NEW ORLEANS, LA — The Dallas Mavericks suffered a tough 119-116 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, marred by a controversial no-call in the final moments. The game ended in frustration for the Mavericks, who believed they had scored a go-ahead basket late in the fourth quarter. However, the play was not reviewed for a potential goaltending violation, and the Mavs left the Smoothie King Center with a bitter defeat.
After the game, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd expressed his disappointment in the officiating. “That’s the explanation—they didn’t see it,” Kidd said regarding the no-call. “It’s tough. I get it, that’s their job. They didn’t do their job tonight.”
Daniel Gafford led the Mavericks in scoring with 27 points, showcasing his offensive prowess and keeping Dallas competitive throughout the game. Despite his strong performance and contributions from key players, the Mavericks couldn’t overcome the late-game controversy.
With this loss, the Mavericks conclude the first half of the season with a 22-19 record. While the team remains in playoff contention, this defeat highlighted areas where the team needs to improve to compete with top-tier opponents.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks return home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. This matchup presents an opportunity for the team to bounce back and start the second half of the season on a positive note. The game will tip off at the American Airlines Center, where the Mavericks will look to channel their frustration into a strong performance against a young and dynamic Thunder squad.
