Mavericks at Kings: Game 18 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (10-7) at Sacramento Kings (6-12)
Mon. Nov. 30, 9:00 at Sleep Train Arena
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Pick 'em

2014-15 Matchups
Nov. 11 at Dallas
Mavs 106 Kings 98
Jan. 13 at Sacramento
Mavs 108 Kings 104
Feb. 5 at Sacramento
Mavs 101 Kings 78

All-Time Series
Mavs 89 Kings 62

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 103.0 (20th)
Def. Rating: 102.0 (10th)
Point Differential: +1.0
Kings
Offense: 104.5 (11th)
Defense: 108.7 (27th)
Point Differential: -4.2


Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia
Kings
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Omri Casspi
C: DeMarcus Cousins or Kosta Koufos

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 17 1
RPG: Pachulia, 9.5
APG: Williams, 5.6
PER: Nowitzki, 22.2
Kings
PPG: Cousins, 27.9
RPG: Cousins, 11.2
APG: Rondo, 11.0
PER: Cousins, 27.1

Of Note

• The Mavs are looking to break a three game road losing streak. They started the season 5-2 on the road prior to the streak.
• DeMarcus Cousins is listed as questionable after missing the last three games with a lower backs strain.
• The Mavericks have dominated the series against the Kings winning 6 in a row, 11 out of 12 and 21 out of 23.
• Rajon Rondo is leading the league, averaging 11.0 assists per game but is shooting only 37.5% from the free throw line.
• Dirk has grabbed 31 rebounds over the last three games with 29 of those rebounds coming on the defensive end.

Kobe Bryant Career Stats vs. the Mavericks

In honor of his pending retirement lets look back at Kobe's career against the Mavs.

Regular Season
Games: 60
Points Per Game: 24.0
Rebounds Per Game: 6.1
Assists Per Game: 4.5
Steals Per Game: 1.4
Blocks Per Game: 0.5
Turnovers Per Game: 3.3
Minutes Per Game: 37.0
Field Goal Percentage: 44.7%
3 Point Percentage: 30.8%
Free Throw Percentage: 83.4%

Playoffs
Games: 4 (0-4 record)
Points Per Game: 23.3
Rebounds Per Game: 3.0
Assists Per Game: 2.5
Steals Per Game: 1.8
Blocks Per Game: 0.3
Turnovers Per Game: 2.8
Minutes Per Game: 37.1
Field Goal Percentage: 45.8%
3 Point Percentage: 22.7%
Free Throw Percentage: 80.0%

Career Highs
Points: 62 (in 3 quarters), 12-20-05
Rebounds: 14, 4-18-00
Assists: 11, 3-17-02 and 4-2-13
Steals: 5, 5-4-11 (playoffs)
Blocks: 2, 5 times
Turnovers: 8, 4-17-05
Minutes: 51, 3-2-08
Field Goals Made: 18, 12-20-05
3 Pointers Made: 5, 4-17-05
Free Throws Made: 22, 12-20-05

The Mavericks only have one game remaining this year against Kobe and the Lakers, January 26 in Los Angeles.

Mavericks 92 Nuggets 81: Game 17 Recap

The Lead
Thanks to a record breaking third quarter defense, the Mavs end their three game losing streak.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Williams, 22
Rebounds: Pachulia, 12
Assists: Williams, Matthews, 4
+-: Pachulia, +20
Nuggets
Points: Arthur, 16
Rebounds: Gallinari, 9
Assists: Mudiay, Barton, 4
+-: Faried, +4

Game Ball
Deron Williams
22 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, 4-8 3PT

X-Factor
Raymond Felton
12 points, 2 steals, 5-10 FG

Play of the Game
Early in the fourth quarter after Raymond Felton and Devin Harris had shots at the rim blocked, Wesley Matthews kicked out the rebound to Dirk, who hit a three to put the Mavs up by a game high 20 points.

Stat of the Game
The Mavs held the Nuggets, to a team franchise opponent low of 5 points in the third quarter. Denver didn't score until there was 3:05 left in the period by which point the Mavs had gone on a 16-0 run.

