DALLAS — The injury woes for the Dallas Mavericks continue to mount as Dwight Powell exited the court with blood trickling down his forehead, while teammate Kessler Edwards lay on the ground clutching his head in pain.
Currently, the Mavericks face the end of the season without Kyrie Irving due to a knee injury, and there’s uncertainty over when Anthony Davis might return after a groin injury sidelined him during his debut for Dallas, occurring shortly after the high-profile trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Sunday’s defeat against the Phoenix Suns, a 125-116 setback, highlighted their struggles as the Mavericks ended the matchup with just seven players fit for action. Edwards made his way back onto the court in the final stretch, sporting a bandage over a gash near his left eye.
Dallas started with nine active players but was reduced to seven after Edwards and Powell collided in a scramble for a loose ball during the third quarter. Both athletes required stitches post-collision, according to Coach Jason Kidd.
Following treatment on the bench, Powell left the match for further aid in the locker room. Edwards rejoined the game, but shortly afterward, guard Brandon Williams was sidelined due to tightness in his left hamstring.
Caleb Martin was featuring for just the second occasion since overcoming a hip sprain that had sidelined him before his transfer from Philadelphia last month. Both he and Dante Exum were operating under limited minutes due to ongoing issues, with Exum nursing a right foot ailment.
“Due to the time restrictions on two players, we have no subs,” explained Kidd. “We’re trying to figure things out as we proceed.”
Adding to their immediate challenges, the Mavericks were scheduled to face San Antonio the next evening. Kidd seemed doubtful of any players coming off the injury list, which includes names like P.J. Washington Jr. (ankle), Kai Jones (quadriceps), and Jaden Hardy (ankle).
Kidd anticipated having just seven or, at most, eight players available for consecutive away games against the Spurs.
Naji Marshall turned out a noteworthy performance, scoring 34 points, a personal best for the second game in a row, clocking over 40 minutes on the court for the first time. Surprisingly, he wasn’t one of the few who completed every minute of the fourth quarter.
“I’ve never witnessed a situation like this with so many injured players,” Marshall remarked. “However, we’re all here to step up whenever necessary. I’ll keep doing my part until others are back.”
In addition to Irving and Davis, long-term absences include centers Daniel Gafford (knee), Dereck Lively II (ankle), and Olivier-Maxence Prosper (wrist). It remains doubtful if any of these players will make a return this season, which is problematic for the Western Conference champions who are fighting to keep their position for the 10th spot in the West play-in tournament.
Phoenix Suns player Kevin Durant contributed significantly with 21 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, helping bring his team within 1½ games of overtaking the Mavericks.
“This is one of the first scenarios where there are purely injuries without any intent to tank,” Durant commented. “It’s unfortunate to see so many players sidelined for extended periods.”
Post-game, there was a light-hearted inquiry regarding whether Kidd or his assistant coach, Jared Dudley, could make a return to the court. Kidd, a Hall of Fame point guard, and Dudley, who retired only four years ago, triggered chuckles.
“That’s not an option for us,” Kidd humorously concluded. “Contracting anyone would come at a cost. You have to keep your spirits up, or else this predicament could drive you wild.”
