After an usual 3-day break, the reigning NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks and their superstar, Dirk Nowitzki, will travel to Denver tomorrow night riding a three game losing streak. Over the course of their last three games against the OKC Thunder, Indiana Pacers, and Cleveland Cavaliers, the third quarter hasn’t been kind to the Mavs, and they’re hoping that this trend will change soon, beginning with the Nuggets.
Despite being ahead at the half against all three opponents, the Mavs have not been able to hold onto their lead, due primarily to their disastrous third quarter play in all three games. Over the third quarter of the last three games, the Mavericks have been outscored 73-43, an abysmal 30 point differential.
Against the Thunder, Dallas committed six 3rd-quarter turnovers and made just 3 field goals the entire 12 minutes after half time.
While taking on the Pacers, they coughed up 6 turnovers and shot just 5-16 from the floor.
In the third quarter against the Cavs, the third quarter woes continued as the Mavericks made just 6-19 shots, adding 7 turnovers and allowing Cleveland to begin the half on a 13-0 run.
Put it this way; the Mavericks have had more third quarter turnovers (19) than field goals (14) in their last 3 games.
Some of this may be attributed to Jason Kidd’s absence due to injuries. In fact, after the Mavericks’ loss to OKC, both Jason Terry and Dirk suggested that the team would greatly benefit with Kidd leading the offense due to his knack for getting the ball to the “hot-hand,” and his ability to hand on to the ball. However, Kidd is expected to sit out again on Wednesday night.
The Mavs will certainly have their hands full against the Nuggets in Denver, always a difficult place to play, and if their third quarter play doesn’t improve, they could be staring at 4 straight losses.
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