DALLAS, TEXAS — The Dallas Mavericks lost to the Portland Trailblazers 121-118 snapping their winning streak of 4 games. This game never lacked intensity from the tip and both teams were engaged fully and planned to keep their respective winning streaks alive. Dallas struggled with consistency more than anything in their effort tonight and their ups and downs offensively were to blame.
The Mavericks were so-so efficient from the field and struggled shooting from the outside missing all 7 of their attempts from beyond the arc. The only Mavericks player to score more than 4 points was Luka Doncic who scored 13 points and recorded 3 assists. A polar opposite outing from how well they have played during their winning streak. Dallas finished the quarter converting on 42% of their shots from the field and still couldn’t find their range from beyond the arc.
The Blazers made their cabbage from the three point line knocking down 55% of their three point shots and shot 60% from the field which led to a Maverick 34-25 deficit to end the first quarter.
The Mavericks got it moving on offense and put the clamps down on the Blazers to begin the second quarter matching the intensity the Blazers were dishing out. Dallas improved their shooting percentage from the field converting on 55% of their shots and shot 50% from beyond the arc. Luka Doncic played an outstanding first half for the Mavericks finishing the first half with 24 points knocking down 2 three pointers helping the Mavericks take a 61-58 lead over the Blazers to end the first half of play.
To open the third the Mavericks struggled to stop a surging Blazers offense and gave up their lead they held heading into the half. Dallas didn’t have a bad quarter from the field converting on 50% of their shots but Portland knocked down 71% of their shots making it hard for Dallas to catch up. This led to a Mavericks deficit to end the third quarter by 12 points.
Dallas began to regain ground to make things interesting in the fourth quarter. Dallas managed to knock down more of their shots in the fourth quarter than the Trailblazers converting on 59% of their shots compared to the Blazers 38%. Dallas came close to overcoming their 12 point deficit but their hopes were disrupted when Damian Lillard knocked down a clutch three pointer followed by a layup that was good to give the Blazers a 121-118 lead with seconds remaining which would be the final push the Blazers needed to snap the Mavericks 4 game winning streak.
The Mavericks lack of defense caught up with and mid game offensive struggles is what hindered them this game. Inconsistent play against good teams is a recipe for losses and although the Dallas has played well offensively during their winning streak, defense is why they were inches away from extending their winning streak.
