The Dallas Mavericks’ struggles continued Sunday night as they suffered a 125-116 loss to the Phoenix Suns, extending their losing streak to five games.
The Mavericks’ roster has been severely depleted due to injuries, leaving them with only seven healthy players by the end of the game.
The game featured standout performances from the Suns’ stars, with Devin Booker scoring 24 points and Kevin Durant contributing 21 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.
For Dallas, Naji Marshall delivered a career-high 34 points, marking his second consecutive game achieving a personal best.
Injury woes for the Mavericks continue to mount. During the game, big men Kessler Edwards and Dwight Powell collided while chasing a loose ball in the third quarter, forcing both players to the locker room.
Guard Brandon Williams was later sidelined due to left hamstring tightness.
These in-game injuries added to an already extensive list of sidelined players, including Anthony Davis (left adductor strain), Daniel Gafford (right knee sprain), Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain), Kyrie Irving (left knee ACL tear), Kai Jones (left quad strain), Dereck Lively II (right ankle stress fracture), Olivier-Maxence Prosper (right wrist sprain), and P.J. Washington (right ankle sprain).
The Mavericks’ recent roster challenges began with the unexpected trade of franchise cornerstone Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that shocked and angered fans.
In exchange, the Mavericks acquired Anthony Davis, who made his debut but suffered an injury that has sidelined him since the trade.
The situation worsened when Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending ACL tear, further depleting the team’s talent pool.
Head coach Jason Kidd faces the daunting task of navigating the remainder of the season with a significantly undermanned roster.
The Mavericks’ five-game losing streak has dropped their record below .500, jeopardizing their playoff aspirations.
Dallas is scheduled to face the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. CST.
Travis Tyler