Of Note

• The Mavs have won 5 straight games at home after losing their first two games of the season at the AAC.
• Zaza Pachulia recorded his 10th double-double of the year and fifth in six games with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Pachulia was coming off a disappointing effort in San Antonio where he only had 4 points and 0 rebounds.
• The Nuggets started two local products. Emanuel Mudiay in his first pro game in Dallas had 12 points on 5-15 shooting while South Oak Cliff's Darrell Arthur had a team high 16 points.  
• Denver shot 2-19 from the field and had 7 turnovers in the third quarter.
• J.J. Barea missed the first of at least three games he is expected to miss with a sprained right ankle.

Quote of Note
 “You know, we talked in the locker room that defensively we gave up 52 points against a team that played last night. They were shooting 50 percent on two-point field goals and 50 percent from three, and it didn’t help us at all. We had to lock in defensively, and that’s what we did. We came out aggressively. We were trapping, making them skip the ball from side to side, and a lot of teams don’t want to do that. And I think we did a really good job. We were really active, and hands were moving. It was beautiful to see the lineup working that hard defensively.”
Zaza Pachulia

Tweet of the Night

not a controversial take: zaza has been as effective as deandre and tyson.

— Mavs Moneyball (@mavsmoneyball) November 29, 2015

Next Up
The Mavericks (10-7) had out back on the road for a date Monday night with old "friend" Rajon Rondo and the Sacramento Kings (6-12).

Mavericks at Grizzlies: Game 15 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (9-5) at Memphis Grizzlies (7-7)
Tues. Nov. 24, 7:00 at the FedEx Forum
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Grizzlies by 3


2014-15 Matchups
Dec. 9 at Memphis
Grizzlies 114 Mavs 105
Jan. 19 at Memphis
Mavs 103 Grizzlies 95
Jan. 27 at Dallas
Grizzlies 109 Mavs 90
Mar. 20 at Dallas
Grizzlies 112 Mavs 101 

All-Time Series
Mavs 56 Grizzlies 22


Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 104.6 (13th)
Def. Rating: 102.8 (13th)
Point Differential: +1.8
Thunder
Offense: 100.7 (27th)
Defense: 106.4 (21st)
Point Differential: -5.3

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia
Grizzlies
PG: Mike Conley
SG: Tony Allen
SF: Jeff Green
PF: Zach Randolph or JaMychal Green
C: Marc Gasol

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 18.0
RPG: Pachulia, 10.0
APG: Williams, 5.6
PER: Nowitzki, 22.9
Grizzlies
PPG: Gasol, 15.7
RPG: Randolph, 8.7
APG: Conley, 6.6
PER: Conley, 18.9

Of Note

• In his last three games, Deron Williams is averaging 19.7 points, 6.7 assists and 5.0 rebounds. He also shot 50% from the field in those games as well hitting 8-13 threes.
• Zach Randolph is listed as questionable with a knee injury. Former Mav Brandan Wright is also questionable due to a knee injury. 
• Sunday's loss 117-114 loss to the Thunder was only the second time all season the Mavs lost while scoring 100 points or more. They were previously 7-1 when reaching the century mark.
• The Mavericks 71.8% win percentage all-time against the Grizzlies is their second best against any franchise behind New Orleans. The series hasn't been as one-sided lately with Memphis taking 4 out of the last 5 meetings.
• JaVale Mcgee scored 8 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in 11 minutes in his first action of the season on Sunday. McGee had only played in 28 games during the last two seasons because of various leg injuries.

