The Dallas Mavericks, hampered by a depleted roster, faced a tough challenge against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon. With only nine players available, the Mavericks struggled and ultimately fell short, losing 125-116. The game highlighted the team's ongoing difficulties with injuries and salary cap constraints that have left them unable to field a full team.
The game saw several injury setbacks for the Mavericks. Kessler Edwards returned to the court with a bandage over his left eye after receiving treatment for an injury sustained during a collision with teammate Dwight Powell. Powell, on the other hand, received seven stitches for a gash on his forehead and was unable to return to the game. Brandon Williams also exited early due to hamstring tightness, adding to the team's mounting injury concerns.
The inactive list for the Mavericks was extensive, including notable players such as Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Jaden Hardy, Kyrie Irving, Kai Jones, Dereck Lively II, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, and P.J. Washington. Despite qualifying for a hardship roster exception due to the number of injuries, the Mavericks were unable to utilize it because of their proximity to the salary cap threshold. They were just $51,000 below the first apron, preventing them from signing new players despite having an open roster spot.
Moses Brown's recent performances, averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds in his last two games, highlighted the team's need for reinforcements. However, salary cap constraints prevented the Mavericks from signing him to a second 10-day contract. Additionally, guard Dante Exum and forward Caleb Martin were on minutes restrictions following their return from injuries, limiting their availability in the second half of the game.
The Mavericks' head coach Jason Kidd expressed his frustration with the situation:
"Never seen this," Kidd said. "Never been in a game where we could not take someone out to rest them because we had no one to put in. At the end of the bench, usually you can put someone in. If they were not in [street] clothes, they were in the back getting stitches or could not move or walk. It's tough. It is what it is, though. You've got to keep pushing forward." – Jason Kidd
Kidd further joked about the team's financial limitations:
"We can't sign anybody, so me and Duds cost too much," Kidd joked, referring to Mavs assistant coach Jared Dudley, whose 14-year NBA playing career ended in 2021. – Jason Kidd
The Mavericks face a grueling schedule with a back-to-back game in San Antonio on Monday. Coach Kidd anticipates that Brandon Williams will miss some time due to his injury, adding to the team's challenges in maintaining a competitive lineup.
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