Mark Cuban and Son Stunned as Mavericks Land No. 1 Pick in Unlikely Lottery Triumph
Mark Cuban, former majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, didn’t expect much from the NBA draft lottery. His message to The Dallas Morning News revealed a long-standing pessimism, shaped by decades of the Mavericks’ bad luck in the draft. Cuban admitted he anticipated another disappointing outcome, much like every year since 1980. With this mindset, he tuned in to the lottery broadcast from his bedroom, joined by his son, Jake.
Father and Son Witness Mavericks Defy Lottery Odds in Stunning Draft Night Surprise
Jake, just 15 years old, likely didn’t need a full rundown of the Mavericks’ infamous lottery misfortunes—he’s grown up hearing about them. Cuban, who owned the team for 23 of its 45 years, has seen more than his fair share of frustrations.
But as the lottery unfolded and familiar teams were revealed in the bottom tier, both father and son realized something different was happening. When Dallas was not among the first four names announced, the improbable became possible.
Mark Cuban and Son Stunned as Mavericks Land No. 1 Pick in Unlikely Lottery Triumph
With just a 1.8% chance of landing the top pick, the Mavericks’ name moving into the top four sent shockwaves through Cuban’s living room. He immediately called Patrick Dumont, the team’s new governor and his successor in ownership, to share the thrilling development. Dumont, attending a track meet in Nevada, received the call as excitement began to surge among fans and team leadership alike.
Dallas Defies the Odds, Uniting Leadership with Emotional No. 1 Lottery Victory Celebration
As the countdown continued on live television, suspense built. When the third and fourth picks were revealed as Charlotte and Philadelphia, only Dallas and San Antonio remained. The Cuban household erupted in jubilation when the Spurs were announced as the second pick, giving Dallas the No. 1 selection. Cuban described the moment as surreal, likening their celebration to the joy of a buzzer-beater win.
The lottery win wasn’t just a milestone for the franchise—it was a moment of unity for Cuban and Dumont, who had previously disagreed over the trade of star player Luka Doncic. Cuban recalled their euphoric phone call, filled with laughter and disbelief, as if they were teenagers at a Taylor Swift concert.
Afterward, he extended the celebration by calling head coach Jason Kidd and texting general manager Nico Harrison and others. For Cuban, it was more than a win—it was a long-awaited reward and a moment to remember.
After missing more than six weeks due to an adductor injury, Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis returned to play and said he felt “great” during the team’s 120-101 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday. Davis finished the game with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal, and a block in 26 minutes.
“Physically I felt great,” Davis said after the game in the visitors’ locker room at Barclays Center. “It’s the mental aspect when you’re coming back from something like that.
To mentally be ready to go out and play. I was mentally ready. But then getting into game action where you can’t anticipate what the other team is going to do. I overcame that in the first minute or so. From there, it was just about being smart. Obviously, I’m on a minutes restriction.”
Monday’s game was just the second time Davis played for Dallas after being traded for Luka Doncic in February. Davis, who had an abdominal strain at the time of the trade, made his debut for the Mavericks against the Houston Rockets on February 8. He played 31 minutes, scored 26 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, added 7 assists, and blocked 3 shots before his injury worsened.
During the six weeks Davis was sidelined, many other Mavericks players were injured, including Kyrie Irving (torn ACL), Daniel Gafford (knee sprain), Dante Exum (fractured hand), and Caleb Martin (hip strain). The team was often close to not having enough healthy players to meet the league’s required minimum of eight healthy players.
Before the game, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd joked that, due to the team’s injuries, he had told players to wait until 15 minutes before the game to warm up, rather than the usual 20 minutes, to save energy. However, the return of third-year big man Dereck Lively II in the next few weeks may help improve the situation.
Anthony Davis responds to a question in the news conference
“It was tough seeing these guys battling every single night. Winning close games,” Davis said. “Losing close games
Blowing teams out. Getting blown out. They are laying it on the line. For me, it was never a thought about if I was going to come back and play. Especially if I was healthy.
