3 takeaways from the Mavericks’ 126-122 loss to the Trailblazers

The short-handed Dallas Mavericks fell to the Portland Trailblazers, 126-122 on Saturday night in Portland. Tonight’s loss comes after the second night of a back-to-back that included a win in Phoenix. The shorthanded Mavericks were without the services of Luka Doncic (calf strain) and Dereck Lively (left hip contusion), who suffered injuries during the Christmas Day game against the Timberwolves. Joining the two on the injury report were Naji Marshall (four-game suspension) and PJ Washington (one-game suspension) after Friday night’s altercation, as well as Dante Exum, who is recovering from wrist surgery. Chauncey Billups, Delano Blanton, Toumani Camara and Robert Williams were all out for Portland.

The Mavericks were led by Kyrie Irving with a season-high 46. The Blazers were led by Shaedon Sharpe with 23 and Anfernee Simons with 22.

The Mavericks got off to a slow start, finishing the first quarter with 25 points to the Blazers’ 36. The Mavericks couldn’t handle DeAndre Ayton in the period, allowing 10 points and seven rebounds, paired with two blocks. Irving and Klay Thompson were the only two to get things going for the Mavericks in the first quarter, with 16 points.

Dallas couldn’t close the gap in the second quarter and ended the period down 69-59. Irving warmed up and was the primary source of the Mavericks’ offense this quarter, scoring 15 points. The Mavericks continued to let the uber-athletic Shaedon Sharpe have his way in the first half, giving him 16 points.

Dallas couldn’t overcome their ten-point deficit in the third quarter, and their uninspiring offense led them to a 15-point deficit to overcome in the final period. Irving again went on a heater in the fourth quarter in Kyrie fashion with 20 points. The 15-point lead disappeared midway through the quarter, with Dallas down by five. Despite Irving’s 20-point quarter, the Mavericks couldn’t get enough stops to complete the comeback.

Here are some quick key points from tonight’s game.

Kyrie Irving continues to lead the Mavericks in Doncic’s absence

Watching Kyrie Irving play basketball leaves you with the same feeling you once had on Christmas morning after finally getting the gift you asked your parents for. Irving again led the way for the Mavericks with 46, 24 of which came in the first half. Irving has been excellent during Doncic’s absence, and tonight was another example that proves he deserves an All-Star selection this season.

Although the scoring gap wasn’t quite closed at halftime, Irving’s aforementioned heater made the game feel attainable heading into the second half. The Mavericks will have to rely heavily on Irving while Luka is out, but he can’t do it alone like he did tonight.

Spencer Dinwiddie showed up late to the party

Spencer Dinwiddie couldn’t get it going tonight until late in the fourth quarter, finishing with 17 on 38% shooting in 35 minutes. While his late effort (eight straight points to end the game) made the game feel attainable, unfortunately his effort didn’t come earlier in the game to prevent being in that very situation. The Mavericks can’t afford a game like this from him while he’s in the starting lineup amid Doncic’s injury, especially against a lottery team. I expect we’ll see a bounce-back game from him soon, but I suspect tonight’s game would have gone much differently if his shots fell.

It will be a tough road ahead

The road ahead for the Mavericks will not be easy. With Doncic’s injury set to sideline him for at least a month, coupled with the uncertainty of Lively’s recent injury, Dallas’ depth will be tested. Things won’t look so rocky when Marshall and Washington return from their suspensions, but how they handle the upcoming slate (Rockets, Cavaliers, Grizzlies, LakersNuggets) will be a testament to this team’s toughness and identity.

The Mavericks will be back in action on Monday when they travel to Sacramento to face the Kings, who recently fired coach Mike Brown, at 9 p.m. CST.