The Dallas Mavericks (28-44) fall again 116-100 to the Sacramento Kings (25-36). Moving forward, the Mavs will be without Tim Hardaway Jr. for the remainder of the season due to a stress reaction in his leg.

The Mavs were on their second game of a three-game West coast road trip. This was the first meeting between the two teams after the trade that sent Harrison Barnes over to the Kings for Justin Jackson and (the waived) Zach Randolph.

Not only were there familiar faces to both teams, but it was also great seeing the former Mavs fan favorite, Yogi Ferrell, getting well deserved playing time for the Kings. He put up nine points, three boards and two assists in 13 minutes.

Okay, let’s get into the “takeaways” from tonight’s game.

Luka is not God

It is evident that Luka is still a rookie at times and tonight was one of those nights for him. He shot 4/19 from the field (2/10 from the three) and finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds and three assists in 26 minutes.

Doncic did, however, have a moment in the game where he hit a silky step back that will never get old as a Mavs fan. It was in the middle of the second quarter when he sent poor Bogdan Bogdanovic flying just before he hit the shot from beyond the three-point line. It was so mean, but it was so Luka-like.

Tonight was Justin Jackson’s night

The newly acquired Maverick at the deadline was feeling it tonight as he led Dallas in scoring with 19 points while adding five boards. His former team didn’t seem to have answers for him on the defensive end as he shot 9/16 from the field in 33 minutes of play.

In his first start with the Mavs, he really showed signs of the type of player he could be for this team moving forward. He’s a solid role player with a 3&D type of style in his game. He’s also young, so that’s also appealing moving forward.

Team tankers, you win again

Those of you folks who are on “team tank” got what you want yet again. The Mavs have now lost their last ten of 11 games and for some of you, that is music to your ears. The Mavs are now sitting comfortably with the sixth-worst record in the NBA.

According to the new lottery odds, this gives the team a 37% chance to get into the top four of the draft and a 9% chance to get the number one pick, or in other words, Zion Williamson.

The Mavs will have a rematch with the Kings, but at home this time, Tuesday at 7:30pm. Before then, the team finishes off the three-game road trip against the defending champs. That game is Saturday also at 7:30pm.