Dallas Mavericks Drop Their Last Away Game in Philadelphia

The Dallas Mavericks fell to the Philadelphia 76ers in their second-to-last game of the 2017-2018 regular season.

The end is in sight. Unfortunately for Dallas Mavericks fans, the Mavs only have one more game before the long, painstaking wait for next season.

On Masters Sunday, the Mavericks dropped their last away game of the season to the red hot 76ers, but there were plenty of positives to take from the game.

Dennis Smith Jr. played an absolutely spectacular game. The rookie point guard had his first head-to-head matchup with the first overall pick in his class Markelle Fultz and Smith did not disappoint.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 8: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 8, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Junior posted 20 points, 11 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. That’s the definition of stuffing the stat sheet. Dennis Smith has come a long way since the beginning of the season. He looks far more comfortable commanding the offense. It is clear head coach Rick Carlisle has done a tremendous job managing his development.

Fellow rookie Maxi Kleber posted his first career double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Kleber has been on fire of recent, converting 16 of his last 18 attempts. Other Maverick youngsters Dorian Finney-Smith and Jonathan Motley impressed in limited minutes as well.

The 76ers were led by “rookie” sensation Ben Simmons. The 21-year-old is likely to take home the Rookie of the Year Award in a stacked rookie class and demonstrated exactly why this afternoon. Simmons posted 16 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds while only missing 3 shots from the field.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 8: Doug McDermott #20 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 8, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

This win was absolutely pivotal for Philadelphia as they try to hold off the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Dallas, on the other hand, fell into a tie for the 3rd best lottery odds for the 2018 NBA Draft. Losses are never fun but comfort can be taken in the fact that this upcoming draft class appears to be extremely strong.

Looking forward, the Mavericks will play their last game Tuesday in Dallas against the league-worst Phoenix Suns. The Mavericks will for sure be without Dirk Nowitzki, Wes Matthews, JJ Barea, and Nerlens Noel.

Next: Three Under-the-Radar Draft Prospects

The season may be coming to an end once again without a playoff birth, but this team’s development is starting to trend in the right direction. Go out and support your Mavericks Tuesday. It is your last chance to be rowdy, proud, and loud! Go Mavs!

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