League Admits Missed Call in Last Night's Game

The NBA has admitted that Shawn Marion should have been called for a 2 shot foul on Kevin Love at the end of last night's 100-98 Mavericks win over the the Timberwolves.

From the league office
Rod Thorn, NBA President, Basketball Operations, issued the following statement today regarding a missed foul call late in the fourth quarter of the Dallas Mavericks’ 100-98 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Dec. 30, at Target Center:
“Through postgame video review, we have determined that Minnesota’s Kevin Love was fouled on the right arm by Dallas’ Shawn Marion while attempting a two-point field goal. Love should have been awarded two free throws with one second left on the clock.”
To view the play, click on the following link:
http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2013/12/31/bballops-dal-at-min-eog-.nba/index.html

Thankfully this really means nothing, and the Mavs still won the game. So as Mark Cuban would say to the Timberwolves, "oh, too bad".

Mavericks 100 Timberwolves 98: Game 31 Review

Mavericks 100 Timberwolves 98

Headline
Mavs give up big lead in the third, hold on in the fourth, and win it on controversial no-call.

Team Leaders
Mavs
Points: Marion, 32
Rebounds: Dalembert, 7
Assists: Ellis, 10
+-: Marion, Calderon, +7
Wolves
Points: Love, 36
Rebounds: Love, 11
Assists: Rubio, 13
+-: Brewer, +10

Player of the Game
Shawn Marion
32 points, 6 rbs., 14-19 FG, 4-6 3PT

Unsung Hero
Samuel Dalembert
9 pts. 7 reb., 2 clutch free throws in last minute

Goat
The entire Minnesota bench
5 pts., 2-12 FG, 9 TO

Play of the Game
Shawn Marion gets ball, and some arm too on Kevin Love's last second shot to seal the Mavs win.

Stats of the Game
33 Mavs assists on 41 made baskets
Mavs hold Wolves to 17 4th quarter points, after allowing 38 in the 3rd

Quote of Note
"Shawn was the key to the game. No question about it Activity was great. Played both ends of the floor. Didn’t run one play for him and he just produced. We need him to keep doing what he’s doing."
Rick Carlisle

Next Up
The Mavericks (18-13) are in the nation's capital for the second consecutive New Year's Day, to face off with the Wizards (14-14) at 5:00 central.

Mavericks at Timberwolves: Game 31 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (17-13) at Minnesota Timberwolves (15-15)
Dec. 30, 7:00 at the Target Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Wolves by 4 1/2

2013-14 Matchups
Nov. 8 at Minnesota
Wolves 116 Mavs 108
Nov. 30 at Dallas
Wolves 112 Mavs 106

All-Time Series
Mav 57 Wolves 43

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 5th (108.6)
Defense: 18th (106.8)
Wolves
Offense: 8th (108.4)
Defense: 9th (104.2)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Wolves
PG: Ricky Rubio
SG: Kevin Martin
SF: Corey Brewer
PF: Kevin Love
C: Nikola Pekovic

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.5
RPG: Marion, 7.3
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 23.8
Wolves
PPG: Love, 26.1
RPG: Love, 13.8
APG: Rubio, 8.1
PER: Love, 28.4

Notes
The Mavericks lead the Timberwolves by two games for 8th place in the West. The Mavs have scored 105 points or more in 7 straight games. Kevin Love ranks 3rd in the NBA scoring, 1st in rebounding, and 2nd in PER. The Mavs have lost 6 of their last 9 to Minnesota, after winning 18 of their previous 19 against the Wolves.

Mavericks 105 Bulls 83: Game 30 Review

Mavericks 105 Bulls 83

Headline: Mavs dominate on both ends of the court, destroy offensively-challenged Bulls.

Team Leaders

Mavs
Points: Ellis, 22
Rebounds: Marion, 13
Assists: Calderon, 7
+-: Marion, +21
Bulls
Points: Noah, 20
Rebounds: Noah, 10
Assists: Butler,5
+-: Noah, -4

Player of the Game
Shawn Marion
14 pts., 13 rbs. 7-11 FG

Unsung Hero
Jae Crowder
9 pts. 2-2 3PT, 3-3 FT

Goat
Jimmy Butler
2-10 FG, 7 TO

Plays of the Game
Dirk and Jae Crowder both convert 4 point plays within minutes of each other in the 2nd quarter.

Stats of the Game
All 12 Mavericks who play are a +. All 10 Bulls are a -.
Mavs shoot 13-26 on threes. Bulls are 3-17.

Quote of Note
''We were locked in from the jump and we didn't have to play catch-up, and I think that's good for our team. We had to bring more energy and we had to do it from the beginning. We had to hit those guys first because they do a great job of trying to take teams out of their game early.''
Vince Carter

Next Up
The Mavericks (17-13) travel to frigid Minnesota to face the Timberwolves (15-15), Monday at 7:00.

