Preseason Game 6 Review: Rockets 100 Mavericks 95

It might still be the preseason but last night's contest against the Rockets gave us our first glimpse of the Maverick's starting five fully intact against an opponent considered to be among the West's upper echelon. Although the end result was 100-95 defeat, the game gave some reason for optimism as well your normal preseason kinks that will need to ironed out before the games really count.
In the positive column new starting point guard Jose Calderon in just his second game as a Mavericks showed what a tremendous upgrade he should be over last year's disaster at the position. Calderon showed how well he can run a team by showcasing his first-class decision making as well as pinpoint accuracy from long distance, finishing with a team high 14 points. Samuel Dalembert played his most effective gave of the  preseason going toe-to-toe with Dwight Howard and for the most part holding his own, finishing with 13 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks. Another plus was the play of another new acquisition Wayne Ellington who showed off his range from deep that should make him a regular part of the rotation.
On the more negative side of things Monta Ellis did some good things including handing out a team high 7 assists but struggled with his shot by going 3-13 from the field including 0-6 from 3 point range. Ellis is never going to be an extremely efficient scorer but the hope is there will less nights from him like last night and more nights where he is attack mode and not settling for long jumpers when he is struggling. The other negative I suppose was the ejection of Dirk Nowitzki for flagrant 2 for a shot across the face of Omri Casspi. I thought the ejection was unwarranted as Dirk was going for the block, but its preseason so whatever. Last game again showed that rebounding can and probably will be an issue again for the Mavs so improvement is needed there as well as limiting their fouls on defense where Houston doubled up the Mavs in attempts from the line 26-13.
All in all last night was a fine effort in spite of the loss for a Dallas team still trying to figure things out before the things kicks off on October 30 against Atlanta at the AAC, who they also happen to face in their next preseason tilt tomorrow night.

Team Leaders: Points: Calderon, 14 Rebounds: Dalembert, 7 Assists: Ellis,7
Player of the Game: Dalembert
Stat of the Game: Houston made 13-28 from 3 to the Mavs 9-27
Quote of Note: “We had some good stuff, and some bad stuff.'' “I think for the first time (together as a starting five) we’ve got to be positive ... We were moving the ball. We were finding the open guy.” Jose Calderon
Next Up: The Mavs (3-3 in preseason host  the Atlanta Hawks (1-4) at 7:30 at the AAC.