Mavericks at Thunder: Game 14 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (9-4) at Oklahoma City Thunder (7-6)
Sun. Nov. 22, 6:00 at Chesapeake Energy Arena
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: no line


2014-15 Matchups
Dec. 28 at Dallas
Mavs 112 Thunder 107
Feb. 19 at OKC
Thunder 104 Mavs 89
Mar. 16 at Dallas
Mavs 119 Thunder 115
Apr. 1 at OKC
Mavs 135 Thunder 131

All-Time Series
Sonics/Thunder 73 Mavs 70

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 103.8 (13th)
Def. Rating: 101.6 (12th)
Point Differential: +2.1
Thunder
Offense: 109.5 (2nd)
Defense: 104.9 (18th)
Point Differential: +4.7

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia
Thunder
PG: Russell Westbrook
SG: Andre Robertson
SF: Kevin Durant or Dion Waiters
PF: Serge Ibaka
C: Steven Adams

Team Leaders

Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 18.6
RPG: Pachulia, 10.0
APG: Williams, 5.6
PER: Nowitzki, 23.8
Thunder
PPG: Westbrook, 28.5
RPG: Kanter, 8.8
APG: Westbrook, 10.2
PER: Westbrook, 32.3

Of Note

• Kevin Durant is questionable for the Thunder with a strained hamstring. The team is 2-3 in the five games he has missed.
• The Mavericks are looking for their first seven game winning streak since winning eight in a row in February and March 2011. They also had winning streaks of 12 and 10 during that championship 10-11 season.
• In the Mavs three wins over OKC last season, Chandler Parsons averaged 26.3 points on 67% shooting.
• Dallas has won 5 out its last 6 contests with the Thunder, scoring at least 109 points in all of the wins. Before that they had lost 11 in a row to Oklahoma City including being swept in the 2012 playoffs.
• Justin Anderson and Salah Mejri are expected back with the team after playing for the D-League Texas Legends Saturday night. Both fared well with Anderson scoring 27 points and Mejri collecting 6 points, 12 rebounds and 6 blocks.

Mavericks 102 Jazz 93: Game 13 Recap

The Lead
Williams, Pachulia key Mavericks sixth straight win, thanks to a monster run in the middle quarters.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Williams, 23
Rebounds: Pachulia, 12
Assists: Williams, 8
+-: Nowitzki, Williams, +15
Jazz
Points: Hayward, 22
Rebounds: Gobert, 12
Assists: Hayward, Hood, 4
+-: Burke, +7

Game Ball
Deron Williams
23 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 7-13 FG

X-Factor
Zaza Pachulia
15 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 6-11 FG

Play of the Game
Shaking off a rough shooting night, Wesley Matthews drove to the hole and put home a tough hoop while being fouled for a 3 point play that put the Mavs up 9 with 1:30 to go.

Stat of the Game
The Mavericks shot 31-55 on two pointers against one of the top interior defenses in the league. They ended up outscoring the Jazz in the paint 44-40.

Of Note

• The Mavs current six game winning streak equals their longest streak since 2011. They also won six in a row twice last season.
• Dirk who was 3-3 on threes tonight has made 13 out of his last 20 from long distance. His season percentage on threes is now 53.3%.
• Deron Williams 23 points is the most he has scored in 8 career games against his former team.
• Only the Warriors, Spurs and Cavaliers now have better records the Mavericks.
• After being behind 32-26 early in the second quarter, the Mavs went on a 43-17 run to take a 20 point lead in the third quarter. Utah would get no closer than 5 points the remainder of the game. 
• Justin Anderson and Saleh Mejri were assigned to the D-League Texas Legends after the game.
• The Mavs wore their green 80's throwback uniforms for the first of six times this season.

Quote of Note
"This is a great group of guys. ... We all just enjoy each other, we all like each other and love playing for each other."
Deron Williams

Tweet of the Night

This Deron Williams experience has been quite enjoyable. It just feels right.

— Bob Sturm (@SportsSturm) November 21, 2015

Next Up
The Mavericks (9-4) go back on the road, to face Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder (7-6) at 6:00 on Sunday.

