The Dallas Mavericks dropped a difficult game at home Wednesday night, losing 113-110 to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Dallas led for most of the affair but ultimately coughed up the lead in the end and narrowly lost the contest.
It was a frustrating ending for Dallas. There were a number of factors that contributed to the Mavs' defeat. They did not shoot the ball well as a team, recording a 44.3 percent field-goal and 27 percent 3-point shooting night overall.
However, the Mavs had a more efficient free-throw-shooting night than Cleveland and took better care of the ball, turning it over just 10 times compared to the Cavs' 16 turnovers. In the end, there was one major reason for the Cavs' come-from-behind victory over the Mavs, and it's something Luka Doncic mentioned after the game.
“We’ve got to rebound the ball better,” Doncic said following the loss.
The Mavericks tallied 30 defensive rebounds compared to Cleveland's 39. As disappointing as that was, it was the offensive rebounds that killed Dallas. The Mavs were able to secure 10 offensive boards, but the Cavs finished with an eye-opening 18 rebounds on the offensive end of the floor.
Offensive rebounds lead to second-chance points, which can completely change the dynamic of a game while shifting momentum. Overall, the Cavs outrebounded the Mavs 57-37.
So could Luka Doncic's rebounding admission hint at Dallas' trade plans?
Mavs need rebounding help around Luka Doncic, Dereck Lively
Doncic, despite being a guard, leads the Mavs with 8.4 rebounds per game. Rookie Dereck Lively is second on the team with 7.7 rebounds per game.
Aside from Doncic and Lively, it's been a forgettable performance from a rebound standpoint in 2023-24 for Dallas. Maxi Kleber, who's appeared in just five games, holds the next highest rebound average on the team with 4.2. Everyone else on the roster is averaging under four boards per contest.
Lively struggled versus the Cavs, but he's been a steady presence in the post when healthy for the Mavs. But Dallas cannot continue to rely purely on Lively and Doncic to tally rebounds. One has to wonder if Doncic's postgame message could hint at the Mavericks' potential plans ahead of the trade deadline.
This obviously may lead to a pursuit of big men. However, athletic forwards may also be on Dallas' trade radar. A reunion with Dorian Finney-Smith of the Brooklyn Nets, who is averaging five rebounds per game while shooting the ball well, would make sense.
Of course, trading for another center wouldn't hurt either. Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela is expected to be made available in trade talks. Capela offers strong rebounding prowess to go along with rim-protecting ability. He's also a capable offensive performer.
In 2023-24, Capela is averaging 10.5 rebounds per game across 29 contests. That is exactly the kind of production Dallas needs.
Other trade candidates will emerge as the deadline nears. Don't be surprised if the Mavs make a move strictly to improve their rebounding depth.
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