The Dallas Mavericks' seven-game winning streak was ended by the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. The Pacers, led by 33 points from center Myles Turner, had seven players score in double figures and won 133-111.
As for the Mavericks, head coach Jason Kidd made comments following Sunday's trip. spoke specifically What the team needs to improve on in a fourth quarter scenario.
“Again, Kyrie (Irving) gets going in the fourth (quarter). … The ball should be in his hands,” Kidd said, per FanNation's Grant Afseth.
This season, Kyrie Irving is averaging 25.7 points, 5.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game. In the fourth quarter, the ball-handling maestro was averaging 6.5 points and 5.1 field goal attempts per game.
On Sunday, he had 29 points and six rebounds. Entering the fourth, Dallas trailed by nine points, 100-91. Uncle Drew started the quarter hot, scoring the Mavericks' first nine points of the period. Still, Indiana's firepower proved too much as the Pacers pulled away and ultimately secured the victory.
Overall, the Mavericks allowed 14 threes to the Pacers, two of which sparked Indiana's comeback in the fourth. Additionally, Dallas had just 15 total assists, while Indiana had 38.
Dallas is currently eighth in the West, but fortunately for them the competition is close. The New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings may be ahead of the Mavericks, but they're all within reach.
And although the team is fresh off a loss, its recent performance through Sunday was promising. A comeback appears to be imminent, and Kyrie Irving, Jason Kidd and the rest of the Mavericks are certainly hoping it happens on Tuesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
About the author
Brian Buyawe is a sports enthusiast with a passion for basketball, football and Formula One. His hobbies are running, reading, recreation and playing in his league. As a child, Brian stumbled across an old Larry Bird documentary in his family's movie collection, which made him a lifelong Celtics fan.
