Mavs Bench Struggles Without Dereck Lively in 134-127 Loss to Pacers

Dallas Mavericks fall to Indiana Pacers as bench production dips in absence of Dereck Lively

Author:
Austin Givan
Nov 5, 2024 3:04 PM EST

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The Dallas Mavericks faced a tough 134-127 loss to the Indiana Pacers at American Airlines Center on Monday, dropping their record to 4-3 on the season. With starting center Dereck Lively II sidelined due to a sprained right shoulder, the Mavericks struggled to maintain their bench production, a factor that proved costly in a high-scoring affair.

Nov 4, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts to a foul call during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Leading the Mavericks, Luka Doncic delivered a strong performance with 34 points, seven rebounds, and 15 assists, adding two steals and hitting four of his 10 three-point attempts. Kyrie Irving followed suit, putting up 27 points along with five rebounds and four assists, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Indiana’s offensive onslaught. Klay Thompson chipped in 16 points, with P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford contributing eight points each and a combined 15 rebounds, though Gafford failed to register a defensive stat.

The Mavericks' bench saw little production. However, Naji Marshall had a notable game, stepping up in Lively’s absence with his best performance as a Maverick, scoring 20 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out six assists.

Spencer Dinwiddie added 14 points, but the rest of the bench contributed just four rebounds, one assist, and one steal, a far cry from the depth showcased in their previous 108-85 win over the Orlando Magic, where the bench combined for 25 points, 25 rebounds, and nine assists.

Now, Dallas will need to bolster its secondary unit as they prepare to face the Chicago Bulls, currently 3-4, in their fourth of five consecutive home games on Nov. 6. The Mavericks will aim to contain Bulls guard Zach LaVine, who leads Chicago with 22.7 points per game, and will look to capitalize on Dallas’s recent defensive lapses in the paint.