The Dallas Mavericks are facing a challenging period in their season, and head coach Jason Kidd has acknowledged the uphill battle the team is enduring without stars Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.

Both players are sidelined with injuries, leaving the Mavericks without their two primary playmakers and leaders. As a result, the team has struggled to maintain consistency, dropping five consecutive games and falling behind in the highly competitive Western Conference.

“We’re struggling without Luka and Kyrie, there’s no way around it,” Kidd said after the Mavericks’ latest loss, a 119-104 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. “These two guys are the heart of our team, and when they’re not out there, it’s tough. But we have to find ways to compete and stay together as a group.”

The absence of Dončić and Irving has forced players like Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, and Quentin Grimes to step into larger roles. Thompson, who joined the Mavericks in the offseason, has been a bright spot, scoring 25 points against Memphis. However, the lack of offensive cohesion has been evident, with the Mavericks committing 15 turnovers that the Grizzlies converted into 21 points.

Memphis capitalized on Dallas’ depleted lineup, with Desmond Bane scoring 27 points and Jaren Jackson Jr. adding 20 points and 12 rebounds. Despite solid contributions from the Mavericks’ bench, the team has struggled to generate consistent offense or maintain defensive intensity without their stars.

The injury woes deepened earlier this week when the Mavericks announced that Irving is dealing with a bulging disk in his back, with no timeline for his return. Dončić’s status also remains uncertain, leaving the Mavericks’ immediate future in flux. Kidd emphasized the importance of staying focused and finding ways to adapt during this difficult stretch.

“Injuries are part of the game, and every team goes through it,” Kidd said. “What matters is how we respond. This is a resilient group, and we’ve got guys who are ready to step up. We just need to stay positive and keep working.”

The Mavericks will look to snap their losing streak in their next game against the New Orleans Pelicans. While the team waits for the return of Dončić and Irving, the pressure is mounting for Dallas to rediscover its form and remain in contention. With expectations high following last season’s Finals appearance, the Mavericks face a critical juncture in their campaign.