3 things we learned from the Mavs' 99-87 loss to the Suns

So, we're about six games deep into the NBA preseason, and as exhibition basketball winds down you kind of start running out of things to say that haven't already already been said.

The Dallas Mavericks lost -- again -- and are now 0-6 in the preseason. Not that it matters, of course, but that's not, y'know ... good. They lose this time to the Phoenix Suns, who they will open the regular season against in a week's time. Hopefully by then the Mavs will have some better shooters to bring to the game: they shot just 36 percent from the floor, and made a ghastly 2-of-23 from behind the three-point line. Did I mention this is the preseason?

Tyson Chandler did not play in this one, but was obviously a topic of conversation, as the former Mav was a bit kinder in his addressing Mark Cuban and the team that allowed him to leave in free agency.

Here are some other things we learned from this game:

ONE GUY WON'T REPLACE TYSON, BUT CAN MANY?

Dwight Powell got the start again tonight and was very active, racking up five boards, two steals and seven free throws in the first quarter alone. ZaZa Pachulia didn't start, but still put up a double-double in 20 minutes with 12 rebounds and 10 points, including a gorgeous Larry Bird-esque buzzer-beater at the end of the first.  ZaZa and Salah Mejri combined to collect nine offensive rebounds, which sounds great until you consider just how many missed shots this team had.

THE SECOND HALF HAS NOT BEEN KIND TO MAVS

Much like the last game against Cleveland, Dallas got off to an early lead and then collapsed in the second half, when Phoenix outscored them 56-31. This undoubtedly has at least a little to do with who Dallas has been putting out there to finish games. The "tryout trio" of Brandon Ashley, Jarrid Famous and Jamil Wilson combined to go 0-9.  Sorry, guys.

JOHN JENKINS CAN SCORE, BUT CAN'T MAKE THREES?

Given the playing time and quality of teammate Jenkins has seen this preseason, I don't find it totally shocking that he's been putting up points.  I am very surprised, however, that Jenkins has been so productive despite not doing the one thing I thought he really could do: shoot threes.  After going 1-7 from distance against Phoenix, he's now 11-of-40 (27 percent) this preseason, yet with 22 more points tonight he's averaging nearly 21 per contest, and has really shined both in the midrange game and at getting to the basket.

Dallas finishes up the preseason Friday against the Chicago Bulls.  Can the real games be here, already?