Bulls 100 Mavericks 91: Game 60 Review

Headline
Bulls defense stifles the Mavs in the 4th quarter.

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Ellis, 20
Rebounds: Dalembert, 10
Assists: Ellis, 5
+-: Dalembert, +9
Bulls
Points: Gibson, 20
Rebounds: Gibson, 15
Assists: Dunleavy, Noah, 4
+-: Gibson, +18

Game Ball
Taj Gibson
20 pts., 15 rbs., 7-15 FG, 6-7 FT

X-Factor
Joakim Noah
10 pts., 9 rbs., 4 ast., usual excellent defense

Goat
Mavs Bench
Shoot only 8-27 from the field

Play of the Game
Mike Dunleavy's three that put the Bulls ahead to stay with 4:53 to go, after the Mavs had briefly retaken the lead.

Stat of the Game
Bulls hold the Mavericks to 37 second half points including only 15 in the 4th quarter.

Additional Notes
With the loss and a Golden St. win the Mavs drop back into 7th place in the West by a half-game.
Vince Carter scored 14 points in the first half, but only one after halftime.
Bulls have now won 8 out their last 9 and are tied with Toronto for third in the East.

Quote of Note
 "They did some good things defensively and in the second half there were a lot of opportunities for good shots and we just missed."
Rick Carlisle

Next Up
The Mavericks (36-24) travel south to face their nemesis, the San Antonio Spurs (42-16), Sunday at 6:00.

Mavericks vs. Bulls: Game 60 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (36-23) at Chicago Bulls (31-26)
Feb. 28, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 4 1/2

2013-14 Matchups

Dec. 28 at Chicago
Mavs 105 Bulls 83

All-Time Series
Mavs 33 Bulls 32

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (110.9)
Defense: 23rd (108.2)
Bulls
Offense: 28th (101.1)
Defense: 2nd (100.4)

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

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.6
RPG: Marion, 6.8
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 24.6
Bulls
PPG: Boozer, 14.7
RPG: Noah, 11.5
APG: Augustin, 5.5
PER: Noah, 19.9


Notes
Both teams are riding hot streaks. The Mavs have won 10 out of 12, while the Bulls have won 7 out of 8. Both teams suffered losses to Miami during their runs. Vince Carter has scored at least 17 points in the last three games while hitting a combined 11 threes. Since Jan. 1 Joakim Noah is averaging 13.6 PPG, 13.2 RPG and 5.9 APG. The Mavericks sent Shane Larkin, Jae Crowder and Bernard James down to the Texas Legends of the D-League to play in that team's Thursday night's game. They will be back up and available for Friday's game.

Mavericks 108 Pelicans 89: Game 59 Review

Headline
Mavs continue to take care off business, take care of injury riddled Pelicans.

Leaders

Mavs
Points: Ellis, 23
Rebounds: Marion, Wright, 8
Assists: Ellis, 7
+-: Wright, +23

Pelicans
Points: Gordon, 19
Rebounds: Davis, 9
Assists: Evans, 7
+-: Davis, +4

Game Ball
Monta Ellis
23 pts., 7 ast. 4 stl.

X-Factor
Brandan Wright
8 pts., 8 rbs., 3 stl., 3 blk.

Goat
Tyreke Evans
4 pts., 2-9 FG

Play of the Game
Brandan Wright goes all out to save the ball from going out of bounds after a missed shot,  and then finds Shawn Marion for a layup that puts the Mavs up 20 with 7 minutes to go.

Stat of the Game
Mavericks force 19 Pelicans turnovers, 15 of which were steals.

Additional Notes
Dirk went to the locker room in the first minute of the game with a hurt left shoulder, but returned minutes later and showed no ill effects scoring 18 points on 7-13 shooting.
Pelicans All-Star Anthony Davis wasn't so fortunate as he hurt his left shoulder in the 2nd quarter and did not return to the game.
The Mavs swept the season series over New Orleans 4-0.
After trailing 27-20 at the end of the first quarter, Dallas outscored the Pelicans 88-62 in the remaining three periods.

Quote of Note
“The shoulder popped a little bit. I’ve had it ever since Karl Malone hacked me in ’99. The shoulder sometimes just comes in and out a little bit, but it tingles for just a couple of minutes. I walked it off in the tunnel and was able to finish the game. “But it happened a good 20 times already over my career, so it’s going to keep happening here and there.”
Dirk on his injury scare.

Next Up
The Mavericks (36-23) remain at home to face the feisty Chicago Bulls (31-26), Friday at 7:30.

