The Dallas Mavericks have made the playoffs in two-straight seasons, continuing to get better and emerging as one of the best teams in the Western Conference. With high expectations entering the 2021-22 season, the Mavs have struggled early on.
After a solid start to the season, Dallas has experienced major injury issues. Whether it be Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis or another one of their core pieces, the Mavericks have rarely been fully healthy this season.
This has resulted in them losing seven of their last nine games, bringing them to .500 on the season at 11-11.
A loss to the Memphis Grizzlies over the weekend marked the fourth consecutive loss at home for the struggling Mavericks. After that loss, Mavs coach Jason Kidd said the team needs to keep pushing forward and not get discouraged during this rough stretch.
“I think when you look at it you can get discouraged, especially when you aren’t playing well at home on this stretch,” said Kidd. “But even with injuries and everything there is no excuse – it is next guy up. I think they are in a good place. This group has been together and been through a lot since the beginning of the season.”
As Dallas lost this game to the Grizzlies, Doncic and Porzingis were both sidelined with injury. When fully healthy, the Mavericks have looked great this season, but they haven’t had that luxury often.
It’s a long season, with nearly three quarters of it remaining, but the Mavericks are starting to slide down the standings.
