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3 takeaways from Mavericks’ inability to close against Suns
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3 takeaways from Mavericks’ inability to close against 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 left. It was a disappointing end to this five-game home stretch for the Mavs, as they went just 2-3 in that stretch.

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

Here are three takeaways (and questions) about Friday night’s loss to the Suns.

READ MORE: Controversial Call Charges Mavericks Against Suns, Dallas Falls 114-113

Dallas was missing Dereck Lively II in this game, but even with him on the floor, the Mavs gave up a lot of offensive rebounds. They rank in the bottom half of the NBA in defensive rebounds, and they consistently give up offensive rebounds in key moments. The controversial call was set up because two Suns were in the restricted circle compared to one Maverick (even if Phoenix got away with a shove on Gafford, there should be more bodies at the basket). Dallas needs to fix this if they want to consider themselves a contender.

Missing Lively and PJ Washington, Jason Kidd rolled out a combination lineup with Spencer Dinwiddie in place of Naji Marshall for the final three minutes, with the exception of a few possessions toward the end. Marshall had a brilliant game as a secondary playmaker and scorer, and he is a plus defender. Dinwiddie… was barely noticeable. Marshall adds size on the glass and not having him in the game at the end was questionable at best.

The Mavs were 11/33 from deep in this game, which dropped them to 35.2% from three on the season, which is in the bottom half of the league. Klay Thompson, who was brought in to solve this problem, was 1/7 against Phoenix, Naji Marshall was 2/6 and Kyrie Irving had a rare off night from 3:00 on 2/6. Only six of the eleven players who played for Dallas even TRIED a three-pointer. The Mavericks could still use another shooter on this team if one becomes available for trade.

READ MORE: Warriors Plan Unique welcome back for Mavericks’ Klay Thompson

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