Mavericks vs. Pelicans: Game 59 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (35-23) at New Orleans Pelicans (23-33)
Feb. 26, 7:05 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, ESPN
Line: Mavs by 7 1/2

2013-14 Matchups
Dec. 4 at New Orleans
Mavs 100 Pelicans 97
Jan. 10 at New Orleans
Mavs 107 Pelicans 90
Jan. 11 at Dallas
Mavs 110 Pelicans 107

All-Time Series
Mavs 47 Hornets-Pelicans 23

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense:4th (110.8)
Defense: 23rd (108.4)
Pelicans
Offense: 11th (107.1)
Defense: 27th (109.2)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Pelicans
PG: Brian Roberts
SG: Eric Gordon
SF: Al-Farouq Aminu
PF:Anthony Davis
C: Greg Stiemsma

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.7
RPG: Marion, 6.8
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 24.6
Pelicans
PPG: Davis, 20.5
RPG: Davis, 10.2
APG: Holiday, 7.9
PER: Davis, 26.4

Notes
During the Mavs 3-0 road trip they averaged 115.7 points per game. The Pelicans have lost 4 in a row and 6 out of 7, and will likely lose a lottery pick to Philadelphia due to their trade for the injured Jrue Holiday. Dallas has taken 6 games in a row from New Orleans. The Mavericks have also won 21 out of the last 23 games the two teams have played in Dallas. Last night was Dirk's 13th game-winning shot in the last 10 seconds of a game since 05-06. He is tied with Carmelo Anthony as the NBA leader in that span.

Mavericks 110 Knicks 108: Game 58 Review

Headline
Dirk's buzzer-beater spoils Melo's big night, gives Mavs a perfect road trip.

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Carter, 23
Rebounds: Dalembert, 10
Assists: Harris, 8
+-: Dalembert, +7
Knicks
Points: Anthony, 44
Rebounds: Chandler, 12
Assists: Felton, Smith, 7
+-: Aldrich, +12

Game Ball
Jose Calderon
20 pts., 6 ast., 0 TO, 5-8 3PT

X-Factor
Vince Carter
23 pts., 7-12 3PT

Goat
Amare Stoudemire
9 pts., 2 rbs., -8

Play of the Game
Dirk's buzzer beater over Carmelo Anthony that bounced off the rim and glass and then in the basket.

Stat of the Game
Teams combine to go 29-69 on threes. Mavs go 15-36, while Knicks go 14-33.

Additional Notes
The win puts the Mavs a half game ahead of Phoenix for 7th in the West.
Dallas finishes 10-5 on the road against the East for the season.
Knicks are 1-3 when Anthony scores 44+ points this year.

Quote of Note
''Basically it hit the board, every part of the rim, hit Jerry West over there, came back over and it was definitely an ugly, ugly shot.''
Dirk on his game winner.

Next Up
The Mavericks (35-23) reutrn home to face Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans (23-33), Wednesday at 7:00.

Mavericks at Knicks: Game 58 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (34-23) at New York Knicks (21-35)
Feb. 24, 6:30 at Madison Square Garden
TV: FSSW, NBATV
Line: Mavs by 4

2013-14 Matchups
Jan. 5 at Dallas
Knicks 92 Mavs 80

All-Time Series
Mavs 33 Knicks 32

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 110.6 (4th)
Defense: 108.2 (23rd)
Knicks
Offense: 106.6 (12th)
Defense: 108.7 (26th)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Knicks
PG: Raymond Felton
SG: Pablo Prigioni
SF: J.R. Smith
PF: Carmelo Anthony
C:  Tyson  Chandler
Team Leaders

Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.8
RPG: Marion, 6.8
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 24.7
Knicks
PPG: Anthony, 27.9
RPG: Chandler, 9.3
APG: Felton, 6.0
PER: Anthony, 25.1

Notes
Dirk has 7 career 30+ point games at MSG, the most he has in any Eastern Conference arena. Samuel Dalembert has at least 6 rebounds in the last 9 games after failing to record 6 rebounds in any of the four games prior. After a 10-6 January the Knicks have only been 2-8 in February.  Carmelo Anthony has recorded at least 35 points in 4 of his last 5 games, averaging 35.8 points per game in that span.

Mavericks 113 Pistons 102: Game 57 Review

Headline
Another strong offensive outing gives the Mavs a sweep of road back-to-back.

Leaders

Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 24
Rebounds: Marion, Dalembert, 11
Assists: Ellis, 13
+-: Dalembert, +14
Pistons
Points: Smith, 32
Rebounds: Monroe, 17
Assists: Bynum, 8
+-: Stuckey, +1

Game Ball
Monta Ellis
12 pts. (10 in 4th), 13 ast., 5-9 FG

X-Factor
Samuel Dalembert
12 pts., 11 rbs., 3 blk.

