Mavericks vs. Pistons: Game 37 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (26-10) vs. Detroit Pistons (11-23)
Wed. Jan. 7, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FFSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 9.5

2014-15 Matchups

Dec. 17 at Detroit
Mavs 117 Pistons 106 

All-Time Series
Pistons 36 Mavs 31

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 112.2 (1st)
Def. Rating: 103.3 (14th)
Point Differential: +7.6
Pistons
Offense: 100.0 (24th)
Defense: 103.6 (17th)
Point Differential: -2.8

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Pistons
PG: Brandon Jennings
SG: Kentavios Caldwell-Pope
SF: Kyle Singler
PF: Greg Monroe
C: Andre Drummond

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 20.6
RPG: Chandler, 12.0
APG: Rondo, 8.2
PER: Villanueva, 23.1
Win Shares: Chandler, 5.3
Pistons
PPG: Monroe, 14.4
RPG: Drummond, 13.1
APG: Jennings, 6.3
PER: Drummond, 20.2
Win Shares: Drummond, 2.8


Of Note

• Both teams enter the game on 6 game winning streaks. The Pistons extended their streak with a last second win in San Antonio and Tuesday.
• Both teams have also made a big move since they last played; the Mavs traded for Rajon Rondo and Detroit released Josh Smith.
• The Mavericks have won 6 in a row and 11 out of 12 against the Pistons, including 6 in a row at home.
• All three of the Mavs losses to the East have come at home.
• The Mavs 96 points against the Nets was the fewest in a win they have scored all year.
  

Mavericks 96 Nets 88 (OT): Game 36 Recap

The Lead
The Mavs overcome a rough shooting night to outlast the Nets, as Dirk's dagger in OT moves him past Moses.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Ellis, 19
Rebounds: Chandler, 13
Assists: Rondo, 14
+-: Nowitzki, Barea, +9
Nets
Points: Lopez, 22
Rebounds: Lopez, 13
Assists: Jack, 10
+-: Karasev, +4

Game Ball
Tyson Chandler
14 points, 13 rebounds, 6-11 FG

X-Factor
Richard Jefferson
10 points, 4-8 FG 

Goat Horns
Alan Anderson
5 points, 1-6 FG, 1-5 3PT

Play of the Game
With the Mavericks holding a five point lead in the last minute of overtime, Dirk hits a dagger three that moves him past Moses Malone for 7th on the NBA's career scoring list with 27,412 points.

Stat of the Game
Both teams only shot 39% from the field but the Mavs were 10-27 on threes while the Nets were only 3-25 including being 1-22 at one point.

Of Note

• The win was the Mavs' 6th straight as they improved to 11-0 on the road against the East with stops to Indiana, Atlanta, Orlando and Miami left.
• The Nets were without Kevin Garnett (rest) and Deron Williams (sore left side).
• Despite going only 1-13 from the field, Rajon Rondo has 14 assists and 10 rebounds. He has recorded 4 out of the last 5 rebounds-assists double-doubles in the NBA.
• Brook Lopez scored 18 points in the first quarter as Brooklyn raced out to a 14 point lead at the end of the period. He would only score four points for the remaineder of the game.
• With the Mavs starters struggling to make shots, the bench stepped up big by scoring 41 points on 16-27 shooting. In contrast the Nets bench scored 11 points on 3-17 shooting.

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

Quote of Note
 "Yeah, it's been insane, crazy ride in Year No. 17, and Moses was obviously an unbelievable player. So it has been a humbling experience to pass all these all-time greats. It's a tribute to obviously the hard work, but all the great coaches and teammates that have gotten me to this point, and obviously staying healthy is a big part. I am proud of it but I am more proud that we got the win."
Dirk on passing Moses

Tweet of the Night

First basketball player I was ever "aware" of was Moses Malone. Now I'm 43 and the greatest Mav ever passed him on the scoring list #FoFoFo
— Jeff Wade (@SkinWade) January 6, 2015

Next Up
The Mavericks (26-10) briefly return home to face the suddenly red-hot Detroit Pistons (10-23), Wednesday at 7:30.

