The Dallas Mavericks’ issues remain problematic. The new-look Mavericks underwent an eventful offseason from top to bottom, but their defensive shortcomings and offensive inconsistencies are still liabilities. Here’s how the Mavs can get back on track as the 2026-27 NBA season continues on.
Dallas Mavericks’ Issues vs. Houston Rockets
The Dallas Mavericks’ issues against their in-state rival, the Houston Rockets, have been prevalent during the preseason and the regular season.
The Mavericks opened the preseason with a blowout loss, 135-117, to the Rockets in Macao, China, on October 9 and the regular season with a loss, 128-110, in Houston, Texas on October 21.
Kyrie Irving didn’t play on Oct. 9 but played for the Mavs vs. Rockets preseason game in Macao on Oct. 11 and recorded 17 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists in his NBA return after a 19-month absence. Irving then played for the Mavs at Rockets regular season opener in Houston on Oct. 21, where he finished with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Irving and Cooper Flagg provided reliable offense, but other teammates struggled to make shots. The Rockets’ depth and veteran leadership shined, while the Mavs’ scoring and playmaking issues showed. The Mavs missed 17 three-point attempts, committed 8 turnovers, and were outscored 38-12 during the second quarter.
Mavericks’ Issues at Indiana Pacers
The Mavericks’ issues lingered on the road against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 23. The Mavericks entered Friday’s game with four players out: Dereck Lively II (foot), Tarik Biberovic (heel), Santi Aldama (knee), and Caleb Martin (thumb). The Mavs listed Jett Howard (calf) as a game-time decision.
The Mavs had a tall order as the Pacers welcomed back Tyrese Haliburton, who helped Indiana become contenders. The Pacers’ love to run and kick for three-pointers contributed to the Mavs’ importance of capitalizing on Cooper Flagg’s 32-point and 5-rebound season debut, while maintaining a strong defense against Haliburton and the Pacers.
The Mavs beat the Pacers 121-105 in Indianapolis to spoil Haliburton’s home return. Haliburton finished with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Kyrie Irving led the Mavs with 24 points, 1 rebound, and 3 assists. However, Cooper Flagg’s injury overshadowed the Mavs’ win. Flagg suffered a left shoulder injury after a foul by Aaron Nesmith on what appeared to be a breakaway dunk. He finished with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. Nesmith was called for a flagrant foul and was assessed a flagrant foul following a brief shoving match.
The Mavs’ offensive inconsistency showed, especially in the third quarter when they were outscored by the Pacers. In addition, the Mavs’ performance was disrupted due to Flagg being out and Irving being fouled out in the final minutes, despite Naji Marshall and Max Christie maintaining the lead. The Mavs over rely on Irving, Flagg, and PJ Washington — and in this case, the Pacers pulled within 13 points before Irving was fouled out.
How to Turn Things Around
The Mavericks can turn things around in the 2026-27 NBA season, but they must address their structural issues and not just shift towards a new era. The Mavs can fix transition and half-court defense, improve depth, and manage frontcourt health. The Mavs’ tendency to give up easy baskets hurts, especially in high-pressure moments, and lack of consistent contributions from the bench increases the margin of error.
The Mavs return home to host the San Antonio Spurs in Dallas, Texas on October 24 before visiting the Miami Heat in Miami, Florida on October 23. From there, the Mavs can relax a bit with a two-game homestand against the Oklahoma City Thunder and Sacramento Kings on October 28 and November 2.
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