Merriam-Webster defines Slog as “a prolonged arduous task or effort”. Basketball in January and February before the All-Star break can only be described as such. This is normally the point during the year where teams are hurt, tired, and longing for a break before gearing up for a playoff push or packing it in for a tanking attempt. If you have ever watched a Mavericks vs Pistons game on a Tuesday in January, you know exactly what I am talking about. Luckily for Dallas, they are gifted their hardest stretch of the season during the pre-spring slog. Their entire schedule is here:
Now let’s zoom in on games 44 to 55:
In these 12 games, they have seven on national television, eight against playoff teams from last year, six on the road, and three in the division. Not to mention, this include