Mavericks' new kryptonite is destroying their once-hyped season

The Dallas Mavericks have yet to find their true identity and don't have that key player to help elevate their offense. This is clearly shown in every game, especially on Wednesday when the team suffered its third straight loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Dallas is now tied for the worst team in the Western Conference with New Orleans, averaging a league-low 107.3 points per game. The team is in dark territory, something fans aren't accustomed to.

One reason for their struggles has been their 3-point shooting. The main issue is that Dallas is struggling to convert their long-range attempts, even if they get good looks. This is problematic, as the league has transitioned into a high-scoring affair, and the only way teams can combat this is through their 3-point shooting.

Coach Jason Kidd has mentioned in the past that the only way Dallas can solve their woes is to keep shooting. However, that's the problem; even with more shot attempts, the team has struggled to make shots from downtown. Some of the biggest issues are the Mavs' inability to convert their wide-open attempts and keep pace with their opponents. This is something that needs to be solved badly.

Mavs' 3-point shooting is heading toward league-worst territory

In simple terms, the Mavericks' 3-point shooting has been nonexistent. The team has the third-worst 3-point shooting percentage in the league. They are converting a shockingly bad 31.6 percent of their shots from beyond the arc. This continued against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday when Dallas shot 31.3 percent from long range. It's a horrible trend the team can't seem to get away from, as they have made 10 or fewer 3-pointers in six of their last eight games.

One issue has been their inability to convert wide-open looks. Dallas ranks at the bottom of the league in converting open 3-point attempts. This is especially true when a defender is six feet away or more. Basically, these are attempts the team can't afford to miss.

For example, the Mavs struggled heavily shooting the ball against the Houston Rockets on Monday. They converted 25 percent of their attempts, as they looked like a team without a true 3-point threat.

Players such as Klay Thompson have struggled to replicate their past success to help move the needle. Thompson, one of the top 3-point shooters in NBA history, is shooting a horrific 26.2 percent from long range. His struggles are one of the reasons he was benched on Wednesday.

Another player who could have elevated their shooting was D'Angelo Russell. The former Los Angeles Lakers guard used to be one of the top shooters in the league. Three seasons ago, Russell shot a career-high 41.5 percent from the 3-point line. Fast forward to now, and things have taken a turn for the worse. He is shooting a career low 29.3 percent from downtown, as his past shooting success vanished.

In context, the Mavericks' 3-point shooting has been their kryptonite this season. It's something the team must address going forward if they hope to be competitive in a tight Western Conference. Yet, the Dallas Mavericks must find ways to give their players opportunities to break out of their slumps.

So, the Mavs have a long road ahead. They sit with a 2-6 record and look like a completely different team from two years ago. Yes, injuries have played a part, but Dallas must find ways to combat that. One way the team can fix this is through their 3-point shooting. Maybe someone can help the team break out of its funk.