Mavericks' playoff dream is doomed by heartbreaking reality they can't escape

The Dallas Mavericks are inching closer to securing a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament. The team defeated the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, securing their third win in the last four games. It was a top win, as many players like Dereck Lively II continue to make their return, and the team is finally beginning to get healthy. Anthony Davis dominated offensively on Wednesday, scoring a double-double with 24 points and 15 rebounds. He also had five blocks and shot 50 percent from the 3-point line.

Dallas did an excellent job getting Davis involved early and often. The team gave him various post-up mid-range opportunities to help set him up for success. Dallas also gave Davis different chances to help set him up for success. It seemed Davis and his teammates found a genuine connection. This is important as the team looks to make a late playoff run.

The Mavs currently hold a two-and-a-half game lead over the Phoenix Suns and a one-and-a-half game lead over the Sacramento Kings in the standings. This is important because the Mavs have the ninth spot in the Western Conference, and securing the spot would give them home-court advantage for the first game in the Play-In Tournament. Dallas's chances skyrocketed this week when Kevin Durant went down with a sprained ankle on Sunday. Durant could end up being done for the season.

If Dallas does make the Play-In Tournament, they have to win two games to make the actual playoffs. This means the Mavs would probably have to beat the Kings, then either the loser of the 7-8 matchup, which will likely be the LA Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, or Memphis Grizzlies. Assuming Dallas wins both games, they would then have to play the Oklahoma City Thunder in the opening round of the playoffs.

Mavericks' missing star spells disaster for playoff hopes

This would be the ideal situation for Dallas if they were healthy. The team is 3-1 against the Thunder, and the Mavs have dominated OKC dating back to last year's playoffs. In their recent win, Dallas beat the Thunder 121-115 on January 23. Kyrie Irving and Spencer Dinwiddie combined for 52 points as both guards torched the Thunder's defense. Irving also had two steals and shot 50 percent from the 3-point line. It was his leadership that helped Dallas pull off the upset.

However, if Dallas were to play the Thunder in the playoffs again, things would be different this time around. For starters, Irving would not be available for the series, as he is out for the year with a torn ACL. This would be a huge blow for Dallas. The team would need someone to counter Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's dominant guard skills, and Irving was the perfect candidate.

Without Irving, the playoffs seem pointless. He was the heart and soul of the team as he helped keep Dallas afloat after the Luka Doncic trade and held everyone together. Before the injury, Irving had dropped in 31 points against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 1. Shooting-wise, he struggled to get things going, however, he scored in a variety of other ways in that game against the Bucks.

Two months ago, Irving averaged 27.8 points per game. On February 12, he had one of his best games, scoring 42 points and shooting 60 percent from the field. He nearly tied his season high of 43 points. His breakout game helped the team to victory, as he was unstoppable. He was not going to let the Doncic trade affect the Mavs' mentality of winning.

The Mavs' other guards, Brandon Williams, Klay Thompson, and Dinwiddie, have all done an excellent job keeping the guard position afloat while Irving is gone. Their success, though, can never live up to the hype and success of Irving. He is one of the top point guards in NBA history and one of the greatest ball handlers ever.

So, while making the playoffs may be great, it won't be the same without Irving in the lineup. The Mavs desperately need a second star to work alongside Davis. Irving was that guy, and without him, things got complicated. Without him, Dallas likely won't be able to win a playoff series. Irving was a big part of last year's playoff success, and without him, the Mavs face an improbable battle.