Mavericks Can’t Sweep Home Stand, Fall To OKC

The Dallas Mavericks avoided a fifth-straight overtime contest at American Airlines Center, but failed to sweep three-game home stand in losing to Oklahoma City.

When you’re not good enough, you’re just not good enough.

Such was the case for the Dallas Mavericks who were trying to sweep a three-game home stand against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night at American Airlines Center. The 109-106 loss was just the second game played at ACC during the calendar year of 2016 that did not go into overtime.

Coming off a 30-point performance on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, small forward Chandler Parsons was on fire again while scoring 26 points in 37 minutes of work. I suggested earlier this week that the Mavericks were going to go as far as Parsons can take them, at least while power forward Dirk Nowitzki tries to get completely healthy following what appears to be a minor knee injury.

Parsons even outscored Oklahoma City star Kevin Durant by two points.

Point guard Deron Williams actually outplayed Thunder counterpart Russell Westbrook in scoring 22 points. Westbrook did have 16 points to go with seven assists and eight total rebounds.

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The difference in this game, among other things, was the Oklahoma City bench, which outscored Dallas reserves 47-27. This is supposed to be an area where the Mavericks have an edge, but they certainly didn’t on Friday night.

Another deficiency was the fact that the Mavericks were killed on the glass again, this time 47-33 in favor of the Okies.

In fact, it’s somewhat surprising that Dallas ended up losing by just three points following another late comeback.

What we know about the Mavericks is that the team has talent. The roster has pretty good depth, as well.

On the other hand, it seems that this team is exactly what they look like – a good basketball team, but probably not a very good basketball team.

There’s still time for this squad to come together more. Parsons is definitely heating up and Wesley Matthews looks like he’s healthy as well. Williams is looking better than he has in years and Nowitzki, if healthy down the stretch, is going to bring his usual shooting prowess. You have to like the impact that reserve center JaVale McGee has brought to the table, because without his repeated lobs-for-dunks, Dallas would hardly ever score in the paint.

Since the departure of Monta Ellis following last season’s loss to the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference playoffs, only reserve point guard Devin Harris seems to drive the lane for points very often. J.J. Barea gets his share of points in the paint, but nobody on this team is what you would call special, unless McGee’s skill set is something you happen to prize, as I do.

Nonetheless, the Mavericks are now 25-20 on the season and now own the sixth seed in the Western Conference. Ironically, if the season ended today, Dallas would face none other than the Thunder in the first round.

Think they could make it passed that team?

Certainly not right now, even if they probably would make it competitive.

A go-to weapon has to be established for this team of savvy veterans and diverse skill sets to reach the next level.

Then again, we knew that coming into this season, right?

Next: Mavericks Going As Far As Chandler Parsons Takes Them

Coming Up For Mavericks:

DAL @ HOU 1/24 2:30pmCST

DAL @ LAL 1/26 9:30pmCST

DAL @ GSW 1/27 9:30pmCST

NJN @ DAL 1/29 7:30pmCST

• Published on 01/23/2016 at 13:01 PM
• Last updated at 01/23/2016 at 04:43 AM