Curious decision of the bosses
Mavericks spare stars and miss playoffs
4/8/2023 8:39 am
It has been apparent for weeks, now it’s official: The Dallas Mavericks will miss the NBA playoffs. Coach Jason Kidd has to rest numerous stars in the game against the Chicago Bulls. Behind this is a deeper plan of the club management.
The Dallas Mavericks missed the NBA playoffs for the first time in four years. Without Maxi Kleber, star guard Kyrie Irving and three other rested players, the Mavs lost 112-115 to the Chicago Bulls – and will now probably build a new team. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers are certain to participate in the play-in tournament for clubs ranked seventh to tenth in each conference. After the 121:107 against the Phoenix Suns, the record champions even have a small hope of sixth place in the Western Conference and thus direct qualification for the round of 16.
“We were fighting for our lives, but the organization decided to change course,” Dallas head coach Jason Kidd said of his staff in the duel with the Bulls, announcing that “a lot of people won’t be coming back next year.” The Mavs leadership is apparently looking for a better position for the draft, the NBA’s talent lottery. “Sometimes decisions are difficult in this business. We’re trying to build a championship team. This decision might be a step backwards, but hopefully it will lead to a step forward,” commented Kidd.
Mavs top star Luka Doncic only played in the first 12 or so minutes, in which he scored 13 points – making him the top scorer for his team, which saw numerous substitutes and role-playing players get plenty of playing time. Kidd had already announced before the game that the Slovenian all-star Doncic would only play the first quarter because of his thigh problems. A win would have given Dallas a chance at the play-in tournament.
With the Lakers, national team captain Dennis Schröder was out for a short time due to neck pain, while the Californian’s top scorer was D’Angelo Russell with 24 points. Anthony Davis had 21 rebounds. The Suns waived their regulars around Kevin Durant and Chris Paul. Both the Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans with their 113:105 against the New York Knicks could still overtake the Golden State Warriors, who would have to lose to the Portland Trail Blazers, and grab a direct ticket to the playoffs on Sunday. Both teams have 42 wins and 39 losses, the Warriors have one loss less. If that doesn’t work, the two teams will meet in the play-in on Tuesday. The loser then has one more chance.