Mavericks at Nets: Game 36 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (26-10) at Brooklyn Nets (16-17)
Mon. Jan. 5, 6:30  at the Barclays Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 6

2013-14 Matchups

Jan. 24 at Brooklyn
Nets 107 Mavs 106
March 23 at Dallas
Nets 107 Mavs 104 (OT)

All-Time Series
Mavs 38 Nets 28

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 112.7 (1st)
Def. Rating: 103.8 (17th)
Point Differential: +7.6
Nets
Offense: 100.7 (23rd)
Defense: 102.8 (12th)
Point Differential: -1.7

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Nets
PG: Jarrett Jack
SG: Sergey Karasev
SF: Joe Johnson
PF: Kevin Garnett
C: Mason Plumlee

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 20.7
RPG: Chandler, 11.9
APG: Rondo, 7.5
PER: Villanueva, 22.7
Win Shares: Chandler, 5.1
Nets
PPG: Johnson, 16.6
RPG: Garnett, 7.5
APG: Williams, 6.5
PER: Plumlee, 19.9
Win Shares: Williams, 2.4

Of Note

• The Mavericks are looking to win their 11th straight on the road against the East this year, as well as their 6th straight win overall.
• Dallas had dropped three straight to the Nets including losing last year's two meetings by a combined 4 points.
• Dirk is 13 points away from passing Moses Malone for seventh on the NBA's career scoring list.
• The Nets had won 6 out 7 before losing in Miami last night. The improved play has coincided with the removal from the starting lineup of Deron Williams and Brook Lopez.
• In the eight games since the Rondo trade, the Mavs have had the 7th best defensive rating  in the league.

Mavericks 109 Cavaliers 90: Game 35 Recap

The Lead
Mavs continue their dominance of the East, as they have little problem with the LeBron-less Cavs.

Box Score 

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Ellis, 20
Rebounds: Chandler, 8
Assists: Rondo, 8
+-: Chandler, +14
Cavs
Points: Love, 30
Rebounds: Thompson, 11
Assists: Dellavedova, 7
+-: Jones, Kirk, -2

Game Ball
Monta Ellis
20 points, 8-15 FG, 3-4 FT

X-Factor
J.J. Barea
14 points, 4 assists,  6-7 FG

Goat Horns
Dion Waiters
8 points, 4-14 FG, 0-4 3PT

Play of the Game
Rajon Rondo connects on wide open alley-oop dunk with Tyson Chandler with 2:45 to go, that was emblematic of the ease the Mavs shredded the Cavs defense. 

Stat of the Game
The Mavs ball movement resulted on 30 assists on 44 made baskets, compared to only 10 turnovers.

Of Note

• The Mavs are now 10-0 on the road against the East.
• The Mavericks 5 game winning streak is tied for the longest current win streak in the league.
• Already without LeBron James, Cleveland lost Kyrie Irving for the game in the third quarter, with lower back tightness.
• Dirk is now 13 points away from passing Moses Malone for 7th on the NBA's career scoring list.
• Greg Smith left the game in the 2nd quarter with a muscle strain on his right side.
• Today was the 15th annivesery of Mark Cuban's purchase of the Mavericks.

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

Quote of Note
 "We wanted all of the games on this trip. I think that's how we approached it: no letdowns. In my career, we've lost numerous games where the best player on the other team was out. I think we were all focused. We talked before the game that wanted to be in attack mode on both ends of the floor."
Dirk on playing the Cavs without LeBron

Tweets of the Day

The only interview that mattered was the Stuart Scott interview on the last day of the NBA season #RIPStuartScott pic.twitter.com/5ZdDoKz3HG
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) January 4, 2015

Congrats @dallascowboys, way to finish! #FinishTheFight pic.twitter.com/PxG07L3TLP
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) January 5, 2015

Next Up
The Mavericks (25-10) look to continue their Eastern dominance when they say hello to the Brooklyn Nets (16-17), Monday at 6:30.

Mavericks at Cavaliers: Game 35 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (24-10) at Cleveland Cavaliers (19-14)
Sun. Jan. 3, 12:00 at the Quicken Loans Arena
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 7

2013-14 Matchups
Jan. 20 at Cleveland
Mavs 102 Cavs 97
Feb. 3 at Dallas
Mavs 124 Cavs 107 

All-Time Series
Cavs 34 Mavs 31

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 112.4 (1st)
Def. Rating: 104.1 (18th)
Point Differential: +7.3
Cavs
Offense: 106.1 (8th)
Defense: 105.0 (22nd)
Point Differential: +2.0

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Cavs
PG: Kyrie Irving
SG: Matthew Dellavedova
SF: Mike Miller
PF: Kevin Love
C: Tristan Thompson


Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 20.7
RPG: Chandler, 12.1
APG: Rondo, 7.4
PER: Villanueva, 22.6
Win Shares: Chandler, 4.9
Cavs
PPG: James, 25.2
RPG: Love, 9.9
APG: James, 7.6
PER: James, 24.9
Win Shares: James, 4.1

Of Note

• The Cavs are without LeBron James for at least 2 weeks with as strained left knee and lower back.
• The Mavs have won 7 out of their last 8 meetings with Cleveland.
• The Mavericks look to go 10-0 against the East on the road, with wins already in Chicago, Washington and Toronto.
• Dallas will see Shawn Marion for the first time since he signed with the Cavs in the off-season. He is currently averaging 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in 23.1 minutes per game.
• Tyson Chandler has grabbed at least 12 rebounds in 6 straight games and 8 out of 9 games.

Mavericks 119 Celtics 101: Game 34 Recap

The Lead
Rondo's red-hot shooting in his return to Boston leads the Mavs to their 4th straight win.

Box Score 

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Rondo, 29
Rebounds: Chandler, 16
Assists: Rondo, 5
+-: Chandler, Harris, +18
Celtics
Points: Bradley, 22
Rebounds: Zeller, 10
Assists: Smart, 7
+-: Zeller, +16

Game Ball
Rajon Rondo
29 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 12-19 FG, 5-7 3PT

X-Factor
Devin Harris
10 points, 3 assists, +18

Goat Horns
Kelly Olynyk
2 points, 3 TO, 1-4 FG, 0-2 FT

Play of the Game
Rondo hits a three at the end of the lst quarter to give himself 15 points for the quarter  and give the Mavs a 31-17 lead.

Stat of the Game
Rondo's 5 made threes were a career high for a single game.

Of Note

• Rondo was given a standing ovation during the pre-game introductions as well as a video tribute at the end of the first quarter.
• After recent struggles rebounding the Mavs outrebounded Boston 52-38.
• All three former Mavs sent away in the Rondo deal struggled for the Celtics. Brandan Wright was scoreless in 10 minutes and didn't attempt a shot, Jameer Nelson was 2-9 for 7 points and Jae Crowder was 2-6 for 4 points.
• The Mavs win coupled by Houston's blowout loss to New Orleans put Dallas in 4th place in the West, a half game behind Memphis for the division lead.
• The Mavericks are now 9-0 on the road against the East this year and have won 13 straight overall at Eastern teams dating back to last year.

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

Quote of Note
"I called a couple of subs because it was a lot for me tonight. ... I don't think I've ever been this tired after a game."
Rajon Rondo

Tweet of the Night
 

Thanks @celtics that was an amazing tribute to @RajonRondo   #firstclass
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) January 3, 2015

Next Up
The Mavericks (24-10) look to stay perfect on the road against the East when they face the Lebron-less Cavaliers (19-14), Sunday at noon.

 

Mavericks at Celtics: Game 34 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (23-10) at Boston Celtics (11-18)
Fri. Jan. 2, 6:30 at TD Garden
TV: FSSW, NBATV
Line: Mavs by 5.5

2014-15 Matchups
Mavs 118 Celtics 113

All-Time Series
Celtics 35 Mavs 32

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 112.2 (1st)
Def. Rating: 104.3 (18th)
Point Differential: +6.9

Celtics
Offense: 102.2 (18th)
Defense: 102.4 (12th)
Point Differential: -0.3

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Celtics
PG: Marcus Smart
SG: Avery Bradley
SF: Jeff Green
PF: Jared Sullinger
C: Tyler Zeller

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 20.6
RPG: Chandler, 11.9
APG: Rondo, 7.8
PER: Villanueva, 24.6
Win Shares: Chandler, 4.8
Celtics
PPG: Green, 18.5
RPG: Sullinger, 7.9
APG: Nelson, 6.6
PER: Zeller, 21.2
Win Shares: Zeller, 2.7

Of Note

• The game is the first since the trade that sent Rajon Rondo and Dwight Powell to Dallas for Brandan Wright, Jae Crowder, Jameer Nelson and draft picks.
• In 527 games as a Celtic, Rondo averaged 11.0 points, 8.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds. In Celtics team history he ranks 4th in assists and 3rd in steals.
• The Mavs have won 8 out of 9 against the Celtics.
• The Mavericks are a perfect 8-0 on the road against the East.
• The Mavs have failed to score 100 points in only one of their wins this season. They scored 99 against the Spurs in Rondo's first game with the team.