Goat
Brandon Jennings
2 pts., 1-7 FG

Play of the Game
Dirk's three with 8:37 to go that put Dallas up 7 after Detroit had gotten within 4.

Stat of the Game
Mavericks outrebound a strong rebounding Pistons team 50-39.

Additional Notes
The win put the Mavs 11 games over .500 for the first time all season.
Wayne Ellington scored 7 points in 16 mintues, taking Jae Crowder's rotation spot. It was the first game Crowder didn't play in all year.
The Mavs held Andre Drummond to 12 points and only 9 rebounds in their two wins over the Pistons.

Quote of Note
“That’s exactly what we envisioned when we put this team together. He’s always attacking and that’s what we needed.”
Dirk on Monta

Next Up
The Mavericks (34-23) try to go 3-0 on their road trip when they face the struggling New York Knicks (21-35), Monday at 6:30.

Mavericks at Pistons: Game 57 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (33-23) at Detroit Pistons (23-32)
Feb. 22, 6:30 at the Palace of Auburn Hills
TV: FFSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 3 1/2

2013-14 Matchups
Jan. 26 at Dallas
Mavs 116 Pistons 106

All-Time Series
Pistons 36 Mavs 29

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (110.4)
Defense: 23rd (108.2)
Pistons
Offense: 18th (105.3)
Defense: 20th (107.7)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Pistons
PG: Brandon Jennings
SG: Kyle Singler
SF: Josh Smith
PF: Greg Monroe
C: Andre Drummond

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.8
RPG: Marion, 6.8
APG: Ellis, 5.6
PER: Nowitzki, 24.8
Pistons
PPG: Jennings, 17.7
RPG: Drummond, 13.0
APG: Jennings, 8.1
PER: Drummond, 22.4

Notes
The Mavericks will try to go 11 games over .500 for the first time all season. Dallas had won 9 of their l0 games against the Pistons. Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings were teammates last year in Milwaukee. The Pistons are now being coached by interim coach John Loyer after Maurice Cheeks was fired on February 9th.

Mavericks 124 76ers 112: Game 56 Review

Headline
Despite sloppiness Mavs score more than enough to handle depleted Sixers with ease.

Leaders

Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 25
Rebounds: Carter, 9
Assists: Calderon, 10
+-: Marion, +21
76ers
Points: Young, 30
Rebounds: Young, 13
Assists: Young, Carter-Williams, 6
+-: Brown, +5

Game Ball
Dirk Nowitzki
25 pts., 7 rbs., 4 ast., 9-12 FG, 5-7 3PT

X-Factor
Shawn Marion
22 pts., 7 rbs., 11-14 FG

Goat
James Anderson
37 min., 3-8  FG, 1-5 3PT

Play of the Game
Dirk's buzzer beating three at the end of the third that gave the Mavs a 101-89 lead.

Stat of the Game
Mavs shoot 62.3% from the field to overcome 25 turnovers.

Additional Notes
The win put the Mavs over .500 on the road for the first time all year at 15-14.
The Mavs 17 first half turnovers were the most in the NBA this season.
The 76ers lost their 10th game in a row.

Quote of Note
"He made eight shots in a row. That always helps."
Rick Carlisle on Dirk's hot start

Next Up
The Mavericks (33-23) travel to Detroit for the second night of a back-to-back when they face the Pistons (23-32) tomorrow at 6:30.

Mavericks at 76ers: Game 56 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (32-23) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (15-40)
Feb. 21, 6:00 at the Wells Fargo Center
TV: FFSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 13 1/2

2013-14 Matchups
Nov. 18 at Dallas
Mavs 97 76ers 94

All-Time Series
76ers 33 Mavs 31

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (110.3)
Defense: 23rd (108.3)
76ers
Offense: 30th (98.7)
Defense: 28th (109.0)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
76ers
PG: Michael Carter-Williams
SG: Tony Wroten
SF:James Anderson
PF: Thaddeus Young
C: Arnett Moultrie

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.7
RPG: Marion, 6.8
APG: Ellis, 5.7
PER: Nowitzki, 24.6
76ers
PPG: Young, Carter-Williams, 17.1
RPG: Young, 6.2
APG: Carter-Williams, 6.3
PER: Young, 17

Notes
The Mavericks have won 12 out of their last 15 games against the Sixers. Philadelphia's roster is in a state of flux after yesterday's trades of Evan Turner and Spencer Hawes. They could have as few as seven players available for tonight's game. The 76ers have lost 9 games in a row by a average of 21.2 points. Samuel Dalembert played the first 8 years of his career in Philadelphia. Since then the Mavs are his fourth team in four years.