We are undermanned. Guys are hurt. Gafford. Lively. Kyrie goes out. It was tough. Guys were leaving it on the floor. Guys laying on the floor in the locker room afterwards just gassed — to the point of exhaustion. There was no doubt I was going to come back and play. That makes you want to come out and play with these guys. Leave it on the floor and battle each and every night.”
“As one of the leaders of the team, I just wanted to go out there and give them a breather at least.”
Irving’s injury was a big setback for the Mavericks, as he tore his left ACL after landing awkwardly on a drive against the Sacramento Kings three weeks ago. After Irving made two free throws while clearly in pain, Davis was one of the people who helped him off the floor.
Now out for the rest of this season and likely much of next season, Irving was with the team in Brooklyn, where he played for parts of four seasons with the Nets.
“It was devastating,” Davis said about Irving’s injury. “Kyrie is a phenomenal basketball player. But even more phenomenal human. Any time anyone goes through something like that, an injury like that, it always sucks. Obviously, the initial injury, the initial moment, you want to give him space. Then he came back to the locker room. Got everything out of his system. Now he’s excited about the rehab process.
“He’s in a good headspace now … to see him in a great headspace, it’s good for our team. Good for me. And, I’m pretty sure, good for him. Obviously, it sucks. But we have to hold the fort down for this season, and into next season, until he’s ready to come back.”
Davis, however, was ready to play again on Monday. Before the game, Kidd said he hoped it would be a positive, healthy experience for Davis, given all the injuries Dallas had faced recently. The coach was pleased with how things went.
Anthony Davis leaves the game in the 3rd quarter
“It was a positive experience,” Kidd said. “We tried to keep his run short
We tried to keep him under his minutes, and I thought he did an incredible job. I thought his rhythm was good. Sometimes when you get a player back like AD, you want to dump the ball to him every time. I thought the guys did a good job of being aggressive and letting the ball find him.”
However, despite the optimism surrounding Davis’ return, the team he came back to has different expectations than what Dallas had when the controversial trade was made. Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison had declared that the team had a “three- to four-year” window to win titles.
After Monday’s win, Dallas is a half-game ahead of the Phoenix Suns for the 10th and final spot in the Western Conference play-in race, depending on Phoenix’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks later that night.
Still, that didn’t stop Davis from wanting to return as soon as he could.
“I stressed that to them,” Davis said. “Once I’m 100 percent, whenever that time was, and we have games left, I’m going to play. We all huddled up and got on the same page. Went through the rehab process and was able to play tonight. There was never a moment in my mind — unless we ran out of games — that I wasn’t going to play.
“Seeing these guys playing with seven guys. Guys playing 38, 40 minutes. We just don’t have enough bodies. Kessler Edwards is playing the 5. Naji [Marshall] is playing the 5.
Added a little bit more motivation for me. I was already motivated to get back. But it added a little bit more motivation seeing those guys battle each and every night. And leaving it on the floor.
“There was no doubt in my mind I was going to come back.”
The Dallas Mavericks suffered another setback as guard Dante Exum broke a bone in his left hand during their 133-96 loss to the Houston Rockets on Friday night. Exum, who has already missed significant time this season due to injuries, will be out indefinitely, further depleting an already shorthanded Mavericks roster. His injury adds to the team’s struggles as they fight to stay competitive in the Western Conference.
Exum, in the final year of his contract, has appeared in only 18 games this season. He had previously been sidelined for most of the season following wrist surgery from an injury sustained in training camp. His latest injury is another unfortunate blow after working hard to return to the court. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd expressed sympathy for Exum, acknowledging the challenges the guard has faced throughout the season.
