Driving force behind Mavericks' 2023-24 success revealed before Clippers playoff clash

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks ' 2023-24 regular season came to an end on Sunday. It was not an ideal ending to the regular season, as Dallas was defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder 135-86. However, a number of the Mavs starters and key role players did not play , including Luka Doncic , Kyrie Irving , Daniel Gafford, and Dante Exum. Still, the Mavs ended the season strong with the exception of Sunday's game and Friday's 107-89 loss against the Detroit Pistons. (Doncic and Irving also did not play in that game) They had previously went 16-2 across an 18-game stretch. Dallas will remain confident as they prepare to practice this week for their first round series against the Los Angeles Clippers