Mavs Stand Pat at Trade Deadline

To the surprise of no one the Mavericks did not make a trade before today's 2:00 deadline, and will keep their roster intact as they make their push to the playoffs. The sparse number of available impact players and the Mavs lack of a first round pick in the upcoming draft worked against Dallas in what was a quiet deadline throughout the league.
Said General Manager Donnie Nelson, “For us, the nucleus is there to have a nice push for the second half. When you do make changes, even if it’s at the end of the roster, it takes a certain period of time to bring guys in."

Heat 117 Mavericks 106: Game 55 Review

Headline
Mavs keep it close until  LeBron James proves once again why he is one of the best to ever pick up a basketball.

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 22
Rebounds: Nowitzki, 9
Assists: Nowitzki, 7
+-: Crowder, +9
Heat
Points: James, 42
Rebounds: James, 9
Assists: Chalmers, 9
+-: James, +9

Game Ball
LeBron James
42 pts., 9 rbs., 6 ast., 16-23 FG

X-Factor
Chris Andersen
18 pts., 7-9 FG

Goat
Shawn Marion
3-9 FG, -21

Play of the Game
LeBron's steal and three that tied the game with 7:22 to go and started a 14-0 Miami run.

Stat of the Game
Mavs lose despite outrebounding the Heat 50-28.

Additional Notes
LeBron's top two scoring games of the year have come against the Mavericks. He scored 39 against the Mavs in Miami.
The Heat are now 6-0 against the Mavs since the 2011 Finals.
Dirk was the only Maverick who took more than 3 shots to shoot at least 50% from the field.

Quote of Note
“This team has been a reason why I am the player that I am today, because they beat us.”
LeBron James on the Mavericks

Next Up
The Mavericks (32-23) begin a three game Eastern road trip when they face the bottom-dwelling Philadelphia 76ers (15-40), Friday at 6:00.

Mavericks vs. Heat: Game 55 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (32-22) vs. Miami Heat (37-14)
Feb. 18, 7:00 at the AAC
TV: FSSW
Line: Heat by 2 1/2

2013-14 Matchups

Nov. 15 at Miami
Heat 110 Mavs 104

All-Time Series
Mavs 29 Heat 25

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (110.2)
Defense: 22nd (107.9)
Heat
Offense: 2nd (111.4)
Defense: 15th (105.9)

 Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Heat
PG: Mario Chalmers
SG: Dwyane Wade
SF: LeBron James
PF: Shane Battier
C: Chris Bosh

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.7
RPG: Marion, 6.8
APG: Ellis, 5.7
PER: Nowitzki, 24.5
Heat
PPG: James, 26.5
RPG: James, 7.0
APG: James, 6.6
PER: James, 29.0

Notes
The Heat have won 5 games in a row over the Mavs since the 2011 Finals. In those 5 games Lebron James is averaging 30.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists on 61.6 shooting. Dirk Nowitzki has shot at least 50% from the field in 8 out of the last 9 games. In Miami's last 2 visits to the AAC they have had leads of at least 30 points in both games entering the fourth quarter. 

East 163 West 155: 2014 NBA All-Star Game Review

Headline
East takes over down the stretch to end West three game win streak in highest scoring All-Star game in history.













Leaders
East
Points: Irving, 31
Rebounds: James, 7
Assists: Irving, 14
+-: Irving, +14
West
Points: Durant, Griffin, 38
Rebounds: Howard, 11
Assists: Paul, 13
+-: Davis, +7

Game Ball
Kyrie Irving
31 pts., 14 ast., 5 rbs., 14-17 FG

X-Factor
Joakim Noah
8 pts., 5 rbs., 5 ast., 4-5 FG

Goat
James Harden
-16, dumb foul on Paul George 3 attempt in the last 2 minutes

Play of the Game
Carmelo Anthony's eighth three of the game that gave the East a four point lead with 1:04 to go.

Stat of the Game
2 teams combine to shatter All-Star Game record with 100 three point attempts. East go 14-44, while West goes 16-56.

Dirk Watch
Dirk was the only player on either team not to score as he goes 0-2 in 8 minutes as he accomplishes his main goal of not getting hurt.

