Irving, it’s clear that this team cannot defend and the Lakers exposed this as well. They are the worst interior defense in the league and are punished by every team in that respect.
Doncic and Irving won’t be enough in the playoffs, so an early exit is likely. If they also lose Irving in the summer to the Lakers or Suns, the Mavericks may not have enough assets left to give Doncic the contending team he’ll want to stay long term in Dallas. Mark Cuban has to be sweating at that thought until this season is over.
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