The Portland Trail Blazers are now 6-7 on the season after a deflating 138-133 overtime road loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Don't let the high-scoring nature of the game deceive you: the Blazers lost this one because of their lackluster offense.
It was the first game of the season Portland played without veteran Jrue Holiday, who was out due to calf soreness. While Holiday had made his Hall of Fame case with a reputation for being one of the league's best perimeter defenders, he's arguably been more impactful for Portland on the offensive end this season.
The Blazers offense needs Jrue Holiday's unselfishness
The Blazers still managed to put up 133 points without Holiday initiating the offense, but that was primarily because these were two teams ranked in the top five in pace of play colliding.