Mavericks at Bulls: Game 30 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (16-13) at Chicago Bulls (11-16)
Dec. 28, 7:00 at the United Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 2 1/2

2012-13 Matchups
Nov. 28 at Chicago
Bulls 101 Mavs 78
Mar. 30 at Dallas
Mavs 100 Bulls 98

All-Time Series
Mavs 32 Bulls 32

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 7th (108.4)
Defense: 22nd (107.3)

Bulls
Offense: 28th (99.8)
Defense: 4th (100.7)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert or DeJuan Blair
Bulls
PG: Kirk Hinrich
SG: Jimmy Butler
SF: Luol Deng or  Mike Dunleavy
PF: Carlos Boozer
C: Joakim Noah

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.6
RPG: Marion, Blair, 7.1
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 24.0
Bulls
PPG: Deng, 19.6
RPG: Noah, 9.8
APG: Hinrich, 5.1
PER: Deng, 17.7

Notes
The Bulls have been decimated by injuries, most notably another Derricks Rose season-ending knee injury. Luol Deng is a gametime decision with a sore Achilles. Brandan Wright is expected to return for the Mavs, but now Wayne Ellington is out due to illness.  Before last year's Mavs win over the Bulls in Dallas, the Mavs had dropped four straight to Chicago, failing to score over 83 points in any of those games. The Mavericks are 7-3 vs. the East this year, compared to 9-10 vs. the West.  The Bulls have really struggles on offense this year, scoring the fewest points per game in the league (91.9).

Spurs 116 Mavericks 107: Game 29 Review

Spurs 116 Mavericks 107

Headline: Late Mavs 12-0 run gets them back in game, but they can't get over the hump.

Team Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 25
Rebounds: Blair, 11
Assists: Ellis, 6
+-: Calderon, +5
Spurs
Points: Parker, 23
Rebounds: Duncan, 13
Assists: Diaw, 5
+-: Green, +18

Players of the Game
Mavs
Dirk Nowitzki
25 pts., 5 rbs. 10-17 FG
Spurs
Danny Green
22 pts., 7-7 FG, 5-5 3Pt

Unsung Hero
Boris Diaw
10 pts., 5 rbs., 5 ast.

Goat
Jae Crowder
15 min., 0 pts. rbs. ast., -18

Play of the Game
Danny Green hits corner 3 with 2 minutes to go to put Spurs up 6.

Stat of the Game
Spurs go 35-42 from the line. They entered the game with the fewest free throw attempts in the league.

Quote of Note
“But I like our team. I believe in our team. We’re this close to winning that game tonight, but we put ourselves too much in harm’s way with just the little concentration errors and slippages."
Rick Carlisle

Next Up
The Mavs (16-13) start a three game road trip when they face the Chicago Bulls (11-16), Saturday night at 7:00.

Mavericks vs. Spurs: Game 29 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (16-12) vs. San Antonio Spurs (22-7)
Dec. 26, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Spurs by 2 1/2

2012-13 Matchups
Dec. 23 at San Antonio
Spurs 129 Mavs 91
Dec. 30 at Dallas
Spurs 111 Mavs 86
Jan. 25 at Dallas
Spurs 113 Mavs 107
Mar. 14 at San Antonio
Spurs 92 Mavs 91

All-Time Series
Spurs 92 Mavs 64

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 7th (108.5)
Defense: 22nd (107.0)
Spurs
Offense: 9th (108.1)
Defense: 3rd (100.6)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert or DeJuan Blair
Spurs
PG: Tony Parker
SG: Marco Belinelli
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Tim Duncan
C: Tiago Splitter

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.4
RPG: Marion, 7.1
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 23.8
Spurs
PPG: Parker, 17.6
RPG: Duncan, 9.4
APG: Parker, 6.2
PER: Duncan, 20.7

Notes
The Mavericks have lost 5 in in a row and 9 of 11 to the Spurs. DeJuan Blair faces the Spurs for the first time after spending the first four seasons of his career with San Antonio. Vince Carter has scored at least 14 points and had at least 4 assists in 4 of the last 5 games. Those games have coincided with the return of Brandan Wright. All 7 of the Spurs' losses have come to teams with at least 19 wins.

UPDATE- Both Brandan Wright and Samuel Dalembert missed shootaround today due to illness. They are both listed as questionable for tonight's game.

Mavericks 111 Rockets 104: Game 28 Review

Mavericks 111 Rockets 104

Headline: Dirk passes English, scores 31 to help Mavs avoid 3 game losing streak.

Team Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 31
Rebounds: Dalembert, 7
Assists: Ellis, Calderon, 5
+-: Nowitzki, +17
Rockets
Points: Howard, 29
Rebounds: Howard, 15
Assists: Garcia, 6
+-: Howard, +3

Player of the Game
Dirk Nowitzki
31 pts., 6 rbs. 11-18 FG

Unsung Hero
Jae Crowder
11 pts. 3-5 3PT

Play of the Game
Dirk's third quarter jumper that gave him 25,615 points to pass Alex English on the all-time scoring list.

