When the Dallas Mavericks traded three draft picks and two players to land Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets, the franchise had visions of a long playoff run in mind. The Mavs were 29-26 and trending upward in the NBA’s Western Conference after adding an eight-time All-Star. Irving was still in his prime on the court despite a litany of concerns off it.
Instead, the Mavericks stand on the periphery of the postseason race with two games to play. At 38-42, they’re one half-game game out of the 10th and final play-in spot in the conference. They need to win tonight just to keep their playoff hopes alive.
