After absolutely dismantling the Los Angeles Clippers by 51 points on Sunday, the Mavericks were on the opposite end of a blowout tonight as the Charlotte Hornets came into a fanless American Airlines Center and beat the Mavs 118-99.

Let’s be honest, the only positive about tonight’s game were the throwback uniforms and court. That court is a thing of beauty.

From about mid-second quarter on, it was ugly for Dallas. Whether it was offensive rhythm, effort, energy, body language; the Mavericks did not have it tonight. To pair that with the Hornets shooting 51% from the field, the cards were not in Dallas’ favor at all tonight.

Tim Hardaway led the Mavs with 18 points. Jalen Brunson added 16 off the bench.

“Ugly night,” Carlisle said. “There’s not a whole lot else to say.”

Hornets rookie LaMelo Ball had his best game of his young career with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Miles Bridges added 20 points and 16 rebounds off the bench.

Luka’s Rhythm

We’re four games into the season and it’s evident that Luka hasn’t found his groove. That was more clear than ever tonight as Doncic struggled mightily, finishing with just 12 points and 5 assists.

“It’s clear Luka doesn’t have his rhythm yet. Everybody is working through something right now,” Carlisle said.

Though the free throws have received the green light so far, Luka’s jumpshot was not falling tonight, as that’s been the case to start the season (2/21 from three). The rhythm in his jumper is nonexistent. The step back three he helped make so popular must’ve been left in the bubble. Conclusion, Luka’s jumper needs a lot of polish and both he and the Mavericks know that.

Luka Doncic: "I just think my legs are really tired, but it’s not an excuse." He has acknowledged that he's playing his way into shape after the short offseason.

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 31, 2020

But it wasn’t just the bricks that stood out tonight; it was the body language. It was poor, to say the least from Luka. Granted, the team’s uninspired play as well as his disappointing individual performance, it’s easy to get down on yourself but the team needs a leader’s energy out of Doncic. To put it lightly, the sulking has to stop.

“Luka is moving in the right direction. I have no doubt about that.”

If the right direction includes getting shots up after a poor performance, I’ll follow Luka on that path.

No quit. pic.twitter.com/4BkxS5F4Ps

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 31, 2020

Big Man Rotation

As Kristaps Porzingis finds himself on the cusp of a January return to the lineup, the big rotation will undergo some shuffling.

With KP returning to the starting lineup, what happens to Dwight Powell? Powell has started at the 5 in Porzingis’ absence but has been anything but effective.

In fact, not just Maxi Kleber, but Willie Cauley-Stein’s minutes have left more of a positive impact than Powell’s. James Johnson has also shown some positive flashes on both sides of the floor in a tweener role.

I guess what I’m asking here is how does Rick configure the backup big minutes when KP returns? The minutes for backup big’s are limited as it is in today’s style of play but with Powell, Kleber, and WCS vying for minutes, Carlisle and staff will have a decision to make.

The Mavericks look to bounce back on New Years Day against the Miami Heat.