Dante Exum (NBA)
Injury-Ravaged Mavericks Struggle to Stay Competitive Amidst Uncertain Return Timelines
The Mavericks were already dealing with a significantly reduced roster, entering Friday’s game with only nine available players. Key contributors, including Kyrie Irving (knee) and Olivier-Maxence Prosper (wrist), have been ruled out for the season. The team continues to struggle with injuries, impacting their ability to compete effectively as they hover around a .500 record.
Additionally, the Mavericks have no clear return dates for power forward Anthony Davis (adductor), center Dereck Lively II (ankle), and center Daniel Gafford (knee). However, Davis and Lively have recently increased their basketball activities, giving some hope for their return. With injuries piling up, the Mavericks face an uphill battle as they attempt to secure a playoff spot.
Kyrie Irving is one of the most talented and polarizing figures in basketball. Known for his dazzling ball-handling skills, clutch performances, and undeniable ability to change the course of a game in an instant, Irving has cemented his place as one of the NBA’s most skilled players.
However, beyond his basketball genius, he has also become one of the NBA’s most enigmatic figures, with a career marked by controversy, drama, and unpredictability. This article explores the duality of Kyrie Irving’s career, from his on-court brilliance to his off-court distractions, and the impact both have had on his legacy.
Irving’s basketball talent has never been in question. From his early days at Duke to his rise as the first overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, his ability to handle the basketball and create shots for himself and his teammates was immediately apparent.
His dazzling crossovers, lethal finishing at the rim, and remarkable ability to make shots from any spot on the floor set him apart from his peers. He quickly became one of the league’s best point guards and was awarded the 2012 NBA All-Rookie First Team honors after an impressive debut season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
But Irving’s defining moment came in the 2016 NBA Finals, when he delivered one of the most iconic shots in NBA history—a three-pointer over Stephen Curry with less than a minute left to give the Cavaliers a lead in Game 7.
That shot helped secure Cleveland’s first-ever championship and solidified Irving as a player capable of performing under the highest pressure. His on-court performances have often been described as spectacular, even transcendent, making him a player that fans across the globe flocked to watch.
Kyrie Irving pauses on the court in the first half of the game
Kyrie Irving has been struggling off-court
Despite his basketball talent, Irving has struggled with off-court issues that have clouded his career. His decision to leave Cleveland in 2017 to join the Boston Celtics was the first sign that Irving’s journey would be anything but straightforward.
While the move was initially viewed as an opportunity for Irving to step out of LeBron James’ shadow, the Celtics’ tenure proved to be a turbulent one. Irving struggled to build chemistry with his teammates and was criticized for his leadership skills, or lack thereof.
Tensions reached a boiling point when he publicly apologized for some of his actions in his first year with the Celtics, admitting that he had not been the best leader for the young team.
Irving’s departure from Boston and subsequent signing with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019 did not bring an end to the drama. His time in Brooklyn was marked by further controversy, particularly surrounding his refusal to get vaccinated for COVID-19, which led to a lengthy absence from the team.
While the decision sparked debate, with some supporting his right to make personal health choices and others criticizing him for jeopardizing his team’s chances, it further fueled the narrative that Irving is unpredictable and often marches to the beat of his own drum.
This decision was just one example of the many instances where Irving has opted for personal beliefs over the team’s success or league-wide expectations.
In addition to his vaccination stance, Irving’s occasional social media posts, political statements, and promotion of conspiracy theories have drawn attention and criticism. In 2021, Irving shared a link to an anti-Semitic film on his social media account, which led to a significant backlash.
Luka Doncic shakes hands with Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving faced a temporary suspension
The situation escalated to the point where Irving was temporarily suspended by the Nets, and his actions sparked a broader conversation about the role of athletes as public figures and the responsibility that comes with their platforms.
Although Irving later apologized, the incident added to his already complicated relationship with the media and the general public.
Irving’s off-court behavior has often overshadowed his on-court brilliance, creating a divide between his supporters and detractors. Some view him as a misunderstood genius, someone who is simply outspoken and passionate about his beliefs, while others see him as a disruptive force, whose actions negatively impact his teams and the league.
