- The Mavericks have lost seven of their last eight games, including five consecutive defeats after falling 116-125 to the Suns
- Anthony Davis, acquired in the trade for Luka Doncic, remains sidelined with a long-term injury
- Head coach Jason Kidd had only seven available players by the end of the loss to Phoenix due to injuries and minute restrictions
Key Takeaways:
The situation at the Dallas Mavericks has deteriorated significantly following Luka Doncic’s departure. Anthony Davis, who arrived as part of the trade for the Slovenian superstar, remains injured, while Jason Kidd’s squad has now lost seven of its last eight games. The team’s losing streak extended to five after a 116-125 defeat against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, adding to the sense of misfortune hanging over the Texas franchise.
“I’ve never seen this. Where you can’t take someone out to rest them because we had no one to put in.”
Jason Kidd speaks on the lack of available players at this point in the season for the Mavericks. pic.twitter.com/DkN36FJJe1
— Abby Jones (@_abigaiiiil) March 9, 2025
General manager Nico Harrison, who approved the blockbuster deal, has become public enemy number one among Mavericks fans, especially after the team announced an 8% increase in season ticket prices.
The problems continued during the loss to Phoenix, where Kidd was left with just seven available players by the end of the game. Kessler Edwards and Dwight Powell collided and suffered injuries, Brandon Williams sustained a thigh issue, and both Dante Exum and Caleb Martin were on restricted minutes in the final quarter.
Despite a 34-point performance from Naji Marshall and 26 from Klay Thompson, Dallas fell short against a Suns team led by Devin Booker (24 points) and Kevin Durant (21). Grayson Allen (17) and Mason Plumlee (13) also made valuable contributions off the bench.
Phoenix now holds a 30-34 record, while Dallas sits at 32-33. After the game, Kidd acknowledged that he had never faced such a situation in his coaching career—wanting to rest players but having no available substitutes.