With five games remaining in the regular season for the Mavericks two things were clear. The team needed to get on a roll entering the playoffs, and Caron Butler needed to be a big part of that roll. If Wednesday's game was any indication the Mavs are definitely on the right track.
Dallas dominated Memphis by a score of 110-84 as Butler led the way with 23 points. The Mavs never had to come from behind in this one as they never trailed. The Mavericks played together on both ends of the court, shooting 55% from the field and limiting Memphis to only 84 points. The improved defense was much needed as the team forced 19 Grizzlies turnovers.
Dirk Nowitzki added 22 points and Jason Kidd posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists. The Mavs bench came up huge outscoring their Memphis counterparts 49-7.
With Shawn Marion out of the lineup, Dallas needed Butler to step up his game and get over his recent struggles, which he did and then some. He scored 17 points in the first half as the Mavs took a 57-45 lead into intermission. The Mavericks really broke open the game in the 4th quarter increasing their lead from 12 to 26 led by the strong play of J.J. Barea(14 points, 6 assists, 4 steals). Deshawn Stevenson started for Marion and played good defense despite his continued inability to shoot the ball well.
Dallas dominated Memphis by a score of 110-84 as Butler led the way with 23 points. The Mavs never had to come from behind in this one as they never trailed. The Mavericks played together on both ends of the court, shooting 55% from the field and limiting Memphis to only 84 points. The improved defense was much needed as the team forced 19 Grizzlies turnovers.
Dirk Nowitzki added 22 points and Jason Kidd posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists. The Mavs bench came up huge outscoring their Memphis counterparts 49-7.
With Shawn Marion out of the lineup, Dallas needed Butler to step up his game and get over his recent struggles, which he did and then some. He scored 17 points in the first half as the Mavs took a 57-45 lead into intermission. The Mavericks really broke open the game in the 4th quarter increasing their lead from 12 to 26 led by the strong play of J.J. Barea(14 points, 6 assists, 4 steals). Deshawn Stevenson started for Marion and played good defense despite his continued inability to shoot the ball well.
The win gives the Mavs the number two seed back in the Wes,t and increased their division lead over San Antonio to three games. With a three game Pacific trip looming, with two of those games they should take win rather easily, the Mavs should hope their good play from tonight can continue on into the playoffs.
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