What’s up with the Dallas Mavericks?
After an exciting double overtime win against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks just didn’t have it versus the Portland Trail Blazers. Fatigue was definitely a factor in the Mavs’ 17-point loss.
Luka Doncic, who played more than 52 minutes in the victory versus the Lakers, was held to a season-low 15 points and shot 7-of-19 from the field and 1-of-6 from the line. He notched 10 assists against the Blazers, but was outplayed by Damian Lillard from the opening tip.
The Mavs have been up and down as of late, losing four of their last six games. There’s no need for alarm bells just yet. As long as Doncic is on that MVP-level season, the Mavs will be okay. Just let the man rest for a bit.
What’s up with the Portland Trail Blazers?
Damian Lillard and the Blazers saw an opening against the Mavs and took advantage. Dallas looked to still be in recovery mode from their epic double OT game versus LA, so Dame pounced.
Lillard scored 36 points in only 29 minutes of play, giving the Mavs’ backcourt of Doncic and Spencer Dinwiddie the business. Lillard has been hot lately, coming off the 50-point game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
However, Dame Time hasn’t translated to wins. Portland went on a five-game drought, dropping to 11th in the Western Conference. The win versus Dallas was very much-needed.
Storyline to watch out for
Things got a bit chippy between Lillard and Doncic after the latter gave Dame an elbow after a call. It was Lillard who got the better of the exchange, got the win, and took home bragging rights after a 36-point game.
Doncic’s 15-point game was horrible, but the good news for him is that he’ll have a chance to get one right back. A Lillard-Doncic rematch in a back-to-back should be must-watch basketball.
Prediction
Dame and Luka are two players who can go off at any given time. One of them is bound to drop 50 points in their matchup. Lillard or Doncic, take your pick.
Dallas, as their win-loss record shows, is a better team right now than Portland. One more night of rest should be enough for a bounce-back.
