Dirk Nowitzki expressed concern over the Dallas Mavericks’ rough start to the 2025-26 season, calling it “tough to watch” as injuries mount and the team struggles on offense. He highlighted gaps at the point guard and playmaking positions, noting, “We knew that hole wasn’t filled this summer.”
The Mavericks are dealing with significant absences, most notably Kyrie Irving, who is sidelined for several more months with an ACL tear. Nowitzki also cited Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford as key players whose injuries have impacted Dallas’ ability to create shots and maintain offensive flow.
Dallas has started the season 2-7, with only two home wins and three consecutive road losses. The team’s struggles have been evident in close games, including a 99-101 loss to New Orleans and a 104-118 defeat in Memphis on Friday.
Davis has been a bright spot, averaging 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds over five games, while D’Angelo Russell continues to provide playmaking with 8.3 assists per game. However, the team has struggled overall to make shots, execute plays, and maintain consistency.
Nowitzki emphasized the difficulty of the start, saying, via HoopsHype, “It’s all kind of going side to side, east and west handoffs. It’s just… nobody can make shots.” The Mavericks are on pace for one of the worst offensive starts in recent team history.
Despite the adversity, Dallas hopes to stabilize as injured players return, but the team faces tough competition in the Western Conference. They trail early leaders like the Lakers (7-2) and the Oklahoma City Thunder (9-1) by several games.
The Mavericks next face the Wizards on Saturday, a matchup that could offer a chance to break the losing streak and gain some momentum heading deeper into November.
