The Dallas Mavericks (19-36, 5-19 away) prepare to take on the Indiana Pacers (15-42, 10-18 home) on Sunday at 4pm CST. While Dallas continues its longest losing streak the franchise has seen since before I was 25, Indiana is also facing struggles as they were handed back-to-back losses to a Washington Wizards team that has been extremely competitive recently. Someone’s got to win this, right? Correct?
A fascinating yin-yang of losing while fighting like a cat
Yes, the Mavericks are losing like their tankathon lives depend on it, but if you actually watch these games, that’s not happening at all on the court or the box score. It doesn’t matter who is in the starting lineup or who this team is up against, the Mavericks don’t make a full stop for anyone. This “win at all costs, we’re not giving up” attitude of the players creates a refreshing dynamic to watch compared to the decisions being made by other franchises, often frankly. The Mavericks roster is a combination of youth of varying ability, mixed with veterans with a high level of pride in their craft, who either were in the Finals less than two years ago or signed here in hopes of helping the team return. This double-digit losing streak in games is notable – not only for its unparalleled length this century for the Mavericks – but for the duality of the positive impact it had on the Mavericks locker room to fight every game regardless of time and score, as well as for the undeniable shift in lottery odds that comes with every loss.
For a team that aims to be a much more competitive team next year, it’s the best of both worlds. No tanking, just going all out and letting roster and injury realities do for this team what other cities are seeing with their teams that aren’t so finely engineered.
When Tyrese Haliburton suffered a serious injury in the first half of the seventh game of the 2025 NBA Finals, he had already scored 9 points in 7 minutes and cast real doubt on the outcome of the championship. Instead, once he tragically left the game, the Thunder mostly cruised to the finish line. This is what happens when you remove the best player from the finals roster, which Dallas—albeit in a very different way—had already learned by then.
The Pacers are without their best remaining player – Pascal Siakam – since returning from the All-Star break. The same situation could happen tonight against the Mavericks. In his absence, the Pacers’ already weak defense is noticeably worse, as evidenced by Indiana allowing Alondes Williams to have a career night. Don’t feel bad, I’d never heard of him either.
This is the type of game Dallas can win, given how hungry the team is to get a win and end a losing streak.
The sidelining of the Cooper flag has seen the expected bump in PJ Washington’s usage. His 5-17 effort, which resulted in 12 points against Minnesota, was troubling. Washington’s improved shooting performance will go a long way in helping Dallas get a win against Indiana.
The game will be broadcast on KFAA-TV and Mavs.com at 4 pm CST. Go Mavs.
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