Consistent Inconsistency: Mavs Problem Highlighted By Embarrassing Loss vs. Grizzlies

The Mavs came off an exhilarating win over the West-leading Timberwolves only to fall flat against the undermanned Grizzlies, displaying persistent limitations.

DALLAS — After achieving a thrilling victory over the Western Conference-leading Minnesota Timberwolves, the Dallas Mavericks lost in a letdown against the Memphis Grizzlies, who played without Ja Morant or Jaren Jackson Jr.

In the 120-103 loss against Memphis, the Mavs produced an all-around flat performance where 30-point performances from Kyrie Irving (33 points) and Luka Doncic (31 points) still weren't enough. Dallas was up 16-9 at the 7:22 mark of the opening period, then gave up an 11-0 run. Memphis scored 39 points in the second quarter, then 35 points in the third period, never relenting in control of the game.

"When you look at the energy, the energy was flatline. We tried everybody," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. "We just couldn't find any energy. We got it to nine [points], I think, and started to get a little energy, and then it ballooned back up to 16 quickly. The energy from the start — we kind of just walked into this. They hit us, and we could never respond."

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The Mavs, holding a 22-16 record, have experienced a few negative trends weighing them down in the standings. While almost perpetually not having various instrumental players available to play due to injuries doesn't help, neither does the team's inconsistency in matching execution against losing teams, as they have top teams.

"When you aspire to be at the top of the league and be respected as one of the best teams in the league, nights like this matter," Irving said. "You don’t want to hang your head for too long. But playing the No. 1 team in the West and then playing against the Memphis Grizzlies, no disrespect to who they are, but we took our foot off the gas pedal, and they took advantage. They hit us in the mouth in the first quarter with 29 points and then 39 in the second. That was pretty much the game right there.”

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With Dereck Lively II sidelined, the Mavs continued to get punished on the boards, giving up 18 offensive rebounds with a significant disadvantage in second-chance scoring. Dallas is now 3-6 in the nine games played without their rookie center while being 19-10 when he plays. When Dwight Powell wasn't on the floor, the team often deployed small ball personnel, which didn't work. Grant Williams lasted seven minutes at the five and was outscored by a 20-point margin. Powell (22 minutes), Markieff Morris (six minutes), and Richaun Holmes (three minutes) were the only players Dallas deployed who were at least 6-foot-8. 

"Looking at all the different combinations — small ball to smaller — didn't work," Kidd said. "Trying to find someone to give us a spark, we just didn't have it tonight. But give Memphis credit. They came out and played hard."

Along with a continued limitation of having small perimeter personnel, the Mavs' dependence on Lively, even as a 19-year-old, has remained apparent throughout the season. Aside from Lively, Dwight Powell is the only traditional big the coaching staff has shown trust to play for extended minutes, while Maxi Kleber has remained sidelined due to a right small toe dislocation since Nov. 9. 

When a team goes small, it tends to be to enhance perimeter shooting capabilities to play five-out, maximize defensive versatility, or both. There tends to be an understanding that rebounding will be a weakness, but the "live and die by the three" approach becomes a reality. Dallas shot 9-27 (33.3 percent) against Memphis, while the opposition was 14-37 (37.8 percent) on the night, while defensive stops proved infrequent when attempting to achieve runs to get back into the game. A critical difference against Minnesota? The Timberwolves shot 13-41 (31.7 percent) from the perimeter, while the small ball personnel afforded Doncic and Irving space to attack.

“Costly mistakes. Timely mistakes. They capitalized on it," Irving said. "[They] beat us up on the boards tonight and got a few extra opportunities. This game could have been even more out of reach if they shot the ball a little bit better. They got a lot of second-chance opportunities, and they took advantage of them. You have to give them credit."

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After experiencing some offensive breakdowns early against the Grizzlies, Irving felt it impacted the focus the team played with for most of the game. As long as the Mavs play with a higher pace and move the ball, he has confidence in what they can accomplish collectively. He wants Dallas to sustain its brand of basketball. 

"There were some breakdowns offensively that led to our frustration," Irving said. "We don’t want to make that a habit where that’s the feeling or emotion we play with. We play well when we’re playing with a good pace and having fun, and guys are touching the basketball. We know our brand of basketball and our identity. When we’re not playing it, [it] is a stark difference.”

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies geared up to achieve a victory, playing their first game since learning Morant will be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to labrum surgery. Desmond Bane, who totaled 32 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, remains fired up to stick it to Dallas for a 2020 NBA Draft decision. Marcus Smart was also in the lineup to wreak havoc, scoring 23 points. Memphis received four other double-figure scoring performances, while Dallas' supporting cast underwhelmed.

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Irving must lead the team without Doncic next to him on Thursday against the New York Knicks — one of the hottest teams in the NBA — to bounce back from the Mavs' disappointing loss. Irving conveyed the importance of having a "short-term memory" and using the film from their defeat against the Grizzlies as a learning opportunity.  

“One thing you will recognize in this league is that a lot of us have short-term memory when it comes to our offensive games and some of our defensive mistakes that we make," Irving said. "But we remember every possession. They guys that are the greatest in the game and some of the greatest to ever play, we remember every possession. We study it.

"I remember the last time I played against Memphis here, I didn’t play too well," Irving continued. "I knew that they would be very physical. So, I was doing my best to get off to a good start, but I have to do more to get the collective energy up and maintain a positive mindset even when things aren’t going well on the offensive end."

It remains to be seen when Doncic will return to the lineup as he now has a "right ankle sprain" after dealing with just "right ankle soreness." It's yet to be determined when Lively, Kleber, or Dante Exum will be back in the fold. Dallas finds itself in a familiar position — needing to overcome missing key players to avoid losing needed leverage in the Western Conference standings as rival teams begin to gain ground.  

"We know they're coming in with the utmost energy and got a great point guard, Jalen [Brunson], leading them and other guys that are filling in their roles," Irving said. "They had a big trade, so we get the first look here at the AAC against the New York Knicks. Looking forward to the challenge."