Mavericks vs. Jazz: Game 13 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (8-4) vs. Utah Jazz (6-5)
Fri. Nov. 20, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 2

2014-15 Matchups
Oct. 30 at Dallas
Mavs 120 Jazz 102
Nov. 7 at Utah
Mavs 105 Jazz 82
Feb. 11 at Dallas
Mavs 87 Jazz 82
Apr. 13 at Utah
Jazz 109 Mavs 92

All-Time Series

Jazz 90 Mavs 69


Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 102.9 (20th)
Def. Rating: 101.3 (10th)
Point Differential: +1.5
Jazz
Offense: 102.9 (19th)
Defense: 98.9 (4rd)
Point Differential: +3.8

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia
Jazz
PG: Raul Neto
SG: Rodney Hood
SF: Gordon Hayward
PF: Derrick Favors
C: Rudy Gobert

Team Leaders

Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 18.5
RPG: Pachulia, 9.8
APG: Williams, 5.4
PER: Nowitzki, 23.3
Jazz
PPG: Favors, 16.0
RPG: Gobert, 11.0
APG: Hood, 3.0
PER: Favors, 25.9

Of Note

• A win would give the Mavs a 6 game winning streak to equal their longest streak of last year which they did twice. They haven't won more than 6 in a row since winning 10 in a row in Feb. 2011.
• This is the Mavericks only home game in a 7 game stretch.
• Dallas has dominated Utah at home recently winning 9 in a row, 14 out of 15 and 21 out of 23.
• Since the Mavericks and Jazz only meet three times this could be a pivotal game for potential playoff tiebreaker purposes.
• Four members of the Mavs have played for the Jazz during the career, most notably Deron Williams but also Wesley Matthews, Devin Harris and Jeremy Evans.
• The Mavs will wear  green throwback uniforms from the 80's for the first of six games this year.

Mavericks 106 Celtics 102: Game 12 Recap

The Lead
After falling behind by 18 points early, the Mavs storm to take their fifth game in a row to complete a perfect road trip.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 23
Rebounds: Pachulia, 12
Assists: Williams, 6
+-: Nowitzki, +18
Celtics
Points: Thomas, 19
Rebounds: Sullinger, 12
Assists: Thomas, 6
+-: Olynyk, +13

Game Ball
Dirk Nowitzki
23 points, 7 rebounds, 9-14 FG

X-Factor
Deron Williams
16 points, 6 assists, 0 turnovers

Play of the Game
After missing two free throws with 16.5 seconds left that kept the Mavs lead at 2, Raymond Felton pokes the ball away from Isaiah Thomas to force a gigantic turnover. Deron Williams would then hit two free throws to secure the victory.

Stat of the Game
After giving up an 18-2 lead in the first quarter that put them down 18, the Mavericks turn the table in the fourth quarter with a 14-2 run that turns a 89-82 deficit with 7:58 left to a 96-91 with 3:42 to go.

Of Note

• The win was the Mavericks' fifth in a row and completed a 3-0 road trip. They are also now 4-0 in their new skyline jerseys.
• Deron Williams (11) and Wesley Matthews (10) combined for 21 points in the fourth quarter.
• Since losing the franchise's first 15 games in Boston, the Mavs have gone 14-6 in Beantown.
• In the battle of the only two players left from the Rondo trade last year, Dwight Powell had 6 points and 6 rebounds in 23 minutes for the Mavs, while Jae Crowder had 14 points and 6 rebounds in 35 minutes for the Celtics.
• Chandler Parsons played a season high 21 minutes, scoring 8 points on 4-6 shooting but missing all 4 of his free throws.
• The Mavericks shot 51.4% against the league's #4 field goal defense, the best anyone has shot against Boston this season.
• Dirk passed Dominique Wilkins for 13th on the NBA's career field goals made list with 9,963 made baskets.

Quote of Note
"That was coldblooded. ... I said, 'Don't give me my own move."
Dirk on Kelly Olynyk shooting and missing a one-legged-fadeaway while Dirk was guarding him.

Tweet of the Night

These Mavs are resilient and Dirk looks like he can do this forever.

