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Dallas Mavericks Find Yet Another Way to Lose, Fall to Suns

By Kohl Rast

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 18: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on December 18, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Danny Bollinger/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 18: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on December 18, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Danny Bollinger/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Mavericks have found some great play from the entire team over the last few games, right up until the final few minutes. Yet again, Dallas found a way to lose, this time to the Phoenix Suns, despite leading by double-digits shortly before the 4th quarter.

It has been a tough stretch for the Dallas Mavericks, who have found themselves thinking they were in the game right up until the bitter end of the past three games. Despite great play from many players, Dallas has been unable to close these games.

Tonight was yet another sighting of the three-quarter Mavs, as the Phoenix Suns took over in the 4th, outscoring Dallas, 26-19 in the final 12 minutes. Once again, Dallas falls to a sub-.500 team missing their best player, a habit the Mavericks will need to get rid of if they want any chance to go anywhere this season. Someone needs to step up against these teams that shouldn’t be able to guard us.

Despite the Mavs leading for a majority of the game, they couldn’t slow down the attack, primarily from Isaiah Canaan, who scored 11 of his 17 in the final 12 minutes. Dallas, on the other hand, scored 4 quick points before going on a 4 minute drought that ended up being the big difference maker in the game.

Dallas was led in scoring by 26 from Harrison Barnes, followed by 14 from Devin Harris and 13 apiece from Wesley Matthews and Yogi Ferrell. Maxi led the team with 8 rebounds while Barea led with 6 assists. Phoenix was led in scoring by 19 from TJ Warren.

Dallas was missing one important player with Dennis Smith Jr. still sidelined, but the Suns missing Devin Booker seems to overrule the Mavs loss. Regardless, it was an ugly loss that the Mavs could have easily avoided. Dirk was non-existent for the most part, but he did pass Kobe Bryant on the all-time made three-pointers list with his first bucket of the night.

Next: One Trade for Each of the Most Tradable Dallas Mavericks

If the Mavs are going to turn the season around, it could start at home against a tough Detroit Pistons team on Wednesday. Detroit is 17-13 and on a 3-game winning streak. The Mavs and Pistons will tip-off at 7:30 central time.

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