The Dallas Mavericks concluded the three-game homestand against the Sacramento Kings on Monday. The game was the first of several meaningful games coming up, and Klay Thompson described it as a must-win game. The Mavericks suffered a blowout loss to the Kings, 122-98, at the American Airlines Center on Kyrie Irving Pin Night. Dallas fell to 32-30, while Sacramento improved to 32-28.
Kai Jones led the Mavericks with 21 points and nine rebounds in 39 minutes of play. Jones, a 24-year-old center who made his Mavericks debut on Monday, scored a team-high 13 points in the first half and set a new career-high for a full game. Jones’s previous career-best scoring effort was 12 points on March 28, 2023. He has a knack for catching and finishing lob dunks, too.
Dallas Mavericks-Sacramento Kings Recap
The Dallas Mavericks vs. Sacramento Kings game was action-packed from start to finish. The Mavericks ruled out Anthony Davis with a left adductor strain, Caleb Martin with a right hip strain, Daniel Gafford with a right ankle sprain, Dereck Lively II with a right ankle stress fracture, and PJ Washington Jr. with a right ankle sprain. The Kings ruled out Domantas Sabonis with a left hamstring strain.
Just hours before the game, Dallas announced they signed Jones to a two-way contract. Per league policy, the details of Jones’ contract weren’t disclosed. Dallas then requested waivers for Kylor Kelley, who was on a two-way contract. The Mavericks’ starting lineup presented Kyrie Irving, Dante Exum, Klay Thompson, Kessler Edwards, and Dwight Powell.
Both teams shined in the first quarter. Thompson threw a pass to Dante Exum, who threw it to Dwight Powell, who completed the pass and finish. Malik Monk then spun through traffic before Zach LaVine made a step-back shot. The Kings maintained a 27-24 lead at the end of the first. Both teams started slow in the second quarter. Irving suffered a left knee sprain and didn’t return. The Kings took a 60-50 lead into halftime.
The Kings dominated the third-quarter scoring. LaVine buried a deep three-pointer. Jaden Hardy also suffered a right ankle sprain and didn’t return. The Kings took a commanding lead, 94-66, through three quarters. The fourth quarter saw the Kings’ offense shine, while the Mavericks’ three-point shooting ability stretched the Kings’ defense. The Kings won 122-98 in regulation.
Mavericks vs. Kings Highlights
The Dallas Mavericks vs. Sacramento Kings game featured multiple highlights, such as the Mavericks’ partnership with 3nergy Forever, a Black-owned clothing brand, for an apparel collaboration as part of the team’s African American Heritage Night. Jordan Giddings, Founder of 3energy Forever, started the brand during the COVID-19 quarantine in 2020 and was inspired by his belief in the power of personal energy.
Dallas falling out of the NBA title conversation has been a hot topic. However, 21-year NBA veteran Kevin Garnett — also known as the “Big Ticket” — is convinced that everyone shouldn’t sleep on the Mavericks from a competitive standpoint. Garnett is intrigued by the team’s potential when healthy. He stated on the “KG Certified” podcast, “No one is talking about a healthy Mavs … The Mavs probably are the scariest team.”
The Kings’ 113-103 win over the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on Saturday didn’t come without issues. Sabonis hurt his left hamstring during the game’s second possession and didn’t return. Sabonis held his left leg when trying to run back on defense. The athletic training staff rushed to him, the arena quieted down, and the team officially ruled him out.
Final Thoughts
Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks over the Dallas Mavericks, 132-117, at the American Airlines Center on Saturday. Things were going well for the Mavericks in the second quarter. They had a 10-point lead and scored with ease, but the one-two punch of Lillard and Antetokounmpo gouged the Mavericks for a combined 57 points. Most of the Bucks’ damage occurred through three quarters.
The Mavericks have had their share of bad luck with injuries and illnesses this season. Perhaps enough for several teams. Right now, they’re suffering from bad timing. They saw Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, who have been playing fairly well, on Saturday. The Bucks have looked like a different team after trading Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma before the NBA Trade Deadline.
The Mavericks’ three issues in their 132-117 loss to the Bucks were shooting, defense, and injuries. The Mavericks knew how hard it’d be to tread water while remaining short-handed, but they got a reminder from the Bucks. They’re hopeful that help is on the way as Caleb Martin, who has been out with a right hip strain since January 10, has been playing pick-up games. Martin could be available this week.
The Mavericks and Bucks will meet again on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Central in the Fiserv Forum. The Mavericks could beat the Bucks, but this might be tough. Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd noticed how complete Antetokounmpo’s game has been lately, along with his mid-range jump shot. Kidd added that points are points, as Antetokounmpo is unstoppable when making shots.
