Introduction to the Mavericks’ Game
The Dallas Mavericks fans had a thrilling experience during Wednesday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The game started with the Mavericks missing their first seven shots, but Max Christie’s corner 3-pointer ended the gameday ritual. The fans were on their feet nearly two hours later when the Mavericks had a chance to send the game into overtime. Unfortunately, Cooper Flagg missed a floater from the free-throw line, resulting in a 101-99 loss, the third straight defeat for the home team.
Current Standing of the Mavericks
The Mavericks are now 2-6 and are tied with the New Orleans Pelicans for the worst record in the Western Conference. This is a significant setback for the team, and they are looking for ways to improve their performance. The team’s coach, Jason Kidd, has been making changes to the starting lineup, hoping to find the right combination to win games.
Changes in the Starting Lineup
One of the significant changes made by Coach Kidd was replacing Klay Thompson with D’Angelo Russell in the starting lineup. This change allowed the rookie, Cooper Flagg, to play away from the ball, and he was able to cut to the basket more, leading to easier attempts at the rim. Thompson, on the other hand, came off the bench and finished with 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists on 4-of-7 shooting in 21 minutes of action.
Performance of Key Players
Flagg led the Mavericks with a team-high 20 points, nine rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. He also continued his perfect streak from the free-throw line, connecting on 24 consecutive free throws. Christie had 12 points and three rebounds, while PJ Washington had a double-double of 15 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks. Daniel Gafford scored nine of his 15 points in the fourth quarter and totaled eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
The Pelicans’ Performance
The Pelicans were without Zion Williamson, who is expected to miss 7-10 days with a left hamstring strain. Despite this, the team was led by Saddiq Bey, who finished with a season-high 22 points and nine rebounds. Jeremiah Fears and Jose Alvarado added 13 points each, and the team had six players reach double figures in scoring.
Reaction from the Players
Flagg expressed his frustration with the team’s losing streak, saying, "It’s obviously a lot different when you have to adapt to playing a lot more games. I wouldn’t say anybody’s happy. Obviously guys are trying to stay level-headed and know we have a lot more games to go and it’s still really early. Speaking personally, I know it’s not fun to just keep losing games." Christie also shared his thoughts, saying, "I know we’re all upset that we’re losing. 2-6 is not an ideal start. If any of us were happy about that then it’d be an issue. There’s definitely a sense of frustration that we want to win games and we’re competitors."
Upcoming Games
The Mavericks will now shift their focus to a two-game road trip, starting with Friday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The contest marks their first Group Play game of the NBA Cup. The team is looking to bounce back from their losing streak and improve their performance.
Conclusion
The Dallas Mavericks are facing a tough time, with a 2-6 record and tied for the worst record in the Western Conference. Despite the changes in the starting lineup and the efforts of key players, the team is struggling to win games. The players are frustrated, but they are staying level-headed and focused on improving their performance. With upcoming games against the Memphis Grizzlies and other teams, the Mavericks have the opportunity to turn their season around and make a comeback.
FAQs
Q: What is the current record of the Dallas Mavericks?
A: The Dallas Mavericks are currently 2-6 and tied with the New Orleans Pelicans for the worst record in the Western Conference.
Q: Who led the Mavericks in scoring during the game against the Pelicans?
A: Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks with a team-high 20 points.
Q: What is the status of Zion Williamson?
A: Zion Williamson is expected to miss 7-10 days with a left hamstring strain.
Q: What is the Mavericks’ next game?
A: The Mavericks’ next game is against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, which marks their first Group Play game of the NBA Cup.
Q: How can I stay updated on the Mavericks’ news and performance?
A: You can stay updated on the Mavericks’ news and performance by following them on social media or checking out their official website.
