They scored 139 points on just 95 possessions (146.3 per 100) in the win in New Orleans, but just 94.5 per 100 in their three losses, with one of those coming two nights later against the same, 28th-ranked Pelicans’ defense. 2019 (Luka Doncic’s rookie season) that the Mavs have been held under a point per possession in three out of four games. But that game was the most anomalous of anomalies last week, which was the first time since Jan.

On Wednesday in New Orleans, the Mavs registered the highest effective field goal percentage in a game in NBA history (79.5%), shooting 22-for-23 in the restricted area, 17-for-26 on other 2-point shots, and 18-for-34 from beyond the arc. Soreness in that ankle sidelined Doncic again Saturday night, and Kristaps Porzingis has missed the past two games because of a knee contusion. His frustration has been problematic, as coach Jason Kidd noted that Doncic’s constant complaining to the referees often results in poor transition defense. The Mavs are 2-3 in the games that Doncic has played in that span, including blowout home losses to the Cavaliers and Pelicans. Here is what national analysts across the major outlets had to say: ESPN Rank: 14 Last week: 9ĭallas has dropped seven of nine games since Luka Doncic sprained his left knee and ankle. In essence, the Mavericks have been treading murky water, and that’s reflected in this week’s Power Rankings Watch. Unfortunately that was the lone win of the week after getting chase off their own floor twice, against the Cleveland Cavaliers and those same Pelicans, while also dropping another against the Memphis Grizzlies at home. Last week the Mavericks played an historically efficient game against the New Orleans Pelicans, and showed flashes of potential for what this roster can produce.

They are fighting through a rough patch of play, while also battling injuries up and down the roster - most recently and most troubling, both Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis.

Five nights with 39 free play