Mavericks officially eliminated from playoff contention

The door is officially closed in Dallas.

More specifically, the Mavericks were eliminated from postseason contention following Monday’s overtime loss to the Warriors, dropping to 23-49 with 10 games remaining.

There’s just no path back into it. It’s been that kind of year.

Dallas stumbled out of the gate at 5-15, showed a little life in January, then lost 10 straight and never really recovered. Since Jan. 22, the Mavs have gone just 4-23.

Injuries didn’t help. Kyrie Irving missed the entire season with a torn ACL. Anthony Davis dealt with multiple issues before being moved at the deadline. Dereck Lively II lasted seven games before a season-ending foot injury. Dante Exum never played.

Others have been in and out, too. Daniel Gafford even exited Monday’s game with a shoulder issue. So now the focus shifts.

Dallas currently sits sixth in the lottery standings, with a chance to move up. It wouldn’t be the first time. The Mavs jumped from No. 11 to No. 1 last year and landed Cooper Flagg, who has delivered despite the results around him.

Meanwhile, the Spurs have clinched the Southwest Division and are closing in on a top-two seed in the West. Same division. Different directions.