Here’s our five takeaways from the Mavericks’ 123-120 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night.
No excuses, but . . .: The Mavericks are missing Kristaps Porzingis. Of that, there is no doubt. Tim Hardaway Jr., too, but it’s the rebounding and defensive presence that are lacking and that’s right in KP’s wheelhouse. The Mavericks have been outrebounded by 17 in the three games that Porzingis has missed with a sore right knee. Before those three games, they were one of the best rebounding teams in the league, averaging three more per game than their opponent.