The busiest stretch of the Mavericks’ schedule started Sunday. They can only hope the remainder of a five-game, seven-day stretch produces better luck and better results.
Their health situation deteriorated further when Tim Hardaway Jr. was ruled out of Sunday’s game with a strained groin muscle. That meant six of their rotation players, all of whom have started at least one game, were sidelined.
The shortage of manpower took its toll as Luka Donu010diu0107 was turned into a one-man wrecking crew, but the Chicago Bulls wore him and the Mavericks down for a 117-101 victory at American Airlines Center.