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Basketball

What I’m Watching: Can the Mavs Snap Their Skid?

Plus: A World Cup do-or-die, and the Cowboys take on the NFL rushing champ
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Steph Curry and the Warriors are hardly an ideal opponent for the slumping Mavs. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Stars had a rough week against the Stanley Cup champion Avalanche, losing a shootout at home last Monday before getting shellacked in Denver over the weekend. The Cowboys’ defense put in a much better showing against Daniel Jones and the Giants. Turns out talent can win you a game or three in the NFL! And the United States Men’s National Team is alive in the World Cup after a scoreless draw on Saturday against England.

Here’s what I’m watching this week:

Tuesday, 11/29—World Cup: United States versus Iran1:00 p.m., FOX

The equation is simple: win and the U.S. advances to the next round. Anything less, and our World Cup hopes are put on hold for another four years. Either way, take the time to read Mark Dent’s feature on the crucial role FC Dallas has played in transforming how the United States develops its best talent.

Tuesday, 11/29—Warriors at Mavericks6:30 p.m., TNT

The slumping Mavs are on a four-game losing streak and playing their worst ball of the season, so what better time to welcome the defending NBA champions back to the American Airlines Center? The good news is Dallas has often found a way to keep games close, even in defeat. Take it down to the wire, and who knows what Luka Doncic might be able to deliver? The less good news is the whole “hosting the defending NBA champs, who sent you packing in last year’s playoffs, while you’re on a four-game losing streak” bit.

Sunday, 12/4—the Cowboys’ run defense versus Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor7:30 p.m., NBC

In the two games since the Packers piled up 207 rushing yards on the Cowboys’ beleaguered run defense, Dallas has responded by holding the Vikings and Giants to a combined 163. That’s stellar work no matter the opponent, but it’s even more impressive considering that Minnesota’s Dalvin Cook and New York’s Saquon Barkley rank among the eight or so best running backs in the game. Does that mean Dallas’ run D is fixed? Far too soon to say, but repeating that effort against reigning rushing champ Jonathan Taylor would be a strong statement that this group is on the upswing heading into the season’s stretch run.

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Mike Piellucci

Mike Piellucci

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Mike Piellucci is D Magazine's sports editor. He is a former staffer at The Athletic and VICE, and his freelance…

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