This time the Mavericks could not overcome a 4th quarter deficit.
Unable to make shots or defend the three point line, Dallas fell to Orlando Thursday night by a score of 97-82. Trailing almost the entire game the Mavs failed to launch a sustained run against the Magic and were unsuccessful in their attempt to sweep the season series between the teams.
The Mavericks struggled on offense all night, shooting only 38% from the field and totaling a puny 7 assists. Caron Butler was held scoreless from the field while Shawn Marion and Jason Kidd managed to go a combined 4-17. If were not for the 4th quarter play of J.J. Barea(16 points), the game would have really been out of hand. Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas with 24 points.
Dwight Howard was excellent on both end of the floor for Orlando with 17 points, 20 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Mickeal Pietrus was also huge for the Magic totaling 24 points on a perfect 6-6 on threes. Orlando as a team was 14-24 from downtown after going only 4-25 in the team's first meeting.
Perhaps it might be expected after such a hard fought game the night before, but the Mavs have too many weapons to struggle as much as they did on offense. The guy who needs to step the most is Caron Butler who needs to rediscover his all-star form for the Mavs to make a serious playoff run.
The loss drops Dallas into a 2nd place with Utah, who has the tiebreaker over the Mavs by winning the season series. With Phoenix and Denver also in the mix, now is not the time for a losing streak if the team wants home court advantage in the playoffs.
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