3 takeaways as Dallas Mavericks lose to shorthanded Pelicans

The Dallas Mavericks lost the New Orleans Pelicans 113-111 on Tuesday night, despite getting 37 points from Luka Doncic. Dallas did not bring their defense to the Big Easy, and it was an inexcusable loss as the Pelicans were without Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and Herb Jones.

It was a 40-point first quarter by New Orleans and poor offense by the Mavericks down the stretch that sunk Dallas and put them at 1-2 on the season. They gave up too many easy looks inside, and they could not find their offense in the final quarter as the Pelicans doubled to force the ball out of Luka’s hands late.

What can Mavericks fans take away from the disappointing loss to the Pelicans in New Orleans? Here are the three biggest things.

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks loss to Pelicans: 3. Wood goes off again

Can anyone stop Christian Wood since he joined the Mavericks? The 6’10 big man made a massive impact again on Tuesday night in New Orleans. He made it three straight 20-point games as Wood finished with 23 points in a season-high 29 minutes of action. C-Wood was eight of ten from the field, including hitting all three 3-pointers on Tuesday night.

Christian Wood was plus-eight in his 29 minutes of action, but the rotation pattern again forced him off the floor for the majority of crunch time. He returned with 1:35 left in the fourth quarter, but there was not enough time for the Mavericks to complete the comeback.

Wood’s offensive contributions should force head coach Jason Kidd to play him more moving forward. Whether he starts or not, Kidd needs to find a way to get the 6’10 big man on the floor in crunch time.