For those who support Irving, his actions are viewed as an extension of his individualism—a trait that has made him one of the most unique players in NBA history. However, for those who criticize him, his actions have caused friction with teammates, management, and fans.
Despite all the controversy surrounding him, Irving has managed to remain an elite player. His skill set continues to be unmatched by most of his peers. As one of the best ball handlers in NBA history, his ability to break down defenses with his dribbling and create open shots for himself or his teammates is a weapon that few defenders can contain.
Additionally, his ability to finish at the rim with either hand and score from long range makes him a versatile offensive weapon. When he is on the court and healthy, he is one of the most dangerous players in the game.
The question, however, remains whether Irving’s off-court distractions are worth the risk for his teams. Over the years, his behavior has led to several trade requests and drama-filled departures, and he has never seemed to stay in one place for too long.
Kyrie Irving reacts while playing the game
His skills are replicable by only a few
His time with Cleveland, Boston, and Brooklyn has been marked by both individual success and turmoil. Despite his undeniable talent, Irving’s impact on the locker room and his ability to co-exist with teammates and management has been a constant source of debate.
In some ways, Kyrie Irving represents the perfect paradox of modern sports. He is an athlete who is able to do things on the court that few others can replicate, but his behavior off the court often complicates the narrative of his career.
Some fans adore him for his fearlessness and unapologetic approach to life and basketball, while others are frustrated by his lack of consistency and the unpredictability that surrounds him.
The question remains whether his basketball genius will ever be fully realized without the distractions that have followed him throughout his career.
As Irving continues his career, it remains to be seen what legacy he will leave behind. Will he be remembered as one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game, a player whose talent was only eclipsed by his complicated personality?
Or will his off-court controversies be what defines his career, overshadowing the incredible performances he’s delivered over the years? For now, Kyrie Irving remains one of the NBA’s most enigmatic figures—an extraordinary talent whose career may very well be defined by the constant tension between his brilliance and his unpredictability.
Luka Dončić dazzles on the court, but is his dominance holding the Mavericks back?
The Dallas Mavericks have a superstar, but do they have a team? That’s the burning question as Luka Dončić continues to put up jaw-dropping numbers while the Mavericks struggle to break through as a true title contender.
The issue isn’t his talent—he’s an offensive wizard capable of making even the most difficult plays look effortless. But as the franchise builds around him, some are beginning to wonder: Has Luka become too big for the Mavericks?
Luka’s Dominance and the Team’s Dependence
At just 24 years old, Dončić has already established himself as one of the NBA’s premier players. He consistently ranks among the league leaders in scoring, assists, and overall impact. His ability to control the game, dictate pace, and take over in crunch time has drawn comparisons to legends like LeBron James and James Harden.
Yet, for all his individual brilliance, the Mavericks have struggled to find sustained success. While they’ve made playoff runs, their dependence on Luka has been both their greatest asset and their biggest weakness.
As Luka continues to shine, the Mavericks search for the perfect supporting cast to bring them to the next level.
The team’s offensive structure revolves entirely around him, which often leads to stagnation when he’s off the floor. It’s a double-edged sword: his usage rate soars, but the supporting cast struggles to develop consistency.
The Superstar Dilemma
Every team wants a transcendent star, but building around one comes with challenges. The Mavericks have tried multiple roster configurations, pairing Dončić with Kristaps Porziņģis, and more recently, Kyrie Irving. Yet, none have proven to be the perfect fit.
Porziņģis was supposed to be Luka’s long-term running mate, but injuries and inconsistency derailed that plan. Irving, an elite scorer and playmaker, provides a different dynamic, but chemistry issues and injuries have made their partnership unpredictable.
This raises a critical question: Is Luka’s playstyle—one that demands heavy usage and control—preventing Dallas from fostering a more balanced team? While he is an exceptional passer, the offense often slows down to his rhythm, making it difficult for teammates to find their own flow.
