The Luka Doncic-led Dallas Mavericks have hit a rough patch in the season, losing seven of their last eight games and dropping to 11th in the Western Conference, putting them outside of the play-in tournament.
Despite this, Doncic remains optimistic and points out that their struggles are mostly due to their defense, not Kyrie Irving, who was acquired in a trade earlier in the season. In a recent interview, Doncic stated, “I don’t think offense is the problem, and I always said this. It’s our defensive end. I think anybody can score on us. Whoever it is, anybody can score on us.”
Luka Doncic, when asked whether he and Kyrie Irving have had enough time to learn to play together: “I don’t think offense is the problem. I’ve always said this. It’s our defensive end. I think anybody can score on us. Whoever it is, anybody can score on us."
— Callie Caplan (@CallieCaplan) April 4, 2023
Luka Doncic Takes Responsibility for Mavericks’ Defensive Struggles
The Mavericks’ defensive struggles have been apparent all season, ranking 24th in the NBA in defensive rating before losing Dorian Finney-Smith to the Brooklyn Nets during the Irving deal. Since then, their defensive rating has dropped to a league-worst 119.7. During their current 1-7 slide, the Mavericks’ defensive rating has been a dismal 121.2, worse than the 20-59 San Antonio Spurs’ 119.0 DRTG.
Despite their defensive struggles, the Mavericks’ offense has been doing well, posting the best mark in the league during their current slide. However, Doncic knows that their defensive woes must be addressed if they hope to make it to the playoffs. “I’m the leader of this team. The one to blame is me,” he stated.
Doncic’s frustrations have been building up, especially after their recent loss to the Miami Heat, where he expressed that he wasn’t having fun on the court anymore. “Sometimes I don’t feel it’s me. I’m just being out there. I used to have fun, smiling on the court, but it’s just been frustrating,” he said.
Despite the team’s struggles, Doncic remains committed to playing and fighting until the end. When asked if he would consider shutting down for the remainder of the season, he responded, “No, I’m playing tomorrow (against Sacramento). When there’s still a chance, I’m going to play. So, that’s not going to happen yet.” He knows that there is little chance of them making the playoffs, but as long as there is a chance, he will continue to give his all.
In conclusion, the Mavericks’ struggles this season are mostly due to their poor defense, not Kyrie Irving. Doncic acknowledges that he is the leader of the team and takes full responsibility for their struggles. Despite this, he remains optimistic and committed to playing until the end of the season, hoping to turn things around and make a late playoff push.
From Playoff Contenders to Lottery-Bound: The Dallas Mavericks’ Disappointing Season
The 2022-23 NBA season has been a frustrating one for the Dallas Mavericks, as they have gone from being a playoff contender to a lottery-bound squad. With a record of 37-42, the Mavericks currently sit in 11th place in the Western Conference, one game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the final Play-In spot. Dallas must win their remaining three games and hope for the Thunder to slip up in order to have a chance at making the playoffs.
Despite having a 96 percent chance of making the playoffs back in February after the Kyrie Irving trade, the odds are now stacked against Luka Doncic and his teammates, with only a six percent chance of making the postseason, according to Bleacher Report. The Mavericks have no one to blame but themselves for their predicament, as their inconsistency and inability to close out games have cost them valuable wins throughout the season.
While the Mavericks’ playoff hopes may be slim, they can still salvage some pride by finishing the season on a high note. It remains to be seen what the future holds for this franchise, but for now, they must focus on winning their remaining games and hope for the best. In the end, the Mavericks’ disappointing season serves as a reminder that nothing is guaranteed in the world of professional sports, and that even the best-laid plans can fall apart in a matter of months.