Stat of the Game
Mavericks shoot at least 50% from the field and on threes, and at least 85% from the line for the 2nd time this year against the Rockets.

Quote of Note
''He's the great Dirk Nowitzki. He's one of the great players in the history of the game.''
Rick Carlisle

Up Next
The Mavs (16-12) get two days off for Christmas before they host the San Antonio Spurs (22-6) for the first time this year, Thursday at 7:30.

Mavericks at Rockets: Game 28 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (15-12) at Houston Rockets (18-10)
Dec. 23, 7:00 at the Toyota Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Rockets by 5

2013-14 Matchups
Nov. 1 at Houston
Rockets 113 Mavs 105
Nov. 20 at Dallas
Mavs 123 Rockets 120

All-Time Series
Rockets 80 Mavs 77

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 8th (108.0)
Defense: 20th (106.8)
Rockets
Offense: 3rd (109.1)
Defense: 14th (104.8)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: DeJuan Blair
Rockets
PG: Jeremy Lin
SG: Francisco Garcia
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Terrence Jones
C: Dwight Howard

Team Leaders

Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.0
RPG: Marion, 7.2
APG: Ellis, 5.9
PER: Nowitzki, 23.2
Rockets
PPG: Harden, 23.9
RPG: Howard, 13.2
APG: Harden, 5.6
PER: Howard, 22.7

Notes
James Harden is out for tonight's game with a high ankle sprain. Jeremy Lin however will return to the lineup after being out with back spasms. Also out for Houston are Patrick Beverly and Omer Asik. Dirk Nowitzki needs 14 points to pass Alex English for 13th on the NBA's all-time scoring list. In the Mavs 123-120 win over the Rockets on Nov. 20, they made 13 straight shots from the field in overcoming an 18 point deficit. 

Suns 123 Mavericks 108: Game 27 Review

Suns 123 Mavericks 108

Headline: Mavs can't stop Suns 3 point barrage, drop second straight game.

Team Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 21
Rebounds: Nowitzki,Wright,Crowder,6
Assists: Ellis, 9
+-: Dalembert, +5
Suns
Points: Bledsoe, 25
Rebounds: Plumlee, Frye, 8
Assists: Bledsoe, 6
+-: Frye, +24

Players of the Game
Mavs
Brandan Wright
19 pts., 6 rbs., 4 blk.
Suns
Eric Bledsoe
25 pts., 6 ast., 9-12 FG

Unsung Hero
P.J. Tucker
16 pts., 7 rbs., 4 ast.

Goat
Mavs 3 Point Defense

Play of the Game
Goran Dragic's first half buzzer beating layup

Stat of the Game
Suns 15-30 3PT
Mavs: 3-17 3PT

Quote of Note
''Every time we got close they knocked in a 3. They shot the lights out.'' Brandan Wright

Next Up
The Mavs go to Houston for a division showdown with the Rockets, Monday at 7:00.

Mavericks at Suns: Game 27 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (15-11) at Phoenix Suns (15-10)
Dec. 21, 8:00 CST at the US Airways Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Suns by 3

2012-13 Matchups

Dec. 6 at Phoenix
Suns 97 Mavs 94
Jan. 27 at Dallas
Mavs 110 Suns 95
Feb. 1 at Phoenix
Mavs 109 Suns 99
Apr. 10 at Dallas
Suns 103 Mavs 92

All-Time Series
Suns 73 Mavs 64

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 7th (107.8)
Defense: 18th (105.9)
Suns
Offense: 8th (107.8)
Defense: 17th (105.7)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: DeJuan Blair
Suns
PG: Eric Bledsoe
SG: Goran Dragic
SF: P.J. Tucker
PF: Channing Frye
C: Miles Plumlee

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.0
RPG: Marion, Blair, 7.3
APG: Ellis, 5.7
PER: Nowitzki, 23.3
Suns
PPG: Dragic, 19.0
RPG: Plumlee, 8.8
APG: Bledsoe, 6.3
PER: Bledsoe, 20.9

Notes
The Suns are one probably the biggest surprise in the league under first year coach Jeff Hornacek. After last night's one point loss in overtime, the Mavs are 3-3 in games decided by three points or less. After two straight  strong games Vince Carter's scoreless 18 minutes last night were the most minutes he has ever played in a game he has gone without scoring. The Suns are extremely young team, with Channing Frye being there oldest player at only 30 years of age.

Raptors 109 Mavericks 108: Game 26 Review

Raptors 109 Mavericks 108 (OT)

Headline: Mavs blow 19 point 2nd quarter lead, come up short in overtime.

