DALLAS, TEXAS — The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Dallas Mavericks 118-108 in a matchup that didn’t have two of the NBA’s biggest superstars, Luka Doncic and Zion Williamson.
The issue for the Dallas Mavericks is the lack of role players. When Luka is playing, he and Kyrie team up and lead the way, but when Luka is out, no one else steps up to help out Kyrie.
Irving showed that he can put up massive points after taking over against the Knicks, scoring 44 points and 10 assists, and tonight he held his own yet again, registering 33 points, but that was not enough. Outside of Irving, no other player on this Mavericks roster hit 10 points on the night.
The Pelicans had a depleted roster without Williamson, Brandon Ingram, C.J. McCollum, and Trey Murphy. Still, players like Jordan Hawkins stepped up big tonight, registering a game-high 34 points, with six other Pelicans scoring in double digits.
The Pelicans came out strong tonight and had the momentum and will to win. Tonight, for the Mavericks across the board, it just did not look good. The lack of defensive stops and a disappointing offensive performance outside of Irving ultimately cost them the game.
The Mavs will look to get back in the win column when they take on the Pelicans again on Monday at 1:30 p.m.
