The beginning of the new year was not a usual one for the Dallas Mavericks, and it’s definitely not a performance they are willing to repeat.

Dallas was outplayed by Utah on Monday, suffering a 127-90 defeat where they only managed to score 11 points in the fourth quarter. Coach Jason Kidd and his team are now looking to get back on track on Wednesday as they welcome Portland in the first of two consecutive home games against the Trail Blazers.

As the second-highest scoring team in the Western Conference with an average of 118.3 points per game, the Mavericks encountered their second lowest scoring game of the season, resulting in a 37-point loss.

According to Kidd, “The energy was lacking. The communication was absent. I take responsibility as a coach, but we need to improve.”

The limited 3-point production proved to be detrimental for Dallas, shooting only 27.5 percent from long range, including a 3-for-13 display from Luka Doncic.

Despite leading the team with 19 points and 14 assists, Doncic struggled with his shooting, making just six of his 20 field-goal attempts.

Even though it wasn’t his best night, Doncic is having a career season, averaging 33.4 points and 9.4 assists in 31 games. He also boasts a career-best 37.8 percent success rate with his 3-point attempts.

To reverse their fortune, Dallas is eager to face the Portland Trail Blazers, a team they have dominated in 8 of their last 10 matchups since 2021, including two victories this season.

In their two wins over Portland this season, Dallas averaged 128 points, with Doncic averaging 36 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds across both games.

Struggling in December, with 10 losses out of 13 games, the Trail Blazers continued their poor run on Monday, losing to the Phoenix Suns, 109-88.

Portland coach Chauncey Billups mentioned, “We had a great first quarter, but couldn’t carry the momentum. We faced scoring difficulties and struggled with turnovers.”

The absence of their top scorer, Anfernee Simons, and leading rebounder Deandre Ayton due to illness and injury respectively, added to the Trail Blazers’ woes.

“No excuses,” Billups emphasized. “Regardless of the lineup, everyone on the court is an NBA player. We need to play better.”

Portland’s offense was led by rookie Scoot Henderson, who has shown improvement after a slow start, scoring in double figures in his last five games following being the third overall pick.