By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Considering recent showings, the Dallas Mavericks will not make it through to the Play-Ins. But the Regular Season is not over yet.
“We still have chances, so we shouldn’t give up yet,” pointed out Luka Doncic following the loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in Wells Fargo Center Wednesday.
The Slovenian sensation neared a triple-double with 24 points, ten rebounds, and eight assists over 37 minutes. However, the team coached by Jason Kidd being shut down in the fourth quarter led to the most recent setback and linked to the general picture of a disastrous run since the All-Star break.
Listed a questionable to play in Philadelphia due to right hamstring soreness, German forward Maxi Kleber returned to action and lasted 26 minutes. He logged five points, two rebounds, two assists, and one block. In contrast, Latvian Davis Bertans did not play and French Frank Ntilikina was ruled out with a right knee sprain.
Looking for a way out
From carrying a 31-27 record to three straight losses before the All-Star Game and six wins in 17 games after the break have put the Mavs in a dangerous situation. With five fixtures remaining on the regular-season schedule, they sit one game outside the Play-In zone of the Western Conference. A direct ticket to the Playoffs seems out of reach with three games separating Dallas from the sixth seed.
The Mavericks are set to complete a five-game road trip by visiting the Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks on the upcoming editions of NBA Saturdays and NBA Sundays, respectively. Back to American Airlines Center for the last three games of the Regular Season, they will face the Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, and San Antonio Spurs next week.
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