Quote of Note
"The superstars of our league were just telling us to compete on every play. Trying to play as much defense as possible. You know, sticking to our game plan. We had a game plan going in and we executed."
Game MVP Kyrie Irving

Additional Notes
NBA All-Star Game records set
Most combined points:318
Most points by a team:163 by East
Most combined field goals made: 135
Most field goals made by a team: 70 by East
Most combined 3-pointers made: 30
Most 3-pointers made by a team: 16 by West
Most combined 3-point attempts: 100
Most 3-point attempts by a team: 56 by West
Most combined assists: 88
Most field goals made by a player: Blake Griffin, 19
Most 3-pointers made by a player: Carmelo Anthony, 8

Mavericks in the All-Star Game

year    player                    MIN PTS RBS AST  FG   3PT  FT
2012   Dirk Nowitzki        14      7       4       1     3-8   1-5   0-0
2011   Dirk Nowitzki        14      6       5       1     3-8   0-1   0-0
2010   Dirk Nowitzki        28      22     4       2     8-15  0-1   6-6
2010   Jason Kidd              6       0       2       1      0-1   0-1    0-0
2009   Dirk Nowitzki        14      8       1       1      3-5   0-0    2-2
2008   Dirk Nowitzki        26      13     4       2      5-14  1-4   2-2
2007   Dirk Nowitzki        16      9       5       2      4-9    1-2   0-0
2007   Josh Howard          20      3       4       3       1-3    0-1    1-2
2006   Dirk Nowitzki        16      10     6       0       4-8    0-3    2-3
2005   Dirk Nowitzki        21      10     8       2      4-10   1-3   1-2
2004   Dirk Nowitzki        13       2      0       1       1-3     0-1   0-0
2003   Dirk Nowitzki        16       9      1       1       4-8     1-4   0-0
2003   Steve Nash             16       2      5       3       1 -3     0-2   0-1
2002   Dirk Nowitzki        24      12     8       3       5-11   1-4   1--1
2002   Steve Nash             24       8      3       9        3-9     2-4   0-0
2001   Michael Finley       19      12     3       5        5-15   0-2   2-2
2000   Michael Finley       10      11     1       0        5-6     1-2   0-0
1997   Chris Gatling          12      2      2        0        1-8     0-0   0-0
1996   Jason Kidd              22      7      6       10       3-4     1-2   0-0
1990   Rolando Blackman 21      15    2        2        7-9     0-0   1-1
1988   Mark Aguirre          12      14    1       1         5-10   1-3   3-3
1988   James Donaldson    8        2      6       1          0-0     0-0   2-2
1987   Rolando Blackman  22     29    4       1          9-15    0-0  11-13
1987   Mark Aguirre          17      9      2       1          3-6      1-2   2-3
1986   Rolando Blackman  12     12     4       8          6-11    0-0   0-0
1985   Rolando Blackman  23     15     3       2          7-14    0-0   1-2
1984   Mark Aguirre           13     13     1       2          5-8      0-0   3-4

Mavericks 81 Pacers 73: Game 54 Review

Headline
Coming off their worst defensive game of the year, the Mavs have their best 48 minutes on the defensive end and beat the Pacers at their own game.

Leaders

Mavs
Points: Ellis, 23
Rebounds: Ellis, 9
Assists: Ellis, 6
+-: Wright, +12
Pacers
Points: Hill, 14
Rebounds: Stephenson, 10
Assists: West, 6
+-: West, Hibbert, 0

Game Ball
Monta Ellis
23 pts., 9 rbs., 6 ast., 2 blk., 9-10 FT

X-Factor
Brandan Wright
7 pts. (all in the 4th), 5 rbs., 3-3 FG

Goats
Paul George and Roy Hibbert
All-Stars combine for only 16 pts. on 6-23 shooting.

Play of the Game
Monta Ellis hits two free throws with 35 seconds left to put Mavs up 5 after being stupidly fouled by Lance Stephenson.

Stat of the Game
Mavs win while only shooting 36%. Hold Indiana to 32% shooting.

Additional Notes
The win coupled with a Golden St. loss to Miami puts Dallas in 6th place in the West at the All-Star break.
Devin Harris missed the game due to knee and ankle injuries forcing Shane Larkin to play a critical 23 minutes.
This was the Mavs' first win while shooting less than 36% from the field since beating the Nets on 1-22-11.

Quote of Note
"It was probably the most physical game I've been in in a long time. Usually we win when we outscore people. But tonight we showed we could win a different way."
Dirk Nowitzki

Next Up
The Mavericks (32-22) return from the All-Star break next Tuesday at 7:30, when they face the two-time defending champion Heat (37-14) at the AAC.

