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Dallas Mavericks: Revenge On Their Minds This Week

By Brandon Jennings

Mar 16, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) reacts after scoring during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Center. Dallas won 119-115. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) reacts after scoring during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Center. Dallas won 119-115. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Mavericks enter the last week in March looking to break a two-game losing streak that has dropped Dallas to the No. 7 spot in the Western Conference. The Mavericks followed a disappointing 112-101 home loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Mar. 20 with a 98-92 road loss to the Phoenix Suns two days later.

The Mavericks’ record sits at 44-27 but victories against opponents that play above .500 continue to be elusive for a team that is running out of time to figure it out. Dallas would face the Memphis Grizzlies if the playoffs started today, a matchup that would likely send them fishing within six games.

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If Dallas can make it to the No.6 spot in the Western Conference standings, they could be paired up against the Houston Rockets. While the Rockets are a dangerous playoff opponent, the Mavericks have a better chance of pulling off the first-round upset against their in-state rivals.

Standing in their way at the No.6 spot in the Western Conference is the San Antonio Spurs. This week the Mavericks will face the Spurs twice, and if they want to avoid being stuck in the No. 7 spot, they need to find a way to beat their long-time rivals. Let’s take a look at that matchup and what else awaits the Mavericks this upcoming week.

Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs, Tuesday, Mar. 24

The Mavericks have secured a victory in one of their two matchups against the Spurs this season. Unfortunately the 99-93 victory at the American Airlines Center on Dec. 20 came against a Spurs team lacking the services of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard.

Mar 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) and forward Tim Duncan (21) react after a technical foul call against Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer (not shown) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Spurs defeated the Hawks 114-95. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) and forward Tim Duncan (21) react after a technical foul call against Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer (not shown) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Spurs defeated the Hawks 114-95. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

The Spurs (44-25) are once again accomplishing their goal of peaking late in the season. After winning nine of 11 games, the Spurs will come into Dallas as favorites against the inconsistent Mavericks. The Spurs’ most recent win, a 114-95 victory against the Atlanta Hawks on Mar. 22, was one of their most impressive wins of the season.

The Spurs were just 17-17 on the road before their victory against the Hawks, but they are clearly shifting into another gear away from the AT&T Center as the playoffs approach.

Dallas Mavericks at San Antonio Spurs, Friday, Mar. 27

The Mavericks will have a few days off to prepare for another matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. According to Basketball-Reference.com, the Mavericks have lost their last seven games at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. For Dallas to get back to the No. 6 spot in the Western Conference, they will have to find a way to defeat San Antonio on their home court.

The Mavs continue to struggle against the best teams in the Western Conference, but a successful set of games against the San Antonio Spurs could be the confidence boost this team needs heading into the final month of the season.

Dallas Mavericks at Indiana Pacers, Sunday, Mar. 29

The Mavericks will travel to Indiana to face the Pacers for their final game of the week. The Pacers came into the American Airlines Center on Nov. 24 and beat the Mavericks 111-100. The Mavericks clearly did not come to play and the Pacers took full advantage.

Mar 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) dribbles the ball past Brooklyn Nets guard Jarrett Jack (0) in the second half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Brooklyn Nets beat the Indiana Pacers by the score of 123-111. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) dribbles the ball past Brooklyn Nets guard Jarrett Jack (0) in the second half of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Brooklyn Nets beat the Indiana Pacers by the score of 123-111. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Until recently the Pacers had the look of a team turning it around late in the season. The Pacers had won seven straight games before dropping five games from March 14 to March 21. The Pacers were hopeful superstar guard/forward Paul George would make his return this month, but hat now appears doubtful.

The Pacers may enter the week with a 30-39 record but the Mavericks should be focused for this matchup after an embarrassing early-season loss to the shorthanded Pacers.

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