Mavericks' D'Angelo Russell experience has taken a quietly deadly turn

The Dallas Mavericks put forth a tremendous effort in a 133-127 double-overtime loss in an NBA Cup game versus the LA Clippers, but unfortunately for Dallas, moral victories simply won't cut it when you are 3-10. There were plenty of bright spots from this game, such as D'Angelo Russell's play off the bench in light of a rough game from starting point guard Brandon Williams, but Russell's polarizing nature was also extremely evident for the Mavericks late in the game.

Russell finished with 28 points, six rebounds, and five assists, as he was controlling the pace of the game in the half-court for Dallas in the in-between game throughout most of his run during the first 48 minutes of the game, but Russell's play tightened down the stretch, as he had multiple turnovers and tough layup attempts in the overtime periods.

Russell finished with seven turnovers in the game and went 0-6 from outside, and while Williams also couldn't get it going from downtown, it's without a doubt his quickness and dribble-drive ability could've served well for Dallas down the stretch, with Russell's legs and wind seeming to diminish in the overtime juncture of the contest.

Russell has flashes of greatness — but never consistently enough

This isn't to say head coach Jason Kidd made the wrong decision to rock with Russell instead of Williams down the stretch, as Russell's shot creation in the mid-range singlehandedly kept the Mavericks in the game throughout crucial stretches in this contest, but Russell's poise seems to come and go, and it left him during the most important parts of the game down the stretch.

Williams may not be able to light it up in the mid-range or from outside to the same degree that Russell can, but his baseline playmaking and finishing ability are a far more consistent bet than Russell's three-level scoring ability, making it clear why he should start. However, Kidd had to run with Russell down the stretch because of how he helped galvanize Dallas' comeback effort in the first place, despite it ultimately coming to the Mavericks' detriment.

When Kyrie Irving returns from injury, Russell should be far better accentuated in Dallas' lineup, as he would be able to feast against second units for 15-25 minutes per game. But if he's only having offensive outbursts in one out of every five games or so (like he is now), it's without a doubt that Williams could be a far steadier bet to assume Dallas' backup point guard slot once Irving returns. Especially since he projects to fit better in the long term for Dallas.

The Mavericks are doing whatever they can to get out of this offensive rut, and while they are certainly improving marginally throughout the last few contests, Russell's inconsistency makes it hard for them to establish a real rhythm, especially when he plays 39 minutes like he did versus the Clippers, granted it went to double-overtime.

If Dallas had a better shot creator on the roster, this wouldn't be as much of an issue, but Nico Harrison elected to sign Russell instead of trading for a better guard this offseason, and now Dallas is paying the price, despite the short bursts of greatness from Russell.