Irving, Gafford Combine for 64 Points, But Mavericks Stumble in Clutch Moments Against Hornets

Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford score 64 points but the Mavericks falter late, losing 110-105 to the Hornets despite a strong start.

Photo: Dallas Mavericks

CHARLOTTE — The Dallas Mavericks (23-20) fell 110-105 to the Charlotte Hornets (11-28) Monday night at Spectrum Center despite controlling the paint and standout performances from Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford. Irving's 33 points and Gafford's career-high 31 points, 15 rebounds, and seven blocks weren't enough, as turnovers, poor perimeter shooting, and untimely mistakes undercut their efforts.

Already without Luka Dončić until early February, the Mavericks continued to suffer from unfortunate injury luck. Dereck Lively II (right ankle sprain) was downgraded from questionable to out, Quentin Grimes (back spasms) was a late scratch and played without Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain), Dwight Powell (right hip strain), and Danté Exum (right wrist surgery). As injuries have mounted, Dallas has gone 4-10 since losing against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas Day.

"It would be nice at this point in the season to have everyone healthy,” Irving admitted. “I’ve missed 10 games, and that’s not something I set as a goal for myself coming into the season. I want to play as many games as possible. But with my MRI coming back on my back and D. Live going down, Luka going down, J. Hardy going down, and other people missing games, it’s unfortunate.”