DALLAS — With the need to maximize the loss column after committing to tanking, the Dallas Mavericks got the job done in their 138-117 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday afternoon.
The Mavs got off to a tremendous start as far as tanking efforts are concerned. They gave up a staggering 42 points in the second quarter while putting up just 14 points of their own. Facing a 28-point deficit after the opening period made it seem like the Mavs would set an NBA record for margin of defeat before the game was over.
However, the Mavs scored a game-high 45 points in the second quarter to make the game more competitive, outscoring the Spurs by a 16-point margin.
The Mavs’ entire starting lineup had scored in double-figures. Jaden Hardy had a strong performance despite converting on just one of his seven 3-point attempts. In 28 minutes, he totaled 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists. His night was over before the fourth quarter. He scored 21 of his 25 points in the second quarter alone.
Theo Pinson became the 13th player in Mavs history to record a triple-double with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists. Davis Bertans nearly hit the 20-point threshold, scoring 19.
The Mavs now enter the offseason with more questions than answers. Dallas has sole possession of the 10th-best odds in the NBA Lottery, which will take place on May 16. The Mavs will have a 13.9-percent chance at gaining a top-four pick and a 3.0-percent chance of getting the No. 1 overall pick.
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