Team Leaders
Mavs
Ponts: Calderon, 23
Rebounds: Nowitzki, Marion, 9
Assists: Ellis, 11
+-: Nowitzki, +13
Raptors
Points: Lowry, 20
Rebounds: Valanciunas, 13
Assists: Derozan, 9
+-: Johnson, +11

Players of the Game
Mavs
Jose Calderon
23 pts., 9 ast., 7-10 3PT
Raptors
Jonas Valanciunas
18 pts., 13 Rbs., 8-13 FG

Unsung Hero
Greivis Vasquez
14 pts., 6-11 FG in 15 minutes

Goat
Vince Carter
0 points, 6 turnovers in 18 minutes

Play of the Game
DeMar Derozan's jumper that tied up the game with 16 seconds left in regulation.

Stats of the Game
Mavs go only 6-10 from the line
Toronto shoots 11-21 on threes

Quote of Note
"We need tomorrow. Simple as that. If not, we'll be counting on this one later in the season." Jose Calderon

Next Up
The Mavericks (15-11) hit the road to face the suprsing Phoenix Suns (15-10) , tommorow night at 8:00.

Mavericks vs. Raptors: Game 26 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (15-10) vs. Toronto Raptors (9-14)
Dec. 20, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 6

2012-13 Matchups
Nov. 7 at Dallas
Mavs 109 Raptors 104
Dec. 14 at Toronto
Raptors 95 Mavs 74

All-Time Series
Mavs 22 Raptors 11

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 9th (107.8)
Defense: 17th (105.7)
Raptors
Offense: 18th (104.5)
Defense: 11th (104.4)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: DeJuan Blair
Raptors
PG: Kyle Lowry
SG: DeMar DeRozan
SF: Terrence Ross
PF: Amir Johnson
C: Jonas Valanciunas

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.0
RPG: Blair, 7.4
APG: Ellis, 5.5
PER: Nowitzki, 23.7
Raptors
PPG: DeRozan, 21.8
RPG: Valanciunas, 7.8
APG: Lowry, 6.8
PER: Johnson, 17.9

Notes
Jose Calderon faces the team he spent the first 7 1/2 years of his career with for the first time as a Mav. Raptors coach Dwane Casey was a Mavericks assistant for 3 seasons, including the 2010-11 championship year. The Mavs have held 3 straight opponents to 95 points or less. Dirk's 1.5 3 pointers made per game are the most he has averaged since he made 1.9 threes per game in the 02-03 season. The Raptors have gone 3-2 and scored at least 99 in points in every game since trading Rudy Gay to Sacramento for 4 players.

Mavericks 105 Grizzlies 91: Game 25 Review

Mavericks 105 Grizzlies 91
Headline: Mavs handle shorthanded Memphis with ease, outshooting the Grizzlies .548% to .398%.

Team Leaders
Mavs

Points: Nowitzki, 20
Rebounds: Marion,Dalembert,7
Assists: Carter, 6
+-: Nowitzki, +23
Grizzlies
Points: Allen, 16
Rebounds: Allen, 11
Assists: Bayless, 6
+-: Koufos, +3

Player of the Game
Dirk Nowitzki
20 pts 6 rbs, 5 ast, 9-15 FG

Unsung Hero
Samuel Dalembert
8 pts., 7 rbs., 3-3 FG after DNP-CD vs. Milwaukee

Play of the Game
Dirk gives an unselfish pass to  Jae Crowder for the uncontested dunk on the fast break in the 4th quarter.

Stat of the Game
Memphis finishes with 22 offensive rebounds compared to only 21 defensive boards.

Quote of Note
''He makes everything look so easy. I was amazed how the guys guarding him kept jumping, and he just waited and knocked down the shot.''Jose Calderon on Dirk

Next Up: The Mavs (15-10) look to go 3-0 on their homestand when they face the Toronto Raptors (9-14) on Friday at 7:30.

Mavericks vs. Grizzlies: Game 25 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (14-10) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (10-14)
Dec. 18, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 10

2013-14 Matchups
Nov. 2 at Dallas
Mavs 111 Grizzlies 99

All-Time Series
Mavs 53 Grizzlies 18

Team Ranks
Mavs
Offense: 9th (107.3)
Defense: 17th (105.8)
Grizzlies
Offense:21st (103.3)
Defense: 24th (107.4)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Dejuan Blair
Grizzlies
PG: Jerryd Bayless
SG: Tony Allen
SF: Tayshuan Prince ?
PF: Zach Randolph
C: Kosta Koufos

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.0
RPG: Blair, 7.5
APG: Ellis, 5.6
PER: Nowitzki, 23.3
Grizzlies
PPG: Conley, 18.2
RPG: Randolph, 9.6
APG: Conley, 6.3
PER: Conley, 21.5

Notes
The Grizzlies have been decimated by injuries and will be without Marc Gasol (knee sprain) and probably Mike Conley (thigh contusion). In addition Mike Miller (ankle) and Tayshuan Prince (knee) were hurt in last night's Memphis loss to the Lakers. Meanwhile the Mavs will welcome back Dirk Nowitzki and Rick Carlisle after both missed Saturday night's game due to illness. Jose Calderon has hit at least three 3 points in 6 of his last 7 games. Due in large part by the extended absence of Gasol, last year's league defensive player of the year, the Grizzlies have dropped from having the second best defense in the NBA last season on a per 100 possession basis  to 24th this season.

