3 important takeaways from Dallas Mavericks loss to shorthanded Nuggets

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks loss to Nuggets: 1. Luka does not get enough help

It was not Luka’s best game and missing four free throws on Sunday night hurt as the Nuggets scored the final five points to pull off the stunning upset without three starters. Denver was doubling and trying to force the ball out of Doncic’s hands the entire game, and that strategy worked.

Luka finished with 22 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, and one steal in 36 minutes of action, but it was far from his best night. He just looked a bit off, and the 23-year-old got frustrated by multiple non-calls on Sunday. Doncic avoided getting a technical foul, but not getting back on defense cost Dallas more than once.

The Mavericks superstar did not get enough support on Sunday night either. The other four starters were three of 17 from 3-point range and nearly all of them were open looks. Denver was letting Dallas take open shots, so they could stop Doncic, and his supporting cast did not convert and it cost them another game.

It feels like the Mavericks need Doncic to go nuclear for the team to win right now. The rest of the team needs to step up, especially when number 77 is not playing his best.

The Dallas Mavericks are off until Wednesday night as they go on the road for a three-game trip against Eastern Conference foes. It starts in Boston against the Celtics, and Luka Doncic loves to go off at the TD Garden. Fans won’t want to miss a second of the action, so be sure to tune in and enjoy the show.