5 TAKEAWAYS FROM THE 129-114 LOSS TO LAKERS
NO ANSWER FOR LEBRON JAMES: The Mavs could not stop LeBron James. But then again, not many teams have an answer for the 15-time All-Star. James finished with 35 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists. He was 14-of-25 from the field and 3-of-6 from 3-point range. Coach Rick Carlisle said: “We have to give the Lakers credit. LeBron James was tremendous, and all the supporting cast really stepped up and played well.”
SLOW START: A very slow start hindered the Mavs all night. The Lakers raced to a 45-27 lead after the first quarter, the Mavs cut it to 10 late in the third quarter, but the Lakers took off again. Carlisle said: “They responded and we just didn’t have enough in the tank to come back, so it’s disappointing. It was a disappointing beginning to the game.” It’s the most points the Mavs have allowed in a first quarter all season.
MISSING PORZINGIS: As the games stack up, it’s become clearer and clearer that the Mavs are missing forward/center Kristaps Porzingis. And it’s not just the 17.3 points and 9.4 rebounds Porzingis give them. It’s the 2.1 blocks he collects per outing, and the countless other shots that he alters because he’s 7-3. Porzingis has missed the last six games with soreness in his right knee and the Mavs are 2-4 in his absence.
BOBAN A FACTOR: Backup center Boban Marjanovic nearly had a double-double – in the first half. Marjanovic scored 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds in just six minutes in the first half. The 7-4, 290-pounder finished the night with 14 points and 10 rebounds in only 10 minutes. It’s the sixth time this season Marjanovic has scored 10 or more points in a game and the second time he’s snatched 10 or more rebounds in a game.
LUKA RIPS JERSEY: Luka Doncic wore another jersey after he tore his jersey in the first half. “He’s a guy who loves to win and he got frustrated when he missed the free throws,” Carlisle said. “I think that’s when he tore the jersey. Those are emotions and feelings that are about winning and losing, so I get it.” Doncic finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. He was 8-of-19 from the floor and 8-of-13 from the charity stripe.
Twitter: @DwainPrice
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