Bittersweet Season Finale: Dallas Mavericks Close Out In Memphis

As the 2016-2017 season culminates, the Dallas Mavericks will travel to Memphis and face the playoff-bound Grizzlies this evening.

With essentially nothing to play for, this season finale will be bittersweet for Mavs fans. This will definitely be a long offseason. 

For the first time during Mark Cuban’s tenure as owner, the Dallas Mavericks won’t have the postseason to look forward to. Between injuries, constant lineup changes and lack of offensive firepower (30th in PPG), things just never panned out for coach Carlisle’s squad.

Expectations weren’t necessarily high coming into this season, but no one realistically envisioned the sub .500 season we’re in the midst of either. However, this season hasn’t been all doom and gloom.

With the additions of Harrison Barnes, Seth Curry and Yogi Ferrell, Dallas saw a much-needed youth movement take place. In an organization that is typically ran by veterans, the Mavericks got an introspective look at the potential leaders of the post-Dirk era.

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In an effort to bring some excitement to an otherwise disappointing season, Mark Cuban strategically had the Mavs honor recently retired Dallas Cowboys​ quarterback Tony Romo. Romo suited up and participated in the layup line for Dallas’ final home game last night. Only a last-minute rejection from Commissioner Adam Silver kept him from actually checking into the game.

Unfortunately, there won’t be any welcomed distractions in Memphis. The Grizzlies lead the season series 2-1 and Mavs have lost five straight coming into tonight. With Dallas resting five players, ending this season with a victory is highly unlikely.

Look for newly-acquired guard DeAndre Liggins to get some playing time off the bench. Liggins was released by the Cavaliers on Sunday and picked up by Dallas yesterday, ahead of their home finale.

Next: Mark Cuban is a Genius and the Tony Romo Tribute Proves It

You can watch tonight’s game at 8:00 PM on Fox Sports Southwest and Southeast.