PHOENIX, AZ — The Mavericks first loss of the 2020-2021 regular season was plagued by “bad shots” and turnovers. The team had a stretch of bad offensive plays throughout the first half which trickled into the beginning of the 3rd quarter, but changed once Luka got going from the field.
Luka Doncic highlighted in his post game press conference shortly after the Mavericks 102-106 loss to the Suns that he will hold himself accountable and he will make it a point to make better shots and better decisions.
“I’ve got to stop taking these very bad shots. It wasn’t just the last one but it was a couple of them. It’s not good for me, it’s not good for the team and I’ve got to change it.”
The most surprising stat for Doncic was hitting none of his attempts from the perimeter going 0-6 on the night. It’s surprising because Doncic was exceptional from behind the arc last season shooting 44% from the three point line. Doncic posted a “Luka style” stat line finishing the game with 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, but the stats don’t tell the whole story.
The Mavericks improved defensively, but they just couldn’t find a way to put it together on the offensive end of the floor, making it tough for them to overcome their deficit to the Suns. The biggest lead of the night Phoenix held was 12 points, so this game was never close to being over.
The Suns didn’t play the best brand of mistake free basketball either, which allowed the Mavericks to keep the game closer than it should have been.
Phoenix committed 19 turnovers and their core players struggled from the field and on the defensive end of the floor all night long. Mostly because Deandre Ayton got into foul trouble early, and Chris Paul didn’t play his best throughout the first 3 quarters of the game. Devin Booker started the game strong scoring 11 points in 10 minutes, but his production experienced a series of “ebbs and flows”. Mikal Bridges scored 8 points in his first 10 minutes on the floor and continued to be the bright spot for the Suns. Cam Johnson and Cameron Payne both made solid contributions off the bench and both finished the night with plus performances, but turnovers kept this game close giving the Mavericks chance after chance to take advantage.
Dallas had several opportunities to pull ahead but couldn’t cash in.
Doncic played much better through the 3rd and 4th quarter and contributed by setting up his teammates, and converting high percentage shots from the field. Luka scored his 32nd point on a dunk with 35 seconds left on the clock, narrowing the Mavericks deficit to 3 points, but that lead was quickly extended after Devin Booker cashed in on a pair of free throws to seal the Suns victory.
Dallas finished the night shooting 42% from the field and only hit 9 three point shots out of 37 attempts which is 24%, which isn’t a great start but hey it’s the first game of the year and trends can change.
There is no need to hit the panic button in Dallas. Luka Doncic is the guy who can galvanize his teammates and make them better, and he can also see the faults in his own game, which is a tangible asset that most leaders possess.
Dallas entered this season with the defense on their minds, and their defense did not disappoint in their loss to the Suns which is encouraging, but if the Mavericks really want to be considered contenders, they must have a balanced approach to their game, and hold each other accountable.
Champions are crowned in June, but the road to the throne is paved in the winter and the spring.