— Paul Flannery (@Pflanns) November 19, 2015

Next Up
The Mavericks (8-4), briefly return home on Friday for a key game against the Jazz (6-5)

Mavericks at Celtics: Game 12 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (7-4) at Boston Celtics (6-4)
Wed.. Nov. 18, 6:30 at the TD Garden
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Celtics by 4.5
 
2014-15 Matchups
Nov. 3 at Dallas
Mavs 118 Celtics 113
Jan. 2 at Boston
Mavs 119 Celtics 101

All-Time Series
Celtics 35 Mavs 33

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 102.3 (18th)
Def. Rating: 100.9 (11th)
Point Differential: +1.3
Celtics
Offense: 103.4 (14th)
Defense: 96.8 (3rd)
Point Differential: +6.6

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia
Celtics
PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Marcus Smart
SF: Jae Crowder
PF: Amir Johnson
C: Jared Sullinger

Team Leaders

Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 18.1
RPG: Pachulia, 9.6
APG: Williams, 5.3
PER: Nowitzki, 23.4
Celtics
PPG: Thomas, 21.0
RPG: Sullinger, 8.9
APG: Thomas, 6.3
PER: Thomas, 23.1

Of Note

• The Mavericks are looking for their 5th straight win overall and their 3rd straight win on the road.
• Dwight Powell and Jae Crowder are the only players remaining for each team from the 5 player Rajon Rondo trade last December.
• After scoring 25 points on 9-13 shooting against the Clippers, Wesley Matthews has  shot a combined 4-21 from the field in his last two games.
• The Celtics have won their last three games against the Hawks, Thunder and Rockets by an average margin of 15.7 points.
• The Mavs have won 9 out of their last 10 games against Boston with the only loss coming in double overtime in Dec. 2012 without Dirk.

Mavericks 92 76ers 86: Game 11 Recap

The Lead
The Mavs win ugly thanks to Parsons big first half and Dirk's fourth quarter heroics.

Box Score


Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 21
Rebounds: Powell, 8
Assists: Williams, 6
+-: Villanueva, +14
76ers
Points: Okafor, 19
Rebounds: Noel, 12
Assists: McConnell, 6
+-: Covington, +9

Game Ball
Chandler Parsons
20 points, 5 rebounds, 8-11 FG, 21 minutes

X-Factor
Deron Williams
12 points, 6 assists, 6-6 FT

Play of the Game
With the Mavericks clinging to a three point lead with just under 2 minutes left, Deron Williams passes to Zaza Pachulia who finds Dirk for a dagger three to give Dallas much needed breathing room.

Stat of the Game
The Mavs were able to overcome an uncharacteristic 19 turnovers, thanks in large part to being able to force 27 76ers giveaways.

Of Note

• Chandler Parsons had easily his best game of the season, scoring 20 points in the first half while helping the Mavs gain a lead of 19 at one point.
• Things would get sloppy afterwards with Dallas only scoring 40 points in the middle two periods and eventually would lose the lead in the 4th quarter.
• Thankfully Dirk was able to bring the game home for the Mavs, scoring 12 of his 21 in the final stanza, including 7 in a 9-2 Mavs run that turned a one point deficient into a 6 point lead.
• With their fourth straight win, the Mavericks are now 7-4, good for 3rd place in the Western Conference.
• The loss was the 11th straight to start the season for the Sixers and their 21st in a row dating back to the end of last season.
• The Mavs won their second game in the past week when shooting less than 40%, something they only did twice all of last season.

Quote of Note
"That was the killer shot for the game. It was huge. Hey look, he's been doing that for almost two decades. You're never shocked when it happens."
Rick Carlisle on Dirk's Dagger three

Tweet of the Night

Lots of questions on Parsons minutes. Yes I agree, let him break Wilts record, and then get him out.

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) November 17, 2015

Next Up
The Mavericks (7-4) finish their three game road trip in Boston, against the red-hot Celtics (6-4), Wednesday night.

Mavericks at 76ers: Game 11 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (6-4) at Philadelphia 76ers (0-10)
Mon. Nov. 16, 6:00 at the Wells Fargo Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 8 1/2

2014-15 Matchups
Nov. 13 at Dallas
Mavs 123 76ers 70
Nov. 29 at Philadelphia
Mavs 110 76ers 103

All-Time Series
Mavs 34 76ers 33

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 103.5 (12th)
Def. Rating: 102.6 (13th)
Point Differential: +0.9
76ers
Offense: 94.6 (30th)
Defense: 108.6 (28th)
Point Differential: -13.5


Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia
76ers
PG: T.J. McConnell
SG: Nik Stauskas
SF: Jerami Grant
PF: Nerlens Noel
C: Jahlil Okafor

Team Leaders

Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 17.8
RPG: Pachulia, 10.0
APG: Williams, 5.2
PER: Nowitzki, 23.9
Lakers
PPG: Okafor, 19.2
RPG: Noel, 9.0
APG: McConnell, 7.0
PER: Okafor, 15.7

Of Note

• The Mavericks with a victory will have their first 4 game winning streak since they won 6 in a row from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5 last season.
• The 76ers have lost 20 games in a row dating back to last season. They lost their final 10 games last year and their first 10 of this season.
• The Mavs have held their last 3 opponents to 38% field goal shooting and 34.1% three point shooting.
• Sixers center Jahlil Okafor leads all rookies in scoring at 19.2 points per game.
• The Mavericks should have a full roster available with the exception of JaVale McGee, after resting Dirk, Chandler Parsons and Wesley Matthews in the final game of their 4 games in 5 nights stretch on Saturday.

Mavericks 90 Lakers 82: Game 9 Recap

The Lead
The Mavericks pull out an ugly win thanks to another strong effort from Zaza.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Pachulia, 18
Rebounds: Pachulia, 16
Assists: Williams, 7
+-: Harris, +20
Lakers
Points: Clarkson, 21
Rebounds: Randle, Bass, 10
Assists: Russell, 5
+-: Bryant, +5

Game Ball
Zaza Pachulia
18 points, 16 rebounds, 5-7 FG, 8-11 FT

X-Factor
Dwight Powell
10 points, 12 rebounds, 3-6 FG, 4-4 FT

Play of the Game
Early in the second quarter, Dirk posts up Kobe Bryant and then gets free for a sweet up and under move for a layup.

Stat of the Game
The Mavs were able to win despite shooting only 36.6% from the field, by holding the Lakers to 33% shooting including a combined 0-13 from Metta World Peace and Nick Young.

Of Note

• The win gives the Mavs back-to-back wins for the first time all season.
• Chandler Parsons played in parts of two halves for the first all season as he scored a season high 9 points in 18 minutes.
• In perhaps his last game at the AAC, Kobe got off to a hot start, hitting his first three shots before tailing off and finishing up 7-15 for 19 points.
• The Mavericks have now won 9 straight against the Lakers.
• The Mavs got off to a slow start, falling behind 19-9 to start the game. They were able to stem the tide however with a 9-0 run and would go ahead for good with 2:49 left in the first quarter.

Quote of Note
"My numbers don't count; they don't matter without the win. Thank you to my teammates for finding me. Thank you to my teammates for missing some good shots offensively so that I could get some offensive rebounds."
Zaza on his big night

Tweet of the Night

Zaza Pachulia, crunch-time go-to guy.

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) November 14, 2015

Next Up
The Mavericks (5-4), finish off their only 4 games in 5 nights stretch of the season tomorrow in Houston against the struggling Rockets (4-5).

Mavericks vs. Lakers: Game 9 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (4-4) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (1-7)
Fri.. Nov. 13, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 8

2015-16 Matchups
Nov. 1 at Los Angeles
Mavs 103 Lakers 93

All-Time Series
Lakers 104 Mavs 40

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 104.2 (13th) Def. Rating: 105.6 (19th)
Point Differential: -1.4
Lakers
Offense: 103.4 (16th)
Defense: 110.1 (28th)
Point Differential: -6.6

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia
Lakers
PG: D'Angelo Russell
SG: Jordan Clarkson
SF: Kobe Bryant or Metta World Peace
PF: Julius Randle
C: Roy Hibbert

Team Leaders

Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 18.9
RPG: Pachulia, 19.5
APG: Barea, 5.4
PER: Nowitzki, 27.0
Lakers
PPG: Bryant, 16.5
RPG: Randle, 8.3
APG: Huertas, 3.2
PER: World Peace, 20.5

Of Note

• The Mavericks have won 8 straight against the Lakers, their longest active streak vs. any West opponent.
• Since starting the game in New Orleans 1-7, Dirk has made 17 out of his last 20 shots.
• Kobe Bryant, who has missed the Lakers last two games with a sore back, is listed as questionable.
• In the last two games, Justin Anderson has 18 points and 4 rebounds in 26 minutes, while making all 7 of his shots from the field including 2 threes.
• The Mavericks can win consecutive games for the first time this season with a W.

