Mavericks AM News: Collapse Against Winless Pelicans

120. 69. 105. 79. Final

The Dallas Mavericks were outplayed, out-hustled and out-coached in a blowout loss to the previously winless New Orleans Pelicans.

Early turnovers allowed the New Orleans Pelicans to race to a 10-0 lead over the Dallas Mavericks at Smoothie King Center on Tuesday night. That pretty much told the story about this game, one in which little went right for the Mavs.

This loss was disheartening for Mavericks fans for several reasons, starting with the fact that the Pelicans entered the game 0-6. Of course, Dallas had just helped New Orleans stay winless last Saturday night against a team riddled with injuries. That 107-98 victory at American Airlines Center provided hope that the Mavericks might build some momentum leading up to their next contest – more on that in a minute.

Think again.

Pelicans star Anthony Davis scored 17 points in the first half and didn’t play in the second due to an injury. New Orleans head coach Alvin Gentry was so confident with an 18-point halftime lead that he simply held Davis out the rest of the way.

More from Sports Dallas Fort-Worth

New Orleans isn’t even playing with a full roster, a fact that seemed to hurt when these two teams met in Dallas .But in the Big Easy, it was really, really easy on a team that, again, hadn’t won a game all year.

The Mavericks remain without much identity this season, an issue that was predicted by many heading into the season.

Defense seems to be a glaring weakness for this Dallas team that’s relatively healthy, but not very good at all elements of basketball. There will be some nights when the 3-pointers fall more often and offense pushes them to victory, but there’s no sign of any defense under the rim at all.

Speaking of rim defenders, where exactly is center JaVale McGee?

I’m not a believer that a team coached by Rick Carlisle looks past any team on the schedule, but it’s hard not to ponder that idea with DeAndre Jordan and the Los Angeles Clippers coming up on Wednesday night – the Dallas Morning News was already posting material before the Mavericks and Pelicans even tipped off.

How else to explain an embarrassing 120-105 loss to New Orleans?

Well, either the Mavericks were overconfident following Saturday night’s win, they were looking ahead to the Clippers – or they just aren’t a very good basketball team.

Perhaps it’s a combination of all three of those possibilities.

So, up next is the Clippers, a team that’s already beaten the Mavericks, albeit without starting back court players Wesley Matthews and Deron Williams. Those two should have no issues playing in Wednesday’s rematch, but that’s certainly no guarantee of a different result.

Los Angeles handed Dallas its first loss of the season back on October 29 during the second game of the season for each team. Since then, the Clippers have accumulated a record of 5-2 – the two losses coming against the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets, as expected.

Adding to the complications in this Mavs-Clips rematch is the fact that L.A. Hasn’t played since Monday night, while it will be a back-to-back for the home team. Tip off is scheduled for 7:00pm CST.

Mavericks News From Around The Internet

Davis Leaves With Injury As Pelicans Get First Win (Sports Illustrated via AP)

When the Mavericks lose, they tend to lose big. Here’s the complete recap of went wrong for the Mavericks during their latest setback in New Orleans.

Five Things To Know About DeAndre Jordan Returning To Dallas (DMN – Staff)

For a story that just won’t go away, here’s the inside scoop regarding the eagerly anticipated return of one of DFW’s greatest sports villains, DeAndre Jordan of the L.A. Clippers.

Next: Cowboys: David Irving Must Play Big Role In Future

Having Fun With Crayon-dre Jordan (Dallas Morning News Interactive)

Bored at work? Playing hookie from school in anticipation of Wednesday’s rematch with Jordan? Why not get that old, tired anger and frustration out with a bit of creativity? Check it out and have fun!

Published on 11/11/2015 at 15:01 PM
Last updated at 11/11/2015 at 14:59 PM

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