Can the Mavericks Find the Right Balance?
For the Mavericks to truly compete for a championship, they need to strike a balance between maximizing Dončić’s abilities and creating a system that allows other players to thrive. That requires smart roster construction and a commitment to a more fluid style of play.
One potential solution is finding the right mix of role players who complement Luka’s game. Players who excel at off-ball movement, three-point shooting, and defensive versatility could help relieve some of the offensive burden.
Another strategy is encouraging Luka to adapt his approach—becoming more effective off the ball, improving his defense, and trusting his teammates more in high-pressure situations.
The Future of the Luka-led Mavericks
The Mavericks’ front office faces a crucial period. They must ensure that Dončić doesn’t become frustrated with the team’s trajectory, as we’ve seen in other superstar-led situations across the league.
Stars like Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo have pressured their organizations to improve their rosters, and Luka could follow suit if Dallas doesn’t take the next step.
Luka Dončić is undoubtedly one of the most talented players in the league, but the Mavericks must ask themselves a hard question: Is their reliance on him hindering their ability to build a true contender?
Finding the right pieces and evolving their game plan could be the difference between a perennial playoff team and a championship dynasty.
The Dallas Mavericks may feel disappointed after the announcement of the All-Star Game starting lineup, as neither Luka Doncic nor Kyrie Irving made the cut despite being among the top vote-getters in the Western Conference. Instead, the starting spots were given to Stephen Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Nikola Jokic. This selection was based on votes from fans, leaving out Doncic, who has been a starter for the past two years.
However, there is still a possibility that Doncic could start in the game. The All-Star Game is changing its format this year, moving away from the traditional two-team structure. Instead, it will feature four teams of eight players competing in a tournament on February 16 at the Chase Center in San Francisco. This adjustment opens new possibilities for roster compositions and playing time for all selected stars.
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving (NBA)
Three of these teams will be made up of the 24 All-Stars chosen by fans and coaches, while the fourth team will come from the Rising Stars Challenge. This new format introduces a different dynamic to the All-Star experience, potentially giving more opportunities to players who were not initially named as starters. It also provides a fresh approach to an event that has long been structured around a single-game showcase.
The ten named starters will likely be distributed among the three All-Star teams, but five additional starting spots will still need to be filled. If Doncic and Irving remain healthy, they could still find themselves in starting roles within their respective teams. Ultimately, while neither player secured an automatic starting position, the new format leaves room for their involvement at a high level.
One month after sustaining a left calf strain on Christmas Day, Luka Doncic’s return to the Dallas Mavericks appears imminent, with optimism growing about his potential comeback before the All-Star break. NBA reporter Marc Stein shared this hopeful update, noting that while Doncic initially faced a lengthy recovery period, signs are now pointing toward a quicker return than anticipated. After missing at least 17 games, Doncic’s recovery has been progressing well, sparking a renewed sense of hope for the Mavericks’ prospects.
Positive Signs from Recent Practice
Recent reports from ‘The Smoking Cuban’ reporter Noah Weber shed light on Doncic’s progress during practice. In one notable session, Doncic was seen making a three-pointer over teammate Spencer Dinwiddie and lightly jogging off the court, signaling that his rehabilitation is advancing well. While no official timeline has been set for his return, these glimpses of Doncic’s abilities on the floor suggest his return could happen soon, aligning with the positive outlook shared by Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd.
Luka Doncic (NBA)
Luka Doncic’s absence has had a significant impact on the Mavericks’ performance, leaving a noticeable gap in their offensive play. Despite efforts from other key players like Kyrie Irving, the team has struggled without Doncic’s playmaking and scoring ability. Over the last 17 games, the Mavericks have posted a disappointing 6-11 record, dropping to the 9th seed in the Western Conference. With playoff hopes slipping away, Doncic’s potential return is seen as a much-needed boost for the team’s playoff ambitions.
