The Dallas Mavericks entered the 2024-2025 NBA season with high expectations, fueled by a deep playoff run last year and the return of their star player, Luka Doncic.
However, the team’s performance so far has fallen far short of those expectations, and Doncic is the first to admit that the Mavs have significant issues to address. After a tough loss to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Cup first round, Doncic didn’t hold back when discussing the team’s ongoing struggles, particularly in closing out games.
The Mavericks have been plagued by close losses early in the season, and Doncic’s frustration is palpable. “We’ve lost two straight by two or three points, so we just need to work on closing out games,” Doncic said candidly in his post-game remarks. These losses have been hard to swallow for the Mavericks, especially considering their playoff aspirations. The loss to the Warriors on Tuesday, while painful, was only the latest in a string of close defeats that also included heartbreaking losses to the Denver Nuggets (120-122) and the Phoenix Suns (114-113).
In both the Nuggets and Suns games, the Mavericks found themselves in the driver’s seat late, only to falter in the final moments. Doncic, who is known for his clutch play, reflected on the team’s inability to finish games. “I think last year we were a very, very good clutch team. This year, not so good so far,” he admitted. The contrast between last season’s late-game execution and this year’s struggles has been glaring, and Doncic recognizes the team needs to regain its composure when it matters most.
The loss to Golden State highlighted some of the issues that have plagued the Mavericks in close games. With the clock ticking down in the final moments, Doncic had the ball in his hands and a chance to win the game. “I think it could’ve been way better. The shot clock was going down, so I was kinda trying to get to my spot,” Doncic explained. “On the last shot, I was trying to look if somebody was open, but with three or four seconds left, I just took the shot.” The miss was a tough one, and it added to the growing narrative of Doncic struggling in high-pressure situations late in games.
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Despite the loss, Doncic was the standout player for the Mavericks, putting up 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in 41 minutes of action. However, his inability to score in the fourth quarter left fans and analysts questioning whether he made the right decision in the final moments. Some wondered if he should have passed to a teammate, such as Kyrie Irving or even Klay Thompson, who could have had a better look at the basket. Critics pointed to Doncic’s performance in clutch situations and questioned whether he should have trusted his teammates more.
Social media was abuzz following the game, with many fans criticizing Doncic’s decision-making in crunch time. The debate over whether he should have passed or taken the shot himself is nothing new for a player of his stature, but the pressure is intensifying with each late-game failure. Nevertheless, Doncic’s response to the criticism has been characteristically mature. Known for holding himself accountable, the 25-year-old did not shy away from acknowledging areas where he needs to improve.
When asked if he could adjust his off-ball play, Doncic was blunt in his self-assessment. “Just overall. Just playing without the ball. Just all of it,” he said, highlighting that there is more to his game than simply scoring with the ball in his hands. Doncic’s awareness of his weaknesses and his willingness to take responsibility for the team’s struggles shows his maturity, but the reality is that the Mavericks’ success hinges on much more than individual effort.
For Dallas to get back on track, Doncic and the team need to address their late-game execution. While Doncic has proven to be one of the most dynamic players in the NBA, his struggles in crunch time are becoming a key talking point. The Mavericks’ offense is too reliant on Doncic’s isolation plays, and teams have started to key in on his tendencies, particularly in the final minutes of close games. If the Mavs are going to contend this season, they will need to find a better balance and more trust in their teammates in critical moments.
At the same time, the team’s defensive issues remain a persistent problem. Despite Doncic’s scoring prowess and ability to create for others, the Mavericks have had trouble stopping opponents when the game is on the line. The absence of a true defensive anchor has been glaring, and the Mavericks will need to improve in that area if they are to be a serious playoff contender.
Doncic’s frustrations are understandable, but there is still plenty of time for the Mavericks to turn things around. The early-season struggles, while disappointing, have exposed some of the areas where they can improve. With Doncic continuing to grow as a leader and a player, there is no doubt that he will work on his late-game decision-making. Moreover, the Mavs’ supporting cast, including Irving and others, will need to step up in clutch situations to relieve some of the burden on Doncic.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks have a lot of work to do to right the ship. They will need to figure out how to finish games, improve their defense, and trust one another in high-pressure situations. As Doncic himself acknowledged, the team has the talent to be much better, but it will take a collective effort to turn things around. Whether it’s improving his off-ball play or trusting teammates in clutch moments, Doncic’s growth will be pivotal to the Mavericks’ success this season.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks to see if they can rediscover the late-game magic that made them so dangerous last year. For now, Doncic’s willingness to admit the team’s shortcomings is a step in the right direction, but the Mavericks’ ability to close out games will determine whether they can meet the lofty expectations placed on them. With Doncic leading the charge, there’s still plenty of hope that the Mavericks can find their rhythm and turn their season around.
