DALLAS — Sliding to a season-worst four-game losing streak after suffering a 102-96 defeat at home against Detroit on Wednesday, the Dallas Mavericks now stare an even more difficult stretch in the schedule square in the face.
Despite outshooting the Pistons for the game Wednesday night, 45.3 percent to 44.7 percent, the Mavericks (33-32) would be unable to overcome a 51-40 rebounding disadvantage. In the process, the Mavs suffered a fourth consecutive loss for the first time this season, falling to 0-2 on their current three-game homestand. And with the next seven games all scheduled to come against teams that are currently in the playoff picture, the Mavericks know they’ll need to elevate their play in order to remain afloat in the Western Conference standings.