Nick Angstadt here, the host of the daily Locked On Mavericks podcast, with your daily Locked On Mavericks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Mavericks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Kyrie Irving’s Return Can’t Save Mavericks from Nuggets Blowout
Jan 14, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) passes the ball by Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron/Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Dallas Mavericks suffered a devastating loss to the Denver Nuggets, despite the return of star point guard Kyrie Irving. The game, which ended in a blowout victory for the Nuggets, highlighted some concerning issues for the Mavericks as they continue to navigate a challenging stretch without Luka Doncic.
Irving’s return from injury was a surprise to many, as he was initially listed as questionable with a back injury. While his presence on the court was a positive sign for the Mavericks, his performance left much to be desired. Irving struggled to find his rhythm, shooting just 4-of-18 from the field and failing to connect on any of his three-point attempts.
The game was effectively over from the opening tip, with the Nuggets dominating every aspect of play. Jamal Murray put on a spectacular performance, outscoring the entire Mavericks team for much of the first quarter and finishing with 45 points. The Mavericks’ defense seemed unable to contain Murray, who hit shots with remarkable efficiency.
Adding to the Mavericks’ woes, center Dereck Lively II left the game early with an ankle injury. His absence was felt immediately, as the Mavericks struggled to contain Nikola Jokic’s passing and the Nuggets’ frontcourt.
Despite the disappointing outcome, it’s important to note that this game is not necessarily indicative of the Mavericks’ true potential. The team has shown resilience in previous games without their star players, and Irving’s return, once he shakes off the rust, should provide a significant boost.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks face a crucial stretch of games before the All-Star break. With reports suggesting that Doncic could return before the break, the team will need to weather the storm and pick up some key wins to stay competitive in the Western Conference playoff race.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Mavericks’ performance against the Nuggets, tune into the Locked On Mavericks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Mavericks Podcast:
• Analysis of Daniel Gafford’s recent performances and his role in Lively’s absence
• Discussion on the Mavericks’ upcoming schedule and potential return date for Luka Doncic
• Evaluation of role players’ performances during the stars’ absence
Have potential contenders figured out the Celtics?
Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) fouls Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half at TD Garden. | Paul Rutherford/Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
It’s always risky, doubting the Celtics. Not for Celtics fans, but for the rest of us. On Friday night, at home, Boston fans booed their team as they let the Kings take an uncontested rebound and take (then make) the same 3-point attempt. The Celtics lost, recording their 11th of the season. That’s only four games more than this time last year.
Going back, Boston recorded most of their losses last season in the winter stretch leading up to All-Star Weekend, the same stretch they’re in now. I would chalk a lot of those losses up to fatigue and deft competition who could sense the Celtics easing up on the gas, if briefly. The Nuggets, Bucks, Cavaliers and (then) white hot Pacers took advantage of those minor slumps. The losses now, though coming this season within the same stretch with the same fatigue taking a portion of the toll, have to do more with opponents figuring out how the Celtics tick.
This season, the Celtics are a known quality. Their brand of basketball last year overwhelmed the majority of their opponents, teams not built to withstand a barrage of incessant 3-point shooting backed by a quick and smothering defence without a moment to recalibrate or catch their breath. Most teams spent entire games, and all their energy, trying to chase Boston off the line. This season the Celtics have slipped to a 7th overall (from 3rd) defensive rating, and are currently 3rd overall (from 1st) in offence — teams have figured them out.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Trades Here’s the latest on the NBA trade deadline and rumblings around the league. (The Athletic)
The Dallas Mavericks secured a crucial victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing their resilience without key players. How did the Mavs overcome the absence of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to defeat LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the Lakers?
The Dallas Mavericks face a challenging stretch without Kyrie Irving, who is sidelined with a back injury. How will the Mavs cope without their star guard, and what does this mean for Luka Doncic and the team’s playoff aspirations in the competitive NBA Western Conference?
Nick Angstadt & Slightly Biased break down the Mavericks’ defensive struggles, Quentin Grimes’ impressive performance, and key contributions from Klay Thompson and P.J. Washington. He analyzes what went wrong for Dallas and highlights bright spots like Grimes’ 26-point outburst against an elite Cavs team featuring Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley.
