Grading the Mavericks: Defense Won't Win Championships Without Scoring
The Mavericks have generally de-emphasized offense in an NBA season where scoring dominates the game. Over the past week, their record stands at 1-2, placing them 14th in the Western Conference.
Recent Games and Player Performance
- The team narrowly defeated a weakened Indiana squad 107-105.
- They lost against Detroit (122-110) and Houston (110-102).
D’Angelo Russell led the Mavericks' scoring spree during this period, averaging 18.3 points per game.
Injury Updates
- Daniel Gafford returned from an ankle injury in the game against the Pistons in Mexico City.
- Dante Exum and Kyrie Irving have yet to debut this season due to knee injuries.
- Dereck Lively remains sidelined with a knee injury sustained around the third game.
- Anthony Davis suffered a calf injury against the Pacers and is still out.
Impact of Injuries and Team Rhythm
The Mavericks are once again grappling with injuries for the second year running. While Dallas is not the worst off in the league, injuries have significantly hindered their ability to develop consistent offensive flow. The team's offense rarely sustains rhythm beyond a single quarter, and frequent lineup changes play a significant role.
The decision to continue deploying Cooper Flagg at point guard has also contributed to offensive struggles. Yet, the team showed resilience by performing well in recent games without Anthony Davis.
"They’ve played the last two games without Anthony Davis and put out a solid showing."
Summary: Persistent injuries and inconsistent offensive execution continue to challenge the Mavericks, undermining their chances despite strong defensive efforts.
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