3 encouraging takeaways from Dallas Mavericks loss to Houston Rockets

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks loss to Rockets: 2. Need more ball-handlers

Luka Doncic leads the league in usage, time of possession, and scoring, so it was no surprise that the Mavs had a massive void to fill on Wednesday night. It was the second night of a back-to-back, and Spencer Dinwiddie played 41 minutes against the Clippers. His legs were heavy, which contributed to a rough shooting night.

Dallas could not afford to sit Dinwiddie, and he carried another hefty workload because the Mavericks had nowhere else to turn without Doncic. The 6’5 guard produced nine points, ten assists, two rebounds, and two steals in 32 minutes of action, but Dinwiddie made just three of his 18 field goal attempts.

Head coach Jason Kidd turned to Facundo Campazzo on Wednesday night, but the 5’10 point guard will remain an emergency option. He finished with three points, two rebounds, five assists, and three steals, but he made just one of his seven field goal attempts and had three turnovers in 23 minutes of action. The Mavs do not want to have to rely on Campazzo in the playoffs.

If Luka Doncic or Spencer Dinwiddie needs to miss time, the Dallas Mavericks have nowhere to turn for their ball-handling and playmaking. It was clear on Nov. 16 without Luka, and the front office needs to address their playmaking and ball-handling issues before February’s trade deadline.