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3 takeaways from the Mavericks’ failure to close in on the Suns
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3 takeaways from the Mavericks’ failure to close in on the Suns

The Dallas Mavericks fell to 5-4 with a 114-113 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Friday night despite taking the lead with two minutes remaining. It was a disappointing finish for the Mavs at home, as they went just 2-3 during that stretch.

Phoenix was the beneficiary of an uncalled loose ball foul on the play that rewarded Jusuf Nurkic with the game-winning free throw. But Dallas had chances to win this game, as Luka Doncic missed three in the final two minutes, which would have given the Mavs a five-point lead. Instead, Phoenix would control the final minute and come away with the victory.

Here are three takeaways – and questions – from Friday night’s loss to the Suns.

READ MORE: Controversial call costs Mavericks vs. Suns, Dallas Falls 114-113

Dallas was missing Derek Lively II in this game, but even when he was on the floor, the Mavs gave up a lot of offensive rebounds. They’re in the bottom half of the NBA in defensive rebounding, and they consistently give up offensive rebounds in big moments. The controversial call was made because two Suns were in the inner circle versus a Maverick (even if Phoenix gets away with a shove behind Gafford’s back, it would need more bodies at the basket). Dallas needs to resolve this issue if it wants to consider itself a contender.

Because they were missing Lively and PJ Washington, Jason Kidd deployed a clutch lineup with Spencer Dinwiddie in place of Naji Marshall for the final three minutes, except for a possession or two near the end. Marshall played brilliantly as a secondary playmaker and scorer, and he is a positive defender. Dinwiddie… was barely noticeable. Marshall adds more size on the glass and it was questionable, at best, not having him in the game at the end.

The Mavs were 11/33 from deep in this game, dropping them to 35.2% from three this season, which is in the bottom half of the league. Klay Thompson, who was brought in to help solve this problem, was 1/7 against Phoenix, Naji Marshall was 2/6, and Kyrie Irving had a rare three-way “off” night at 2/6. Only six of the 11 players who played for Dallas even attempted a three-point shot. The Mavericks could always use another shooter on this team if he becomes available for trade.

READ MORE: Warriors plan unique return for Mavericks’ Klay Thompson

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