Grading the Mavs

With the season now almost a third of the way through, lets grade your 2013-14 Dallas Mavericks players based on their contributions to date.

Dejaun Blair- B: Despite being vertically limited, Blair plays extremely hard and is among the best offensive rebounders in the league. His play has been rewarded with increasing minutes and the starting center role for now.

Jose Calderon- B+: His play has been as advertized. Great outside shooter who takes care of the basketball. Struggles defensively but massive upgrade at the point guard position from last year to say the least.

Vince Carter- D: Has been quite the struggle so far for the former Half-Man-Half Amazing. His shot has abandoned him  and hasn't done enough elsewhere to make up for it.

Jae Crowder- C: Started off the season red-hot shooting threes, but has been ice cold ever sense. Good defender but offensive limitations keep him from more of an expanded role.

Samuel Dalemebert- C-: Started off the season fine, but hasn't been the same since being benched for missing a shootaround. Maybe reduction in playing time will get the message across.

Wayne Ellington- D+: Supposed to give the Mavs shooting off the bench, but hasn't shot the ball well and as a result has fallen out of the rotation.

Monta Ellis- A-: Basically has been a best case scenario so far. Has given the team a penatrator and explosive scorer that it has lacked seemingly forever. Most encouraging has been how great a fit he has been playing with Dirk.

Devin Harris- Inc.: Should hopefully see action by either the end of this month or the beginning of January. Will give the team a boost as the first guard off the bench, especially with his attacking ability and defense.

Bernard James- C+: Gives the team a decent option when needed as a big body. You could do worse for an end of the bench guy.

Shane Larkin- B-: Getting a late start on the season has hurt, but has shown flashes of potential that makes you think he can be a valuable contributor for years to come.

Ricky Ledo- Inc.: Is currently in the D-League where he needs to be right now to get playing time. Still a long ways away, but you can see potential there.

Shawn Marion: B: Has continued to be his reliable, underrated self. Still the Mavs' best defender and has even re-found his 3 point shot from his days in Phoenix.

Gal Mekel- C: Has shown some signs of possibly being a solid backup, but lack of a outside shot and elite athleticism has hurt him,
as he has fallen behind Larkin in the point guard pecking order.

Dirk Nowitzki- A: Has returned to form after last year's injury-plagued season. Playing with Ellis has only rejuvenated him, and  barring injury we should still see #41 playing at a high-level for a number of seasons to come.

Brandan Wright- Inc.: If his season debut Saturday was any indicator, Wright should see the bulk of the minutes at the center position for the remainder of the season. Should be able to thrive playing alongside the Dirk and Monta combo.

Mavericks 106 Bucks 93: Game 24 Review

Mavericks 106 Bucks 93
Headline: Despite absences of Dirk and Carlisle due to illness the Mavs rout hapless Milwaukee.

Team Leaders
Mavs
Points: Wright, 19
Rebounds: Marion, 12
Assists: Carter, 9
+-: Calderon, +19
Bucks
Points: Henson, 18
Rebounds: Henson, 13
Assists: Antetokounmpo, 4
+-: Ridnour, +15

Player of the Game
Brandon Wright
19 points, 6 rbs. 9-10 FG in season debut.

Unsung Heroes
Shawn Marion who recorded a double-double (13 pts., 12 rbs.) starting at PF in Dirk's absence.
Monte Mathis who got the easy win in his first game as a replacement coach.

Play of the Game
Any one of the 3 basket and fouls recorded by Wright.

Stats of the Game
Jose Calderon hits 4 threes, all in the first quarter.
Vince Carter dishes out 9 assists, easily surpassing his previous season high of 5 dimes.

Quote of Note
''I'm going to be aggressive either way it goes. If Dirk plays or Monta plays or none of those guys play, I've got to play the same way. I've got to play hard.'' Brandan Wright

Next Up
The Mavericks (14-10) get three days off to get Dirk and Carlisle well, before they return to the court to host the Memphis Grizzlies (10-12), Wednesday at 7:30.