Mavericks 118 Clippers 108: Game 8 Recap

The Lead
Mavericks get a complete and satisfying victory in the DeAndre Jordan grudge match, fueled by huge nights by Dirk and Matthews.

Box Score 


Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 31
Rebounds: Nowitzki, 11
Assists: Barea, 7
+-: Felton, +19
Clippers
Points: Griffin, 21
Rebounds: Jordan, 11
Assists: Paul, 11
+-: Pierce, +8

Game Ball
Dirk Nowitzki
31 points, 11 rebounds, 11-14 FG, 5-6 3PT

X-Factor
Wesley Matthews
25 points, 6 rebounds, 9-13 FG, 3-4 3PT

Play of the Game
With the Mavs holding a 2 point lead with just over a minute left Dirk banks in a three, his fifth of the game as Dallas finishes the game on a 8-0 run.

Stat of the Game
All five Mavs starters played at least 30 minutes and scored in double figures led by Dirk and Matthews who scored a combined 56 points on 20-27 shooting, including going 8-10 on threes.

Of Note

• In his first game in Dallas since turning his back on the Mavs after initially agreeing to sign here this off-season, DeAndre Jordan had 9 points and 11 rebounds including going 3-9 from the line. He was also a game worst -23.
• Dirk had his fourth career game of at least 30 points, 10 rebounds and 5 threes. He is the oldest player in NBA history to reach those numbers in a game.
• Chandler Parsons sat out the second night of the back-to-back as the team continues to monitor his minutes in his return from off-season knee surgery.
• The 118 points and 55.3% shooting for the Mavs were season highs.
• Zaza Pachulia had his 4th double-double in 8 games this season and his 5th game of double digit rebounds. 
• The Mavericks' defense held the Clippers' superstars, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, to a combined 10-30 from the field.
• The Mavs outrebounded the Clippers 44-41 thanks to the double-digit rebound nights of Dirk and Pachulia.
• The Mavericks debuted their new alternate "skyline" uniforms.

Quotes of Note
"Our guy is a 90 percent free throw shooter. And we love him."
Rick Carlisle on Zaza

"He's not a priority to us, and by the looks of their team he's not to them either."
Chandler Parsons on DeAndre Jordan

Tweet of the Night

Hey @LAClippers! Good game! Have a safe trip home! ✈️🚀🚗🚲⛵️🚤🍌

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) November 12, 2015

Next Up
The Mavs (4-4) stay at home to face Los Angeles' other team, the Lakers (1-7), on Friday night.

Mavericks at Pelicans: Game 7 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (3-3) at New Orleans Pelicans (0-6)
Tues. Nov.10, 7:00 at the Smoothie King Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Pelicans by 2

2015-16 Matchups
Nov. 7 at Dallas
Mavs 107 Pelicans 98

All-Time Series
Mavs 36 Pelicans 12

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 100.9 (22nd)
Def. Rating: 101.9 (14th)
Point Differential: -1.0
Pelicans
Offense: 101.8 (17th)
Defense: 113.6 (30th)
Point Differential: -12.0

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia
Pelicans
PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Eric Gordon
SF: Luke Babbitt
PF: Anthony Davis
C: Alexis Ajinca

Team Leaders

Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 17.0
RPG: Pachulia, 10.2
APG: Williams, Barea, 5.2
PER: Nowitzki, 24.2
Pelicans
PPG: Davis, 25.2
RPG: Davis, 9.3
APG: Smith, 7.5
PER: Davis, 23.8


Of Note

• The Mavericks have won 10 out of their last 11games against the Pelicans.
• Dirk has shot at least 50% from the field in 4 out of 6 this year and has grabbed at least 6 rebounds in every game so far.
• The Pelicans are one of three winless teams in the league and are the only one in the Western Conference.
• Dwight Powell has set a career high in points in each of the last games with 14 and 15 respectively. He is a combined 13-21 from the floor in the two games.
• In his last four games against the Mavs, Anthony Davis has averaged  28.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks.
  

