Unprecedented Scene: Dallas Mavericks Wrap Up Defeat to Phoenix Suns with Only Six Active Players

Dwight Powell made his way to the bench with blood running down his forehead as teammate Kessler Edwards lay flat on the court, clutching his head.

The Dallas Mavericks are now without Kyrie Irving for the rest of the season due to a knee injury, and Anthony Davis’ return remains uncertain after he strained a groin during his debut in Dallas, a game that followed the surprising trade sending Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

This latest setback might mark a significant low point for the Mavericks. They concluded the match with a 125-116 defeat against the Phoenix Suns on Monday (AEDT), finishing the game with only seven fit players—this was despite Edwards returning to the court with a bandage over his left eye.

The Mavericks started the game with nine players available, but after Edwards and Powell collided while pursuing a loose ball late in the third quarter, they were down to seven.

Both players required stitches, according to coach Jason Kidd.

Powell did not return after receiving treatment on the bench to staunch the bleeding and subsequently heading to the locker room. Just as Edwards was able to return in the fourth quarter, guard Brandon Williams was sidelined with tightness in his left hamstring.

Caleb Martin was back on the court for only the second time since recovering from a right hip sprain that had kept him sidelined before his trade from Philadelphia last month. Dante Exum continues to manage a right foot injury.

Both players were on minute restrictions.

“With two players on restrictions, we ended up with no substitutes,” Kidd commented. “We’re trying to find a way through as we navigate these challenges.”

Compounding the issue, the Mavericks are set to play again on Wednesday (AEDT) against San Antonio. Kidd seemed optimistic that no one would return from an injury list that also includes P.J. Washington Jr. (ankle), Kai Jones (quadriceps), and Jaden Hardy (ankle).

There are more names on the list—those are just three who may return soon.

“We’re probably looking at seven or eight players at most,” Kidd mentioned in reference to the upcoming match against the Spurs.

Naji Marshall set a new career-high for the second consecutive game with 34 points, playing over 40 minutes for the first time in his career. He wasn’t even one of the three players who saw the entire fourth quarter.

“To be honest, I haven’t,” Marshall replied when asked if he had encountered a similar wave of injuries before. “But this is part of our job. The front office trusts all of us on the roster to step up and fill in for the injured players. I’ll just keep doing that until they come back.”

In addition to Irving and Davis, the long-term injured list includes centres Daniel Gafford (knee), Dereck Lively II (ankle), and Olivier-Maxence Prosper (wrist).

It’s possible that all five may not return for the rest of the season for the defending Western Conference champions, who are struggling to keep hold of their play-in spot with Phoenix and others breathing down their necks.

Suns superstar Kevin Durant contributed 21 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, helping Phoenix close the gap to just 1.5 games behind the Mavericks.

“This is definitely one of the rare instances I’ve seen where we are dealing with injuries rather than a team intentionally losing,” Durant commented. “There are players genuinely sidelined for extended periods. It’s disheartening to see so many athletes out.”

Post-match, Kidd was asked in jest whether he and assistant coach Jared Dudley could contribute any minutes from the bench. Kidd, a Hall of Fame point guard, and Dudley, who stepped away from playing just four years ago, shared a laugh.

“I don’t think we’d be able to offer any assistance,” Kidd joked. “We can’t sign anyone; it would be too expensive. You have to find humour in it, otherwise, it will drive you up the wall.”