Mavericks vs. Bucks: Game 24 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (13-10) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (5-18)
Dec. 14, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 12.5

2013-14 Matchups
Nov. 9 at Milwaukee
Mavs 91 Bucks 83

All-Time Series
Bucks 37 Mavs 27

Team Ranks
Mavs
Offense: 10th (107.2)
Defense: 20th (106.2)
Bucks
Offense: 30th (96.8)
Defense: 24th (106.6)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Dejuan Blair
Bucks
PG: Brandon Knight
SG: O.J. Mayo
SF: Khris Middleton
PF: Ekpe Udoh
C: John Henson


Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 21.5
RPG: Blair, 7.4
APG: Ellis, 5.6
PER: Nowitzki, 23.4
Bucks
PPG: Mayo, 14.4
RPG: Henson, 7.4
APG: Wolters, 4.3
PER: Henson, 20.4


Notes
Brandan Wright is probable to make his season debut after being out since hurting his shoulder in the preseason. O.J. Mayo makes his return to Dallas after spending the 12-13 with the Mavs. The Bucks 5-18 record is currently the NBA's worst. Samuel Dalembert has really struggled of late, scoring only 3 points on 0-7 shooting in the last 3 games.

Mavericks at Warriors: Game 23 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (13-9) at Golden State Warriors (12-10)
Dec.11, 9:30 at Oracle Arena
TV: FSSW, ESPN
Line: Warriors by 5 1/2

2013-14 Matchups
Nov. 27 at Dallas
Mavericks 103 Warriors 99

All-Time Series
Mavericks 78 Warriors 59

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 8th (107.7)
Defense: 24th (106.5)
Warriors
Offense: 12th (106.1)
Defense: 8th (102.9)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Dejuan Blair
Warriors
PG: Stephen Curry
SG: Klay Thompson
SF: Harrison Barnes
PF: David Lee
C: Andrew Bogut

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 21.5
RPG: Blair, 7.4
APG: Ellis, 5.6
PER: Nowitzki, 23.5
Warriors
PPG: Curry, 23.6
RPG: Lee, Bogut, 9.3
APG: Curry, 8.9
PER: Curry, 24.4

Notes
The  Mavs have won 10 of their last 14 against the Warriors, although they have lost 3 of their last 4 in Oakland. Monta Ellis returns to the Bay Area, where he played the first 6 1/2 years of his career for the Warriors.  Stephen Curry seems to get better every season, as he is currently averaging a career high in points and assists per game. The Warriors have been struggling without injured swingman Andre Iguodala, losing 7 of their last 11 games.

Kings 112 Mavericks 97: Game 22 Review

Kings 112 Mavericks 97

Headline: Mavs can't continue road momentum, get blitzed by shorthanded Kings.

Team Leaders

Mavs
Points: Ellis, 21
Rebounds: Crowder, 7
Assists: Nowitzi, 7
+-: Crowder, +19
Kings
Points: Cousins, 32
Rebounds: Cousins, 19
Assists: Thomas, 12
+-: Thomas, +33

Players of the Game
Mavs
Dirk Nowitzki: 18 pts., 6 rbs., 7 ast.
Kings
Demarcus Cousins: 32 pts., 19 rbs.

Unsung Hero
Derrick Williams, Kings: 31 pts. 12-16 FG

Play of the Game
Derrick Williams slams home Isaiah Thomas' off the backboard pass in the 3rd period.

Stat of the Game
Sacramento's threesome of Cousins, Williams and Thomas combine for 87 of the Kings' 112 points.

Quote of Note
"That little Isaiah and DeMarcus Cousins are a handful. That's a heck of a duo right there."
Shawn Marion

Next Up
The Mavs (13-9) remain in California as they finish off their 4 game road trip against the Golden State Warriors (12-10) in Oakland, Wednesday at 9:30. 

Mavericks at Kings: Game 22 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (13-8) at Sacramento Kings (5-13)
Dec. 9, 9:00 at Sleep Train Arena
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavericks by 4

2012-13 Matchups
Dec. 10 at Dallas
Mavs 119 Kings 96
Jan. 10 at Sacramento
Mavs 117 Kings 112 (OT)
Feb. 13 at Dallas
Mavs 123 Kings 100
Apr. 5 at Dallas
Mavs 117 Kings 108

All-Time Series
Mavs 83 Kings 61

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 6th (108.5)
Defense: 21st (106.5)
Kings
Offense: 17th (104.2)
Defense: 27th (107.5)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Dejuan Blair

Kings
PG: Isaiah Thomas
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Derrick Williams
PF: Jason Thompson
C: Demarcus Cousins

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 21.6
RPG: Blair, 7.6
APG: Ellis, 5.7
PER: Nowitzki, 23.5
Kings
PPG: Cousins, 22.0
RPG: Cousins, 9.9
APG: Thomas, 4.9
PER: Cousins, 25.7

Notes
The Kings made a major trade on Sunday dealing Greivis Vasquez, John Salmons, Patrick Patterson and Chuck Hayes to Toronto for Rudy Gay, Aaaron Gray and Quincy Acy. None of the new players will play in tonight's game. The Mavs have dominated their matchups with the Kings winning 15 of the last 16, including sweeping all 4 games last season. The Mavs look to win their third straight road game after beginning the year 2-6 away from home. Kings center Demarcus Cousins has shown off an improved offensive game this year, increasing his scoring average from 17.1 PPG to 22.0, and his FG% from .465% to .486%.

