Even before tip-off, this was shaping up to be what some people refer to as a “Scheduled loss” for the Mavericks.

 

They were coming off a close loss at home to the Spurs last night, a game where many players played well over their season minutes per game average, and had to lose an hour as they flew to the East coast to face a young Hornets team who was peacefully asleep in their own beds by the time the Mavs arrived in Charlotte early Thursday morning.  Add in a lengthy injury report that included the likes of Dirk Nowitzki, Andrew Bogut and Seth Curry, and you have a disaster in the making for the little Mavericks.

 

It wasn’t a disaster, but form held in Thursday night’s 97-87 road loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

 

Although he struggled for the majority of the night, the Hornets were able to pull away in the final minutes riding the performance of rising star Kemba Walker.  He finished the night with 19 points on 7-19 shooting, but scored 8 of those points in the final five minutes of the game.  Notably hitting the dagger three-pointer to give the Hornets an insurmountable 8 point lead with 40 seconds left.

 

It was another night with a final point total in the 80’s for Dallas.  It was the 8th time this season they haven’t been able to cross the 90 point mark in a game; their second straight night after scoring only 87 against San Antonio on Wednesday night.  Dallas continues to be the lowest scoring team in the league with its lowly 91.2 points per game.

 

In their defense, the Mavericks effort was undeniably great considering the back-to-back situation paired with their slew of injuries.  Dallas played strong perimeter defense, holding the Hornets to just 5-18 shooting from beyond the arc.  However, the Mavericks simply couldn’t shoot the ball consistently enough to ever make a run big enough to put them on top.

 

The Mavericks were led in scoring by 17 points from Harrison Barnes.  Wesley Matthews followed up his season high 26 point performance on Wednesday night with a horrendous 1-11 shooting night from beyond the arc.  Justin Anderson had a strong night with 15 points, but was quiet in the 4th quarter when Dallas was unable to make enough shots to put them on top.

 

The loss drops the Mavericks to 3-15 and puts them one full game ahead of the 76ers for the worst record in the NBA.  With Dirk Nowitzki out through at least Saturday night’s game against the Bulls, it doesn’t appear to be getting any easier for the Mavs.  This was a lone road game in a home-heavy stretch, but Dallas hasn’t exactly dominated at home either.  At the very least, theses last two losses have been close and Sunday night’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans was a win…. so they’re getting better?  Just go with it.

 

The Mavericks will return home to face notable enemies Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo on Saturday night when the 10-7 Chicago Bulls come to visit.  Tip-off is set for 7:30.  Come to Mavs Fanatic for your pre and post game coverage.