Mavericks Regroup in Practice, Focus on Warriors After NBA Cup Elimination

The Dallas Mavericks have little time to dwell on their 126-117 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. With just two practice days before facing the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, the team has an immediate opportunity to address critical areas of concern — turnovers, rebounding, and executing under pressure.

Tuesday’s loss snapped a seven-game winning streak and exposed some vulnerabilities that the Mavericks must correct to remain competitive in the Western Conference. Dallas committed a season-high 19 turnovers and was thoroughly outmatched on the glass, giving up 17 offensive rebounds that led to 24 second-chance points for the Thunder.

Dallas Mavericks Areas to Address

One of the central themes emerging from Tuesday’s loss was the Mavericks’ inability to protect the basketball. Luka Dončić, who accounted for six of the team’s turnovers, was under constant pressure from Oklahoma City’s defense. This marked the fifth consecutive game in which Dallas averaged 18 turnovers per contest.

“It’s something that we as a team have to address because it’s something that’s been happening for the last couple of weeks here,” head coach Jason Kidd said postgame. “The high-turnover games, which we normally haven’t had, but tonight it got us.”

Dončić acknowledged his own role in the team’s turnover woes. “Just sloppy passes from me,” he said. “I’ve got to take care of the ball. Can’t be having six turnovers. It’s unacceptable on my part.”

Though Dončić finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, his struggles in handling the ball were a significant factor in the loss. Oklahoma City’s defense, ranked among the best in the league, very frequently doubled Dončić, forcing the ball out of his hands and daring others to step up. Kyrie Irving added 17 points, the lowest combined scoring total (33) for the superstar backcourt this season.

“They do a great job of funneling you into situations on the court,” Irving said. “They want the ball to find other guys on your team. And when you’re forced to do that every single possession, it makes it tough.”

Kidd noted the team’s inability to make plays in those moments. “For us, the others have to be able to make the plays, and we just weren’t able to or knock down the open shots on a consistent basis.”

Rebounding was another major point of contention for the Mavericks. Despite Dončić and Dereck Lively II combining for 24 rebounds, the Mavericks were dominated by Oklahoma City on the boards. The Thunder grabbed 17 offensive rebounds, which led to a significant disparity in second-chance points.

“We talked about it,” Kidd said, succinctly addressing the team’s inability to control the glass. “We had to own the boards, and we didn’t do that.”

P.J. Washington’s illness caused him to miss both ends of the floor, particularly on the glass. The Mavericks are 1-5 without him this season, underscoring his importance as a physical presence, especially in close games.

Moving Forward

The Mavericks will now focus on Sunday’s matchup against the Golden State Warriors. They will look to bounce back and build on their strong play earlier in the season. With a record of 16-9, the Mavericks must address their turnover and rebounding issues to remain competitive.

“It was good to regroup,” Kidd said after Friday’s practice. “We had a really good practice today, and then we’ll have another practice tomorrow before we head into the next game. We just need to make sure we improve in the areas that hurt us, especially with Golden State coming up.”

Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who has stepped up in recent games, including the loss to Oklahoma City, spoke to the importance of mental preparedness, especially during stretches where he is not consistently on the floor.

“Just consistency, my approach, and staying ready mentally—that’s been key for me,” Prosper said. “When my number was called, I was ready to come in and bring a lot of energy and effort, playing the right way. I was able to help my team in the best way I could.”

Kidd praised Prosper’s professionalism, particularly given the team’s depth and the injuries they’ve faced. “Max has a positive attitude, and when his name has been called, he’s been ready,” Kidd said. “He’s done that, and as we go forward, we look forward to seeing him get more minutes.”

Dallas Mavericks Injury Updates

Naji Marshall returned to the Mavericks lineup for Thursday’s loss to Oklahoma City, but his recovery from an upper respiratory illness is ongoing. Marshall, who had missed the previous four games, played 29 minutes and scored 19 points with 4 rebounds. However, he was absent from Friday’s practice, citing continued symptoms.

Marshall tweeted on Friday, “It’s a crazy bug out here I just can’t seem to get right.”

After Tuesday’s game, Marshall reflected on his process of returning to competition despite dealing with an illness.

“It was a little bit of both,” Marshall said. “Some days I was sick, some days it was more about conditioning and getting back to the feel of the game.”

Marshall’s contributions have been crucial for the Mavericks this season, particularly during Dončić’s absence. Before his illness, Marshall averaged 18.0 points and 3.3 rebounds in six games as a starter, helping the Mavericks go 5-1 during that stretch.

On a more positive note, Washington returned to practice on Friday. His return should provide a much-needed boost for Dallas, especially on the defensive and rebounding fronts. The Mavericks have posted a 15-4 record when Washington plays, compared to 1-5 without him.

“We definitely miss him, hope he gets well and is back soon. He plays a big role for us,” Marshall said about Washington.

Maxi Kleber (illness), Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain), and Danté Exum (right wrist surgery) were also sidelined for Friday’s practice. Kleber and Hardy did get in some shooting reps, but Exum’s return timeline remains unclear.

A Road-Heavy Schedule

Sunday’s game will mark the Mavericks’ 13th road contest in their last 17 games, a stretch that has tested the team’s stamina. Kidd acknowledged the challenge but emphasized the team’s resilience.

“We just play the games as they’re scheduled. There are a lot of them on the road, but that’s just part of the season,” Kidd said. “No problem. We’re not going to complain about it. We’re just going to go play the games.”

The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, represent another formidable challenge. The Mavericks must rebound in key areas to avoid another setback and maintain momentum.

“We wanted to go [to Las Vegas], obviously,” Dončić said, referring to the NBA Cup. “I like playing this tournament; I think it’s a great idea for the NBA. … Now that it’s over, next game.”

The Mavericks will look to turn the page by focusing on improving execution and controlling the boards. A win in Golden State would help restore some confidence after a tough loss and could set the tone for the remainder of the season.