Mavericks 108 Blazers 106: Game 21 Review

Mavericks 108 Blazers 106

Headline: The Mavs get their best win of the season thanks to another brilliant Dirk fourth quarter and a Monta Ellis buzzer-beater.

Team Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 30
Rebounds: Blair, 8
Assists: Nowitzki, Calderon, 7
+-: Nowitzki, +16
Blazers
Points: Lillard, 32
Rebounds: Lopez, 14
Assists: Batum, 6
+-: Lillard, +2

Player of the Game
Dirk: 30 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 13-23 FG, 3-4 3PT

Unsung Hero
Bernard James: 5 points, 6 rebounds in 11 minutes

Play of the Game
Monta Ellis' game winning jumper at the buzzer after Damian Lillard's 3 tied the game with a 3 with 1.9 seconds to go.

Stat of the Game
Mavs outshoot Portland from the field .529% to .448%, and go from 8-16 on threes compared to the Blazers' 9-30. Portland had shot 17-23 from long distance in a blowout win over Utah Friday night.

Quote of Note
 "I was born for it. I’ve been taking that shot all my life. I love that time of the game, and I’ve hit a couple of game-winners in my career. At that point of the game, you always like to have that confidence to take that last shot, and I got it. I have the ability to make those shots. Coach gave me the ball and I knocked the shot down.” Monta Ellis

Next Up
The Mavericks (13-8) travel to Sacramento for their first matchup of the season with the Kings (5-13), Monday night at 9:00.

Mavericks vs. Blazers: Game 21 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (12-8) at Portland Trail Blazers (17-3)
Dec. 7, 9:00 at the Moda Center
TV: FSSW, NBATV
Line: Blazers by 5

2012-13 Matchups
Nov.5 at Dallas
Mavs 114 Blazers 91
Jan. 29 at Portland
Blazers 106 Mavs 104
Feb. 6 at Dallas
Mavs 105 Blazers 99
Apr. 7 at Portland
Mavs 96 Blazers 91

All-Time Series
Blazers 74 Mavs 62

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 6th (108.2)
Defense: 23rd (106.3)
Blazers
Offense: 1st (111.5)
Defense: 22nd (106.1)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Blazers
PG: Damian Lillard
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Nicolas Batum
PF: Lamarcus Aldridge
C: Robin Lopez

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 21.6
RPG: Blair, 7.6
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 23.0
Blazers
PPG: Aldridge, 23.5
RPG: Aldridge, 9.7
APG: Lillard, 5.7
PER: Aldridge, 22.4

Notes
After going 5 games without scoring 20 points, Dirk Nowitzki has scored over 20 in 3 straight games. Counting the playoffs the Mavs have won 7 of their last 9 against Portland with the 2 losses coming by 2 points each. The Blazers boast the league's best offense, and rank in the 5 in numerous offensive categories including points per game, 3 pointers made, 3 point %, ft% and offensive rebounds. Blazers coach and former Mavs assistant Terry Stotts was named Western Conference Coach of the Month for November, as he lead Portland to a 13-2 record that included a 11 game winning streak.

Mavericks 100 Pelicans 97: Game 20 Review

Mavericks 100 Pelicans 97

Headline: Mavs pull out a close one on the road thanks to three Dirk free throws in the last minute and key defensive stops.

Team Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 21
Rebounds: Nowitzki, Dalembert, 7
Assists: Ellis, 10
+-: Nowitzki, +10
Pelicans
Points: Holiday, 26
Rebounds: Aminu, 20
Assists: Holiday, 9

Player of the Game
Dirk Nowitzki
21 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks

Unsung Hero
Vince Carter
15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists

Play of the Game
Dirk diving for a loose ball and shoveling it to Jae Crowder who finished with a dunk, late in the 3rd quarter.

Stat of the Game
Mavericks survive being outrebounded 58-38 by only turning the ball over 7 times, compared to the Pelicans 16 giveaways.

Quote of Note
"It was a good game. They play really well here, and they've been playing really well overall. You know, some teams are going to give up but we had to show we could recover. We had some big stops when we needed them and we made some big shots, and that's what it came down to. We needed this win. It was a good win for us. They're playing very well and we have to give them credit."
Shawn Marion

Next Up
The Mavs (12-8) get two days off before they resume their road trip in Portland against the surprising Portland Trail Blazers (16-3).

