Dallas fell to 1-2 with a 122-106 home loss to San Antonio, scoring 17 in the fourth quarter against 30 for the Spurs. Next is October 26 at Miami on NBA TV, the same date listed as Kyrie Irving's estimated return.
A Fourth Quarter That Folded
Dallas trailed 92-89 entering the fourth, then San Antonio ran off 11-0 and later 10-0. The lead reached 23. Max Christie was minus-22 in 26 minutes and P.J. Washington minus-18 in 36. Washington shot 6-of-12 and missed all three of his threes. The 17 points are the lowest quarter of the night by 12.
Depth Carried The Scoring
Sergio de Larrea scored 21 on 9-of-15 shooting, with 3-of-4 from deep. Marcus Sasser added 12 and was the only Dallas rotation player with a positive plus-minus, at plus-1. The bench outscored the starters 42-50 in a narrow gap, which says the first unit gave little separation. Moussa Cisse is averaging 26.0 minutes over the last five games, a starter's load for a thin center group.
Heat First, Flagg Next
Irving is listed with an estimated return of October 26. Dereck Lively II and Santi Aldama are listed for October 28 against Oklahoma City. Caleb Martin, Tarik Biberovic and Cooper Flagg are listed for November 2 against Sacramento. Hoops Rumors reported that Flagg will be reevaluated next week, and ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported a mild left shoulder sprain. The open question: how many of these six are back before the Rockets arrive October 30?
When is Cooper Flagg expected back for the Mavericks?
His estimated return is listed as November 2, against the Kings. Hoops Rumors reported that he will be reevaluated next week.
Who do the Mavericks play next?
Dallas plays at the Heat on October 26 on NBA TV. The Thunder visit on October 28 on ESPN.
