Grading the Mavericks: Defense Will Not Win Championships Without Scoring
The Dallas Mavericks have avoided focusing on offense in a league where scoring dominates. This past week, the Mavericks went 1-2 and remain in 14th place in the Western Conference.
Recent Game Results
- Victory over an injured Indiana team, 107-105
- Loss to Detroit, 122-110
- Loss to Houston, 110-102
D’Angelo Russell led scoring during this stretch, averaging 18.3 points per game. Daniel Gafford, recovering from an ankle injury, made his season debut in Mexico City against the Pistons. Meanwhile, Dante Exum and Kyrie Irving have not yet played this season due to knee injuries.
Injuries Impacting the Team
- Dereck Lively has not returned after a knee injury sustained around the third game of the season.
- Anthony Davis suffered a calf injury against the Pacers and remains out.
The Mavericks are battling injuries for the second straight season. While many teams face such challenges, injuries have significantly affected Dallas’s ability to find rhythm and consistency on offense. Frequent lineup changes disrupt their flow.
Offensive Struggles
Using Cooper Flagg repeatedly at point guard has hurt their offensive performance. However, the team deserves credit for playing two games without Anthony Davis and still delivering solid performances.
“Dallas clearly has not been able to establish any sort of rhythm or consistency on offense for more than a quarter at a time, and having guys in and out of the lineup is a factor in that.”
Injuries are a major factor in the Mavericks' difficulties, but addressing offensive inconsistency remains vital.