The Dallas Mavericks entered the 2024-25 NBA season with high hopes after a historic run to the NBA Finals last year, their first in the Luka Dončić era.

Though they fell short against the Boston Celtics, the Mavericks showcased their potential as a championship contender. Their offseason moves only heightened expectations, as they added sharpshooter Klay Thompson, versatile forward Naji Marshall, and young talent Quentin Grimes to bolster their roster.

However, injuries and adversity have thrown a wrench into Dallas’ plans, and the team now finds itself in the midst of a troubling five-game losing streak. The latest setback came Monday night against the Memphis Grizzlies, where the Mavericks fell 119-104 on their home floor. This game highlighted the depth of their struggles, as both Dončić and Kyrie Irving were unavailable due to injuries.

Earlier in the day, the Mavericks announced that Irving would miss 1-2 weeks with a back injury. With Dončić already sidelined, Dallas was forced to rely on a patchwork lineup to face a hungry Grizzlies squad. Despite their best efforts, the Mavericks couldn’t keep up with Memphis, who exploited Dallas’ lack of star power to secure a comfortable victory.

Klay Thompson, one of the marquee offseason acquisitions, shouldered much of the offensive load in the absence of Dončić and Irving. Thompson poured in 25 points on an efficient shooting night, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Grizzlies’ balanced attack. Memphis was led by Desmond Bane, who scored 27 points, and Jaren Jackson Jr., who added 20 points and 12 rebounds. The Grizzlies also capitalized on Dallas’ 15 turnovers, converting them into 21 points.

While the Mavericks’ bench contributed solid minutes, with Naji Marshall and Quentin Grimes combining for 23 points, the team’s lack of cohesion was evident. The absence of their two primary playmakers disrupted the offensive flow, forcing role players into unfamiliar responsibilities.

Head coach Jason Kidd expressed frustration after the game but remained optimistic about the team’s ability to bounce back. “Injuries are part of the game, but we have to find ways to compete and execute,” Kidd said. “This is a resilient group, and I’m confident we’ll turn things around.”

The Mavericks will look to end their skid in their upcoming game against the New Orleans Pelicans. While Dončić and Irving’s returns remain uncertain, Dallas must rely on its depth and grit to weather this challenging stretch. With lofty expectations for the season, the pressure is mounting for the Mavericks to rediscover their winning ways and prove that last year’s Finals run was no fluke.