Social Media Reaction to the Update
News of Luka Doncic’s progress has been met with excitement from fans and social media users. Many expressed their eagerness for his return, with comments ranging from celebratory messages to humorous memes. Some fans highlighted the significance of his return, expressing confidence that the team would regain its offensive prowess. The anticipation is palpable, with many fans eagerly awaiting updates on his injury status, hoping for him to be upgraded to ‘Questionable’ for upcoming games.
Despite the ongoing challenges, the Dallas Mavericks’ outlook remains hopeful with 38 games left in the season. Doncic’s potential return could be the spark the team needs to turn their season around and secure a playoff spot. Following a strong season last year that saw them reach the NBA Finals, the Mavericks’ current struggles are seen as temporary setbacks. With Doncic back in action, the team is poised to regain its competitive edge and continue building on last season’s success.
The injury-riddled Dallas Mavericks are looking to gain momentum as they approach the All-Star break when they face the struggling Washington Wizards on Monday.
Dallas has been without their star player, Luka Doncic, since late December due to a calf strain. Now, Maxi Kleber has been added to the injury list after suffering a foot fracture in Saturday’s 122-107 loss to the Boston Celtics, a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals.
“It’s tough, but we’ve got to keep going, one step at a time,” said Daniel Gafford after the loss. “Rough to see (Kleber) go down like that. I don’t know what’s going on with it, but next-man-up mentality, honestly.”
With injuries piling up, the Mavericks have had to rely on that mentality. Dereck Lively II, who averages 9.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, has missed the last six games due to a right ankle stress fracture.
There is no clear timetable for Lively’s return, but Dallas could get Doncic back before the All-Star break, according to Marc Stein.
Without their star guard, the Mavericks are trying to stay competitive in the packed Western Conference. Dallas has a 5-11 record since Doncic’s injury on Christmas Day and is in ninth place in the West.
Meanwhile, Washington sits at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with the worst record in the NBA. The Wizards are wrapping up a six-game road trip on Monday and are on a 13-game losing streak, their second-longest of the season.
Washington Wizards (NBA)
In Saturday’s 119-109 loss to Phoenix, Washington dropped its fourth straight game by double digits. Out of the 13 losses during this stretch, 10 have been by at least 10 points.
However, there were some positives for Washington in the Phoenix game. After falling behind by 15 points in the first half, the Wizards won every quarter in the second half.
Wizards coach Brian Keefe spoke about the improvements after the game.
“We got tighter with our defense, turned them over, cleaned up some of the rebounding issues, and that led to us getting transition baskets and playing the way we want,” Keefe said. “We’re starting to learn what we can do and what we’re capable of.”
Kyle Kuzma ended a three-game scoring slump with 30 points on Saturday, and his 11 rebounds gave him his first double-double since October 28.
At 14.6 points per game, Kuzma is Washington’s second-leading scorer behind Jordan Poole, who averages 21.4 points per game. The Wizards have struggled to find consistent scoring, ranking fourth-lowest in the league with an average of 107.8 points per game.
However, Washington’s biggest problem has been their defense. They allow the most points per game in the NBA, giving up 122.1 points. This is an area Dallas will look to take advantage of.
The Mavericks average 115.1 points per game, but they’ve fallen short of that mark in 11 of their last 17 games. Kyrie Irving leads the team with an average of 24.4 points per game, but without Doncic (28.1 ppg), Dallas lacks another consistent scorer, with only P.J. Washington (13.8 ppg) and Gafford (12.3 ppg) contributing solid points.
Injured Dallas Mavericks players Dereck Lively II, right, and Luka Doncic, left, look on from the bench during the first half of an NBA basketball game
The Dallas Mavericks announced that center Dereck Lively II has a stress fracture in his right ankle and will be re-evaluated in a month.
