Mavs’ Bench Continues Struggles in Narrow Loss to Suns
The Dallas Mavericks dropped a heartbreaker to the Phoenix Suns at American Airlines Center, falling 114-113 in a game that underscored their ongoing bench struggles. Entering the matchup, expectations were high for the Mavs’ bench to step up in the absence of key players Dereck Lively and P.J. Washington. However, the limited bench output left the bulk of the work to the starting five, who ultimately couldn’t secure the win.
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
Head coach Jason Kidd expressed his not-so-quiet frustration following the game.
“The Positives, we fought. We scored over 60 points there in the second half. The pace was really good. The fatigue of running Luka [Doncic] and Ky [Kyrie Irving] forty-something minutes because our bench stinks right now… As deep as we are, we got to get someone to [expletive] participate off the bench. Somebody has to join the party. That’s just not happening right now. It’s a team. It's not just Luka, Ky, and Klay [Thompson]. Others have to participate.” continued Kidd.
The Mavericks’ bench contributed a modest nine points, nine rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block, shooting 3-of-6 from the field and 1-of-2 from three-point range. In contrast, Phoenix’s bench provided a more robust 28 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and two steals, helping balance the Suns’ effort. The Mavericks’ starting lineup produced 104 of the team’s 113 points, along with 30 rebounds, 15 assists, and four steals, but the lack of support from the bench became a crucial factor in the narrow loss.
With this tough result behind them, the Mavericks now turn their focus to the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 10. In their last meeting in March, Dallas secured a 107-105 win, powered by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The Mavs will look to bounce back and address their bench issues before facing off at Ball Arena.
