The Dallas Mavericks continue to stagger towards the abyss. After the 116-125 defeat to the Phoenix Suns, the team is not only faltering in the playoff race in the Western Conference – their injury concerns are also taking on dramatic proportions.
Dallas was only able to field nine players against the Suns. Even then, not all of them were at full strength, as some were still struggling with injuries. As a result, the Mavs never really found their feet and ultimately lost out to Phoenix.
“I’ve never seen anything like it – when you can’t even take someone out because there are no subs,” said a frustrated Head Coach Jason Kidd after the game. ‘Normally you can bring a player from the end of the bench. But if they weren’t on the bench, it’s because they were in the treatment room or couldn’t move.’
Dallas Mavericks: Play-In spot on the line
Despite the defeat, the Mavericks are still in tenth place in the Western Conference with a record of 32-33, the last play-in spot. But with the Suns (30-34) as their direct pursuers, the air is getting thinner and thinner.
If the personnel situation does not improve soon, Dallas could slip out of the playoff ranks for good in the final stretch of the season. The next few games could be crucial – but without fresh talent, it will be difficult to save the season.