Mavericks at Pacers: Game 54 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (31-22) at Indiana Pacers (40-11)
Wed. Feb. 12, 6:00 at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Pacers by 9

2012-13 Matchups
Nov. 16 at Indiana
Pacers 103 Mavs 83
Mar. 28 at Dallas
Pacers 103 Mavs 78

All-Time Series
Mavs 37 Pacers 26

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (110.6)
Defense: 24th (108.5)
Pacers
Offense: 17th (105.4)
Defense: 1st (96.4)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Pacers
PG: George Hill
SG: Lance Stephenson
SF: Paul George
PF: David West
C: Roy Hibbert

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.8
RPG: Marion, 6.8
APG: Ellis, 5.7
PER: Nowitzki, 24.6
Pacers
PPG: George, 22.4
RPG: Hibbert, 7.7
APG: Stephenson, 5.2
PER: George, 20.7

Notes
Despite spraining his ankle in last night's game, Dirk Nowitzki is expected to play tonight. In their two blowout losses to Indiana last year the Mavs outscored the Pacers by one point in the first half but were outscored by 46 points in the second half. Rick Carlisle spent 4 seasons as head coach of the Pacers (03-07), and has the second most wins (181) in the team's NBA history. The Pacers 96.4 defensive rating gives them a giant lead over 2nd place Chicago at 100.7.

Mavericks at Bocats: Game 53 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (31-21) at Charlotte Bobcats (22-29)
Jan. 10, 6:00 at the Time Warner Cable Arena
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 3 1/2

2013-14 Matchups
Dec. 3 at Dallas
Mavs 89 Bobcats 82

All-Time Series
Mavs 17 Bobcats 1

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (110.8)
Defense: 23rd (108.1)
Bobcats
Offense: 27th (100.7)
Defense: 6th (103.5)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
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: Nowitzki, 21.9
RPG: Marion, 6.8
APG: Ellis, 5.7
PER: Nowitzki, 24.5
Bobcats
PPG: Jefferson, 20.0
RPG: Jefferson, 10.6
APG: Walker, 5.2
PER: Jefferson, 22.1

Notes
The Mavericks have won a season high 5 in a row, the last 4 game by double digits. It's the first time they have recorded 4 straight double digit wins since the 10-11 season. It is also the the first time the Mavs have been at least 10 games over .500 since the end of that same championship season. Dallas suffered their only all-time loss to the Bobcats in their last trip to Charlotte on Nov. 12, 2012 by a 101-97 score in overtime. Of course one Dirk Nowitzki missed that game due to injury. This will be the last time the Mavs will face the Charlotte franchise as the Bobcats. Starting next season they will be the Charlotte Hornets, the same name of the original Charlotte franchise that moved to New Orleans, and is now known as the Pelicans.

Ranking the Mavs

Where the Mavericks fall in various sports websites weekly NBA power rankings.

ESPN: 9. "One of the surest signs this season's West is deeper than it used to be: Dallas is only up to No. 7 after a five-game win streak that has the Mavs at an even 10 games over .500. This group is a far stronger team than last season's 41-41 mess ... but you wouldn't know it looking at the standings."

NBA.com: 9. "The Mavs have won five straight, but their offense has been off the charts for a month now. Dirk Nowitzki has averaged 24.6 points with an effective field goal percentage of 56.2 percent over that stretch. Vince Carter, meanwhile, is a plus-89 over the five-game streak, which included an important win in Memphis. Dallas is now three games up on the Grizz, already holding the head-to-head tiebreaker."

Sports Illustrated: 8. "The Mavs have won a season-best five in a row, but it's worth pointing out that none of the victories came against current playoff teams. Still, Dallas is playing impressive ball, led by the effective duo of Monta Ellis and Dirk Nowitzki.

Yahoo Sports: 10. "Dirk Nowitzi's 38-point, 17-rebound game against Houston on Jan. 29 was his first 30-point, 10-rebound game of the season and 108th of career."

CBS Sports: 8. "The less I think of the Mavericks because of their defense, the better they play because of their offense."

NBC Sports: 9. " Winners of five in a row, they have moved up to a tie for the sixth seed in the deep West (tied with Phoenix). This race down the stretch for the final spots in the West will be one to watch — three games separate the six and nine seeds in the conference."

Fox Sports: 11. "This past week has been a reminder of the days when Dirk Nowitzki was a legitimate superstar. He's just two seasons removed from beating the Heat for a title, remember. Nowitzki is averaging 30.8 points on 59.7% shooting and 9.8 rebounds. If he keeps playing like this, Dallas certainly holds onto a playoff spot — even if they can’t play defense."

Mavericks 102 Celtics 91: Game 52 Review

Headline
Mavs cruise past Celtics for 5th straight win that puts them 10 games over .500.

