Here are my 5 takeaways form the Dallas Mavericks’ 111-99 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse:
1. DONCIC HAS TO REMAIN CALM: I’m sure it must be frustrating when the ball isn’t falling, or when you think you’re getting fouled and the officials aren’t calling those fouls. But Luka Doncic – and every other player on the team – has to remain calm, even when things aren’t going well. Doncic was automatically ejected from Saturday’s game with three minutes remaining in the third quarter after he picked up his second technical foul for kicking the ball into the stands. Doncic, who was just 3-of-14 from the field and finished with eight points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals, said he’ll learn from this mistake and move on.
2. TURNOVER BUG SHOWED UP: The Mavs only committed 13 turnovers overall, which in today’s fast-paced NBA game is not a bad total. Unfortunately, they came in bunches and occurred during one of the game’s defining moments. The Mavs led by seven points in the first quarter, but five turnovers during that quarter led to 11 points by the Pacers. Four more turnovers in the second quarter helped pave the way for Indiana to lead by as much as 18 points before halftime. With the turnover damage already done in the first half, the Mavs never got closer than 10 points of the Pacers in the second half.
3. DEANDRE DOUBLING UP AGAIN: DeAndre Jordan showed once again that when he gets his offense going, more than likely he’s going to finish the game with a double-double. That happened again Saturday as Jordan collected 15 points and a game-high 16 rebounds against the Pacers. It’s the 27th double-double for Jordan this season and also was the 20th time he’s grabbed at least 15 rebounds in a game this year. In addition, the 15 points are the most Jordan has scored since he poured in 20 against New Orleans on Dec. 26 – 12 games ago. And his seven made field goals ties for his second-highest total of the season.
4. BARNES LED ALL SCORERS: Harrison Barnes poured in a game-high 20 points against the Pacers while finishing with six baskets in 15 attempts. It marked the 17th time this season where Barnes has attempted at least 15 shots in a game. And on 11 of those occasions he’s scored at least 20 points for the Mavs. Barnes poured in 13 of his points in the second half when the Mavs tried to overcome a 19-point deficit. Overall, Barnes converted three of his seven 3-point field goals and made all five of his free throw attempts. It’s the fourth time in the last five contests that Barnes has attempted at least five free throws in a game.
5. BENCH CAME UP SHORT: The loss of J. J. Barea to season-ending right Achilles tendon surgery has placed a heavy burden on the Mavs’ bench. That burden was certainly felt Saturday as the Pacers’ bench-warmers outscored the Mavs’ reserves, 54-36. Indiana’s bench was 22-of-34 from the field, while the Mavs were 14-of-36. Jalen Brunson continues to have a solid rookie season as he finished with 12 points and four assists in 22 minutes off the bench, and Dwight Powell added 11 points and five rebounds in just 14 minutes. Tyreke Evans (19 points) and Domantas Sabonis (16 points, 11 boards) led the Pacers’ bench.
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