There are not many positive things to take from a night like tonight. The game was relatively close throughout, but the Mavericks just did not have the necessary level of execution to win an NBA game. The Phoenix Suns prevailed, beating Dallas best to win 111-105, giving Dallas its fifth consecutive loss.
In the first half, the Mavs were able to hang on tight, but could never stretch a lead. The offense was noticeably stagnant, and the defense was … good. Thanks to a handy tip from Willie Cauley-Stein, the Mavs managed to tie the game in half.
In the second half, things got interesting.
On the Mavs’ first offensive possession in the third quarter, Luka Doncic looks reports. He hangs 30 yards from the basket and lets Josh Richardson and Cauley-Stein play a two-man game that is less than beautiful. Somehow, the possession ended in a successful Cauley-Stein midrange jumper. At this point, things did not look like it would go the Mavs’ way.
But then Luka becomes core. He was on fire in the third quarter, and it all turned around. The Mavs got a 15-point lead, and things actually looked the same. Unfortunately, as soon as things became positive, it became negative. The Suns closed at the end of the third quarter and never looked back.
Chris Paul in the fourth quarter is one of the most dangerous players in the NBA, and the Mavs could not go shoot-for-shoot with him late in the game. Here are three things from the loss.
Willie Cauley-Stein had a surprisingly positive impact on the game
It’s no secret that Willie Cauley-Stein is not exactly a world breaker. He is a long, flawed center who does some things good and many things bad. But tonight, in Kristaps Porzingis’ absence, Cauley-Stein was surprisingly good. In 30 minutes, he finished with 14 points on 7-of-8 shots off the field to go along with nine rebounds and four blocks.
More than anything, I like Cauley-Stein’s energy level. He had active hands on defense, was aggressive towards the edge and generally looked like he belonged on a professional basketball court – something that was not always said about him.
I hope the Mavs do not find themselves in a position where they regularly have to rely on Cauley-Stein, but tonight he was solid. At this point, it’s impossible to expect consistency, but at least he gave the team something on Saturday night.
Energy is contagious
This is a basic basketball concept that all high school students know. This is why banks get up to share a high five when a player comes off the court. That’s why a man like Marcus Smart earns more than $ 10 million a year. Energy is contagious, and it is also essential for success.
24 hours ago in Utah, the Mavs had no energy. It was an embarrassment. Tonight they did better to turn it around, but it still wasn’t great. The bench looked engaged throughout the game and celebrated accordingly when something cool happened on the court, and when Dallas ran so nicely in the third quarter, it looked like the team fun. It did not last the entire match, but it did appear at least tonight. The Mavs should try to have more regular fun.
The need for a secondary playmaker is clearer than ever before
The simple fact is that the Mavs do not have a qualified attacking initiator not Luka Doncic. If he’s not on the floor, it’s rough. Like, really, really rough.
If Porzingis is not a man who can get his own shot (and make the shot), then what do they have? Trey Burke? Jalen Brunson? Josh Richardson? Those guys are good enough to beat bad teams in the regular season, but they are not good enough to beat playoff teams. Something needs to change – ASAP.