This latest injury adds to the challenges Lively has faced in his two seasons. He had missed the past three games due to what the team originally described as a right ankle sprain. This season, he has already missed 11 games due to different injuries.
As a rookie in 2023-24, Lively played only 55 games because of injuries but helped the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011.
Impact of Lively’s Injury and Luka Doncic’s Absence
Lively’s extended absence comes at a time when superstar Luka Doncic is still recovering from a left calf strain, which is expected to keep him out for several more weeks. Doncic has already missed 13 games due to this injury.
“Next man up,” said Mavericks coach Jason Kidd before Wednesday’s game against Minnesota. “That’s why you have a team. We’ve been through this before.”
Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
Other Injuries on the Mavericks Roster
On Wednesday, Dallas listed four other players as out, including starting guard Klay Thompson, who is dealing with a left ankle sprain. The defending Western Conference champions entered the game against the Timberwolves in seventh place in the West.
Coach Kidd’s Focus on Team Effort
“We’re not looking at the standings. We’re just trying to figure out who can put on a uniform,” Kidd said.
Lively’s Performance When Healthy
When Lively has been healthy, he has been productive, averaging 8.9 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 73% from the field in 87 games across two seasons.
He has shared starting duties with Daniel Gafford, who is averaging 12.1 points and 6.2 rebounds in 41 games this season.
The way the Houston Rockets won on Wednesday, with veteran guard Fred VanVleet missing 7 of 8 shots and scoring only five points, would have seemed impossible last season. But their 110-99 win over the Dallas Mavericks showed just how much the Rockets have developed as a team.
The win ended a two-game losing streak and came in the third game of a five-game homestand, with the next game against the Boston Celtics on Friday night.
Even though VanVleet didn’t score much, he contributed five rebounds, seven assists, and six steals. The Rockets didn’t need his scoring or leadership on offense because other players have stepped up to take on those roles. One of those players, Amen Thompson, was out due to a suspension, but the Rockets were still strong.
Houston has grown more confident, relying on Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green to run the offense when VanVleet isn’t performing at his best. Green scored 22 points and kept the team organized, though he didn’t get any assists.
Sengun led with 23 points and four assists, proving that he can handle the offense from the center position with his good vision and passing skills. The Rockets now have several players, like Green, Sengun, and Thompson, who can take on the responsibility of directing the team, making them less dependent on VanVleet.
“I think across the board, the more guys you have that can get us into sets, penetrate, shoot, drive and all those things, it makes us more balanced and deadly,” Houston coach Ime Udoka said. “Fred keeping the turnovers down and getting us into sets last year was a big thing for us to improve our offense and improve the team.
Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
The growth of our young guys and those guys taking on that role with Fred being the recipient sometimes can be beneficial for us.”
The Celtics, on the other hand, won 118-115 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday in the first game of a four-game road trip. They did this without Jaylen Brown (shoulder injury) and Kristaps Porzingis (ankle injury).
Jayson Tatum led the way with 33 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. Boston finished 8-6 in December but is staying confident, knowing that the win against the Timberwolves could give them a boost.
“We’ve had a rough stretch the last eight or nine games,” Tatum said. “This January (we’re) trying to turn it around and get back to our identity.”
The road ahead will be tough for the Celtics as they face the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets after their game with the Rockets. Even without Brown and Porzingis, the Celtics showed how to win on the road against tough competition.
“Take it one game at a time,” Tatum said. “I love the way we competed. Our physicality was on point. That’s what it’s going to take. We play four really good, physical teams on the road, and we’re going to need everybody each game.”
The Cleveland Cavaliers look to extend their strong performance against Western Conference teams on Friday night when they wrap up a four-game road trip against the Dallas Mavericks.
The Cavaliers have been on fire, winning their eighth consecutive game by at least 10 points, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 122-100 on Tuesday. This win improved Cleveland’s record to a perfect 9-0 against Western Conference teams, with an impressive average margin of victory of 16.3 points per game.
