Mavericks 111 Rockets 100: Game 57 Recap

The Lead
Inspired bench play leads the Mavs to as much as a 20 point lead, as they hang on late to beat the Rockets.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Aminu, Harris, 17
Rebounds: Chandler, 14
Assists: Harris, 7
+-: Harris, +16
Rockets
Points: Harden, 26
Rebounds: Jones, 9
Assists: Harden, 5
+-: Dorsey, +1

Game Ball
Al-Farouq Aminu
17 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks, 6-11 FG

X-Factor
Devin Harris
17 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 3-9 3PT

Goat Horns
Patrick Beverley
3 points, 1-7 FG, 1-5 3PT

Play of the Game
With the Mavericks lead down to 5 with 4:48 to go, Charlie Villanueva strips James Harden after a defensive rebound and finds Al-Farouq Aminu for a dunk.

Stat of the Game
For only the 3rd time in the last 27 games the Mavs outrebound their opponent, as they win the battle of the boards 50-47.

Of Note

• Chandler Parsons left the game early in the fourth quarter with a sprained ankle. He will have an MRI tomorrow.
• Dirk also left the game with an injured elbow but returned in the fourth quarter.
• The Mavericks had 8 players score in double figures for the fourth time this season. Before this year they hadn't done it since Feb. 16, 2011.
• Aminu's 17 points and 12 rebounds were both season highs.
• After starting the game 0-3, Rajon Rondo made his last 6 shots.
• The win put the Mavs a half game behind Portland and Houston for 3rd place in the West.

Grades
Nowitzki: B
Parsons: B+
Chandler: A-
Ellis: B-
Rondo: B
Aminu: A+
Harris: A
Jefferson: B
Barea: B-
Villanueva: A

Quote of Note
"He's going to be huge for us. He's one of those glue guys that does everything well. He can bring a spark. His length, his timing, he's one of those guys that you're not going to necessarily see his production on the stat sheet. You did tonight, but every night, he gives you something great."
Tyson Chandler on Aminu

They Tweeted It
 

A Mavs bench of Harris, Stoudemire, and Aminu has to make you feel comfy come playoff time. Energy, explosiveness, versatility
— Bobby Karalla (@bobbykaralla) February 21, 2015

Next Up
The Mavericks (37-20) will have Amare Stoudemire in uniform for the first time when they face the Charlotte Hornets (22-30) at home on Sunday.