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 20
Rebounds: Dalembert, 11
Assists: Harris, 7
+-: Nowitzki, +24
Celtics
Points: Green, 18
Rebounds: Sullinger, 12
Assists: Rondo, 12
+-: Johnson, +7

Player of the Game
Jose Calderon
18 pts., 5 rbs., 5 ast., 7-13 FG

X-Factor
Devin Harris
12 pts., 7 ast., 4-9 FG

Goat
Avery Bradley
5 pts., 2-13 FG

Play of the Game
Dirk's 3 with 9 minutes left that gave the Mavericks a 23 point lead to really put the game out of reach.

Stat of the Game
Mavs hold Boston to 36% shooting for their best FG defense game of the season.

Additional Notes
Monta Ellis scored 11 points in 28 minutes after being questionable for the game with a strained right hamstring.
The Mavs won the rebound battle for the 4th straight game with a 48-43 advantedge.
Samuel Dalembert has averaged 12.5 points and 8.8 rebounds  in the last 4 games.

Quote of Note
"He’s like Peter Parker. He must have got bitten by that radioactive spider and it put a jolt in his body where he just healed."
Rick Carlisle on Monta Ellis' special healing powers.

Next Up
The Mavericks (31-21) make their next stop on their eastern swing when they face the Charlotte Bobcats (22-29), Tuesday at 6:00.

Mavericks at Celtics: Game 52 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (30-21) at Boston Celtics (18-33)
Feb. 9, 5:00 at the TD Garden
TV: FSSW, NBATV

2012-13 Matchups
Dec. 12 at Boston
Celtics 117 Mavs 115 (20T)
Mar. 22 at Dallas
Mavs 104 Celtics 94

All-Time Series
Celtics 35 Mavs 29

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (110.8)
Defense: 23rd (108.3)
Celtics
Offense: 25th (101.6)
Defense: 12th (105.5)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis or Devin Harris
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Celtics
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Avery Bradley or Gerald Wallace
SF: Jeff Green
PF: Brandon Bass
C: Jared Sullinger

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.9
RPG: Marion, 6.8
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 24.5
Celtics
PPG: Green, 16.3
RPG: Sullinger, 8.1
APG: Rondo, 6.9
PER: Humphries, 18.2

Notes
Monta Ellis is questionable for the Mavs after straining his right hamstring late in Friday night's game. Rajon Rondo is expected to play for Boston after missing the Celtics' game on Friday with knee soreness.  Meanwhile Avery Bradley is questionable with a sprained ankle. The Mavericks have won 5 out of their last 6 against the Celtics, with the only loss coming last year in Boston in double overtime. Dallas is 13-6 against the East, while Boston is only 4-16 against the West.

Mavericks 103 Jazz 81: Game 51 Review

Headline
Mavs blowout lowly Jazz, tie season-high with four straight wins.

Leaders

Mavs
Points: Ellis, 22
Rebounds: Carter, 8
Assists: Calderon, 7
+-: Carter, +23
Jazz
Points: Williams, 21
Rebounds: Burks, 7
Assists: Burke, Hayward, 5
+-: Jefferson, -4

Player of the Game
Monta Ellis
22 pts., 4 rbs., 4 ast., 8-17 FG

X-Factor
Jose Calderon
12 pts., 7 ast., 4-7 3PT

Goat
Gordon Hayward
30 min., 8 pts., 3-7 FG

Play of the Game
Brandan Wright going way up to retrieve Vince Carter's lob pass and throwing down a one-handed jam in the 3rd quarter.

Stat of the Game
Mavs outrebound Utah 48-37. They have now outrebounded their opponent in three straight games.

Additional Notes
Monta Ellis injured his right hamstring late in the 4th quarter and will have a MRI Saturday to determine the severity of the injury.
Dirk Nowitzki scored 20 points on only 9 field goal attempts. He was 5-9 from the field, 2-3 on threes and 8-9 from the line.
Marvin Williams scored 14 points and hit 4 threes in the first 6 minutes of the game. He finished with 21 points and did not score in the second half.

Quote of Note
“We’ll see in the morning,” he said. “I always stay positive. We got the win. I got screws and plates in my ankle. This is nothing. Minor.”
Monta Ellis on his hamstring imjury

Next Up
The Mavericks (30-21) start a three game eastern road trip to finish off their pre-All-Star break schedule, when they face the Boston Celtics (18-33), Sunday at 5:00 Central.

