T he Dallas Mavericks fell 122-107 to the Boston Celtics on Saturday, as the Mavs' defense could never hold Boston in check, especially from behind the arc. The injury bug hit Dal

As well as Kyrie Irving has played, the hobbled Mavericks have been a bottom-seven offense over the past month, minus Luka Dončić.

No Luka Doncic for the 16th straight game. Dereck Lively II in a giant walking boot. Reigning Western Conference champion Mavericks wobbling in play-in territory. In those and other vivid ways, much had changed in the 222 days since Dallas and Boston last met,