Carlisle Signs 5 Year Extension

The Mavericks and head coach Rick Carlisle have agreed on a five year contract extension that will pay him in the range of 35 million dollars according to ESPN's Marc Stein. The deal will take effect during the 17-18 season and last through 2022. Carlisle, who just became the franchise leader in coaching wins has been the Mavs coach since 2008.
Carlisle released the following statement on his new deal:

"Mark Cuban, Donnie Nelson and Dirk Nowitzki are the reason an extension like this is possible. I have best owner and general manager in sports, and one of the greatest players in NBA history to thank for this opportunity. There is much work to be done as we move forward."

Mavericks vs. Raptors: Game 4 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (2-1) vs. Toronto Raptors (3-0)
Tues. Nov. 3, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Raptors by 1.5

2014-15 Matchups
Nov. 28 at Toronto
Mavs 106 Raptors 102
Feb. 24 at Dallas
Mavs 99 Raptors 92

All-Time Series
Mavs 24 Raptors 13


Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 101.1 (16th) Def. Rating: 97.8 (8th)
Point Differential: +3.4
Raptors
Offense: 107.5 (5th)
Defense: 95.6 (7th)
Point Differential: +12.0


Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia
Raptors
PG: Kyle Lowry
SG: DeMar DeRozan
SF: DeMarre Carroll
PF: Luis Scola
C: Jonas Valanciunas

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 17.3
RPG: Pachulia, 10.0
APG: Williams, 7.5
PER: Nowitzki, 29.9
Raptors
PPG: DeRozan, 21.0
RPG: Valanciunas, 11.0
APG: Lowry, 7.3
PER: Ross, 25.2


Of Note

• The Mavericks will have a full roster available with the exception of the still rehabbing JaVale McGee. Chandler Parsons will still be on a minutes restriction.
• Both Rick Carlisle and Raptors coach and former Mavs assistant Dwane Casey became their franchise's winningest coach in their team's last game.
• The Mavs have won their last three home openers by an average of 18 points per game.
• Zaza Pachulia is averaging a double-double (10.0 points, 10.0 rebounds) so far this season. DeAndre Jordan and Tyson Chandler can't say the same.
• The Raptors are one of only four remaining undefeated teams in the league.

Mavericks 103 Lakers 93: Game 3 Recap

The Lead
Led by a vintage Dirk night, the Mavs ride a hot start to finish off their season starting road trip with an easy win.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 25
Rebounds: Pachulia, 12
Assists: Williams, 8
+-: Nowitzki, Parsons, +12
Lakers
Points: Randle, 22
Rebounds: Randle, 15
Assists: Randle, 4
+-: Randle, +2

Game Ball
Dirk Nowitzki
25 points, 9 rebounds, 10-13 FG, 3-5 3PT

X-Factor
Zaza Pachulia
16 points, 12 rebounds, 4-8 FG, 8-10 FT

Stat of the Game
The two all-time legends in the game had very different nights. Dirk had 25 points and shot 10-13 from the floor while Kobe had 15 points and was only 3-15 from the field.

Of Note

• Chandler Parsons made his season debut after off-season knee surgery, playing 12 first half minutes with 2 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists. 
• With the win Rick Carlisle became the winningest coach in Mavericks history with 340 wins, passing Don Nelson.
• The Mavs started the game on a 15-0 run before the Lakers scored their first points more than 4 1/2 minutes into the game.
• The Mavericks have now won eight straight games against the Lakers.
• Dallas native Julius Randle had a strong game for the Lakers with 22 points and 15 rebounds.
• Once again depth was important for the Mavs with 6 players scoring in double-digits.

Quote of Note
"Nellie is one of the all-time greats. He's a great friend, and in his honor tonight, I'm going to crack open a beer and drink one to him,"
Rick Carlisle

Next Up
The Mavericks (2-1) will have their home opener Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors (3-0).