Mavs Step Back: Luka, Kyrie Dominate Blazers; Pascal Siakam, Draymond Green Trade Rumors
Nothing helps wash out the bad taste of a blowout loss quite like an immediate blowout win following it.
After losing to the Utah Jazz by 37 points on New Year’s Day, that’s exactly what the Dallas Mavericks did, as they cleansed their palate and bounced back into the win column on Wednesday night by defeating the Portland Trail Blazers, 126-97.
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On the latest episode of our Mavs Step Back Podcast, we recap the electric performances of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who combined to score 70 points in just three quarters. After having to shake off some rust in his first game back from a heel injury in Utah, Irving looked like his usual All-Star self in Dallas’ win over Portland.
From there, we look ahead to what’s next for the Mavs as they make their way through this current seven-game homestand that features tough games against the Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks and New Orleans Pelicans. Dereck Lively II and Grant Williams both suffered ankle sprains on Wednesday, but head coach Jason Kidd described the injuries as being “mild,” so we’ll see if either player has miss any time or not soon.
With the NBA trade deadline a little more than a month away on Feb. 8, rumors and speculation are starting to pick up steam. The Mavs have already been mentioned as having “registered interest” in Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam, and they’ve also been pegged as the betting favorites to land Draymond Green if the Golden State Warriors decide to move on from him.
Given his age (33) and his antics — he’s been suspended twice this season for committing hostile acts on the court — trading for Green would be risky for the Mavs. However, a change of scenery could be exactly what the four-time NBA champion needs for the final chapter of his career, and his unique skill set and attitude could help elevate Doncic and Irving’s Mavs to title contender status.
You can watch or listen to the entire episode below. Also, be sure to SUBSCRIBE on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you get your podcasts!