Despite these strong numbers, Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson is focused on the bigger picture.
“We know it’s about playoff performance,” Atkinson said. “That’s what it comes down to. You don’t want to be that team that everyone says, ‘Oh, they’re a good regular-season team.’ We have a day-to-day process that we are engaged in. That’s part of the humility.
“Donovan (Mitchell) says it all the time. Our guys say it all the time,” Atkinson continued. “We haven’t done anything yet. It’s great. Our record is great. You have to prove it when it really counts. We’re anxious to get there.”
Jarrett Allen had a standout performance, scoring a season-high 27 points on 12-of-14 shooting and grabbing 14 rebounds in the win over the Lakers.
“Star of the game without a doubt,” Atkinson said of Allen. “Did it on both ends. Super high energy. He is our underappreciated star.”
Donovan Mitchell added 26 points, while Evan Mobley contributed 20 points and six rebounds in the dominant win.
Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
On Thursday, Mobley was named the franchise’s first-ever NBA Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month for games played in December.
Max Strus is starting to find his rhythm after missing the first 27 games of the season with an ankle injury. He scored 15 points, including four 3-pointers, against the Lakers.
Darius Garland also had a strong performance with 14 points and a season-high 14 assists.
As the Cavaliers look to finish their road trip with a perfect record, the Mavericks are coming off a three-game losing streak, finishing their own four-game road trip with a loss. Dallas played without their superstar Luka Dončić, who is expected to miss at least a month due to a calf injury.
Quentin Grimes stepped up, scoring 17 points off the bench in Dallas’ 110-99 loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday.
Kyrie Irving (shoulder) and Klay Thompson (illness) returned from one-game absences to score 16 points each in the loss to the Rockets. However, Thompson expressed frustration with his five turnovers in the game.
“And that’s on me,” Thompson said. “I can’t have five turnovers. I had some uncharacteristic turnovers.
“I’ve got to be more sure with the ball, but I’ll be better in a couple of days against a really good team.”
Dallas forward P.J. Washington suffered a right knee sprain during the first half against the Rockets and did not return after halftime.
The Mavericks are already shorthanded, as forward Naji Marshall is serving the final game of a four-game suspension for his involvement in a recent altercation with the Phoenix Suns.
The Houston Rockets are looking to fix their late-game struggles as they prepare to face the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. In their recent games, the Rockets have had trouble finishing strong, especially in the final minutes.
Against the Miami Heat on Sunday, the Rockets blew a 12-point lead in the second half and scored just 18 points in the fourth quarter. Most of those points came late in the game when the outcome was already decided. They struggled to make shots, finishing 6-for-25 in the fourth quarter.
This was similar to their collapse against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, where they gave up a 16-point lead in the last five minutes.
Houston’s shooting has been a major issue. They rank near the bottom in the NBA for 3-point shooting percentage (32.7%). When their outside shots aren’t falling, teams are crowding the paint, making it harder for players like Jalen Green to drive to the basket, and doubling Alperen Sengun to limit his post moves. This has led to poor finishes in games.
“Scoring at the end in both of those games obviously stands out, and that’s something that has to be addressed,” coach Ime Udoka said.
Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder
“We are guarding well enough to hold Minnesota to 100 until they go on their run, but we are struggling to score at the end. And so that’s something that needs to be solved.”
Houston will be without Amen Thompson for Wednesday’s game after he was suspended for two games due to his role in a scuffle against Miami.
The Mavericks, meanwhile, are also dealing with injury problems. In their recent 110-100 loss to the Sacramento Kings, Dallas played without four key players: Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, and Dereck Lively II. Despite the missing players, Dallas fought hard but lost for the third time in their last four games.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said, “We felt confident with the group we went out there with (on Monday). We’re just trying to find a way with the bodies that we have.”
With several players injured, Kidd has been relying heavily on P.J. Washington and Spencer Dinwiddie, who combined for 58 points in the loss to Sacramento.
