If you have a friend who is a Dallas Mavericks fan, it might be a good time to check in with them. The franchise has encapsulated decades of negative fan experiences into the last month since trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. From fan protests to the trade, Nico Harrison was booed and mocked by fans, and now injuries are decimating their win-now hopes.
Last night was especially brutal, as the Mavericks fell to a 98-122 loss to the Sacramento Kings. The blowout loss was made worse by the injuries suffered by Kyrie Irving and Jaden Hardy, as fans stormed out of the arena at the end of the third quarter with the Mavs trailing by 28 points.
[Highlight] Mavs fans mass Exodus after the third quarter vs the Kings
byu/TheRealPdGaming innba
The picture of the stands in the fourth quarter was jarring to see.
View inside the AAC with four minutes remaining. pic.twitter.com/z8PkVbo7Qi
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) March 4, 2025
The stands never looked like this in the Luka Doncic era or even the Dirk Nowitzki era, with such results and performances putting the team’s record of selling out every home game for the last 20+ years in jeopardy.
The ticket prices have already started crashing in the wake of Doncic’s trade on the secondary market. The Mavericks’ response to that was increasing the fee season ticket holders pay to get access to their season tickets, sparking mass fan outrage on social media.
An Absolute Injury Nightmare In Dallas
Discussing the Mavericks injury woes right now seems cruel to a fanbase that really didn’t do anything to go through the pain the last 30 days have brought them. However, it’s an unquestionable fact that a contender like Dallas has been completely ruined by injuries this season.
They’re missing seven rotational players right now, including four key starters. Kyrie joined the injury list with a knee sprain last night alongside Jaden Hardy who suffered an ankle sprain in the third quarter. PJ Washington is also out with an ankle sprain, joining center trio Dereck Lively II (foot fracture), Daniel Gafford (knee sprain), and Anthony Davis (adductor strain).
Winter acquisition Caleb Martin (hip) hasn’t even made his Mavericks debut after joining the franchise with an injury. These are seven real rotational contributors the Mavericks are without, with all except Martin still expected to miss over a week of basketball.
The team is the No. 10 seed with a 32-20 record. Given how dysfunctional the No. 11 seed Phoenix Suns are, the Mavericks could find a way to stay competitive and be in the Play-In Tournament. All players are expected to return this season, although Irving’s status is entirely unclear.
It would be extremely optimistic to imagine Irving got away with just a hyperextended knee, so this season might be over for Dallas. They’ll be under immense pressure to get it right next season, but as the franchise loses popularity and relevance, it’ll be interesting to see if GM Nico Harrison faces any consequences.
Missing the Playoff coming off a Finals appearance isn’t a good way to keep your job safe, especially with the city of Dallas wanting him punished for this decision.
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