Mavericks vs. Pelicans: Game 20 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (11-8) at New Orleans Pelicans (9-8)
Dec. 4, 7:00 at the New Orleans Arena
TV: FSSW, NBALP

2012-13 Matchups
Jan. 5 at Dallas
New Orleans 99 Mavs 96 (OT)
Feb.22 at New Orleans
Mavs 104 New Orleans 100
Apr. 14 at New Orleans
Mavs 107 New Orleans 89
Apr. 17 at Dallas
Mavs 99 New Orleans 87

All-Time Series
Mavs 44 Hornets-Pelicans 23

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 7th (108.3)
Defense: 23rd (106.4)
Pelicans
Offense: 5th (108.9)
Defense: 25th (106.9)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Pelicans
PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Eric Gordon
SF: Al-Farouq Aminu
PF: Ryan Anderson
C: Jason Smith

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 21.9
RPG: Blair, 7.8
APG: Ellis, 5.5
PER: Nowitzki, 22.8
Pelicans
PPG: Anderson, 22.6
RPG: Davis, 10.2
APG: Holiday, 8.0
PER: Davis, 28.4

Notes
Pelicans sophmore star Anthony Davis is out 4-6 weeks with a broken hand. After going 1-8 on threes in his first two games, Jose Calderon is 47-89 from deep since. After losing 11 straight in New Orleans including the playoffs, the Mavs have won 3 of their last 4 in the Big Easy. Ryan Anderson has scored 31 and 36 in his last 2 games, including going 7-11 on threes in both games.

Mavericks 89 Bobcats 82: Game 19 Review

Mavericks 89 Bobcats 82

Headline: Mavs overcome sluggish first 3 quarters, led by 19 consecutive points by Dirk and Monta to finish the game.

Team Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 25
Rebounds: Marion, 10
Assists: Ellis, 5
+-: Nowitzki, +14
Bobcats
Points: Jefferson, 19
Rebounds: Jefferson, 12
Assists: Walker, 5
+-: Gordon, +2

Player of the Game
Dirk Nowitzki
25 points, 9-11 FG in 2nd half

Play of the Game
Monta Ellis driving layup that gave Dallas a 81-78 lead.

Stat of the Game
Dirk goes 1-10 in the first half. 9-11 in the second half.

Quote of Note
''We were just reading one another. Dirk did a great job of keeping us close, then he got us ahead and we ran the two-man game and we just picked to see what the defense was doing.'' Monta Ellis

Next Up
The Mavs begin a 4 game road trip when they face off against the Pelicans Wednesday at 7:00.

Mavericks vs. Bobcats: Game 19 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (10-8) vs. Charlotte Bobcats (8-10)
Dec.3, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP

2012-13 Matchups
Nov. 3 at Dallas
Mavs 126 Bobcats 99
Nov. 10 at Charlotte
Bobcats 101 Mavs 97 (OT)

All-Time Series
Mavs 16 Bobcats 1

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 5th (108.8)
Defense: 25th (107.2)
Bobcats
Offense: 28th (97.4)
Defense: 4th (100.3)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon or Gal Mekel
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Bobcats
PG: Kemba Walker
SG: Gerald Henderson
SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
PF: Josh McRoberts
C: Al Jefferson

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 21.9
RPG: Blair, 7.8
APG: Ellis, 5.6
PER: Nowitzki, 22.9
Bobcats
PPG: Walker, 16.6
RPG: Jefferson, 8.4
APG: Walker, McRoberts, 4.1
PER: Jefferson, 21.8

Notes
The Mavericks won their first 16 ever meetings against the Bobcats before losing last year at Charlotte  in overtime sans Dirk Nowitzki. The Mavs were the last NBA team that Charlotte hadn't beaten. Jose Calderon' status remains in doubt after he did not practice on Monday due to a sprained ankle. Dejuan Blair has totaled 62 rebounds in his last 6 games, grabbing at least 8 boards in every game. Vince Carter has shot above 50% in only 2 of the 17 games he has played this year. One of those games was opening night. The Bobcats have gone from the worst defense in the league on a points per 100 possessions basis last season (111.5), to ranked 4th in the league this season (100.3) under new coach Steve Clifford. This is the Charlotte franchise's last season as the Bobcats before they become the Hornets next year.

Timberwolves 112 Mavericks 106: Game 18 Review

Timberwolves 112 Mavericks 106

Team Leaders

Mavs
Points: Ellis, 26
Rebounds: Blair, 8
Assists: Mekel, 7
+-: Mekel, +7
Wolves
Points: Martin, 27
Rebounds: Love, 11
Assists: Rubio, 7
+-: Love, +12

Player of the Game
Mavs: Nowitzki, 23 pts., 5 rbs., 6 ast., 10-13 FG
Ellis, 26 pts., 6 rbs., 6 ast., 9-15 FG
Wolves: Martin, 27 pts., 7-14 FG, 10-11 FT

Play of the Game: Kevin Martin's fast break jumper that put Minnesota up 96-90 midway through the fourth.

Stat of the Game: Nowitzki and Ellis go 19-28 from the field and its not enough.

Quote of Note: ''We're going to learn about our team right now. Lose four out of five, have a tough loss like last night and then another tough one like tonight - it's going to test the togetherness and the collective will.'' Rick Carlisle

Next Up: The Mavs (10-8) host the Charlotte Bobcats (8-10) Tuesday at 7:30