Mavericks vs. Jazz: Game 51 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (29-21) vs. Utah Jazz (16-32)
Feb. 7, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 9 1/2

2013-14 Matchups
Nov. 22 at Dallas
Mavs 103 Jazz 93

All-Time Series
Jazz 89 Mavs 63

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 3rd (110.7)
Defense: 25th (108.6)
Jazz
Offense: 23rd (102.7)
Defense: 30th (109.8)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Jazz
PG: Trey Burke
SG: Gordon Hayward
SF: Richard Jefferson
PF: Marvin Williams
C: Derrick Favors or Enes Kanter

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 22.0
RPG: Marion, 6.8
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 24.5
Jazz
PPG: Hayward, 16.7
RPG: Favors, 9.3
APG: Burke, 5.6
PER: Evans, 18.4

Notes
With a win the Mavs would match their season-high win streak of 4 straight games. The Mavericks have won 6 straight and 18 out of 20 against Utah at home. Derrick Favors is questionable for the Jazz with a sore right hip. Dallas has scored at least 106 points in 6 straight games, and at least 110 in 4 of their last 5.

My Projected West Final Standings

1. Thunder 63-19 (40-11)
2. Spurs 58-24 (36-13)
3. Clippers 55-27 (34-18)
4. Blazers 54-28 (35-14)
5. Rockets 53-29 (33-17)
6. Warriors 49-33 (29-20)
7. Mavericks 48-34 (29-21)
8. Suns 46-36 (29-20)
9. Grizzlies 44-38 (26-22)
10. Timberwolves 42-40 (24-25)
11. Nuggets 42-20 (24-23)
12. Pelicans 36-46 (21-27)
13. Kings 32-50 (17-32)
14. Jazz 28-54 (16-32)
15. Lakers 28-54 (17-32)

Mavericks 110 Grizzlies 96: Game 50 Review

Headline
Mavericks get important road win in the chase for a potential playoff spot.

Leaders

Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 26
Rebounds: Dalembert, 10
Assists: Carter, 7
+-: Carter, +22
Grizzlies
Points: Randolph, 25
Rebounds: Randolph, 9
Assists: Gasol, Calathes, 5
+-: Koufus, +6

Player of the Game
Dirk Nowitzki'
26 pts., 6 rbs., 10-14 FG, 3-4 3PT

X-Factor
Samuel Dalembert
14 pts., 10 rbs., 6-10 FG

Goat
Tayshaun Prince
23 min., 0 pts., 0-3 FG

Play of the Game
Samuel Dalembert's fast-break dunk off a feed from Shawn Marion that put the Mavs up 16 with 4:09 to go.

Stat of the Game
Mavs outrebound Memphis 35-32 and outscore them in the paint 56-32.

Additional Notes
The win puts the Mavericks 2 games up on the Grizzlies for 8th place in the West and a half-game behind Golden St. and Phoenix for 6th place.
In his last 5 games Dirk is averaging 29.8 PPG on 61.6% shooting, while going 11-20 on threes and 32-33 from the line.
The Mavs have a 8-4 record against the Southwest Division. By comparison the Grizzlies are only 2-11.

Quote of Note
“We’re a team looking to move up. We’re looking to move up in the standings. We’re not looking to just hang on to the eighth spot. Who wants to be in the eighth spot if you’ve got a chance to move up to seventh, sixth, fifth or fourth? That’s what our mindset’s got to be.”
Rick Carlisle

Next Up
The Mavericks (29-21) briefly return home to face the Utah Jazz (16-32), Friday at 7:30.

Mavericks at Grizzlies: Game 50 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (28-21) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (26-21)
Feb. 4, 7:00 at the FedEx Forum
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Grizzlies by 3 1/2

2013-14 Matchups
Nov. 2 at Dallas
Mavs 111 Grizzlies 99
Dec. 18 at Dallas
Mavs 105 Grizzlies 91

All-Time Series
Mavs 54 Grizzlies 18

Team Ranks
Mavs
Offense: 4th (110.4)
Defense: 24th (108.6)
Grizzlies
Offense: 17th (105.7)
Defense: 11th (105.2)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Grizzlies
PG: Nick Calathes
SG: Courtney Lee
SF: Tayshuan Prince
PF: Zach Randolph
C: Marc Gasol

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.9
RPG: Marion, 6.9
APG: Ellis, 5.9
PER: Nowitzki, 24.2
Grizzlies
PPG: Conley, 18.0
RPG: Randolph, 10.7
APG: Conley, 6.3
PER: Conley, 21.3

Notes
Shawn Marion should return to the Mavs lineup after missing the last two games with a bruised shoulder. Mike Conley is out for Memphis with a sprained ankle. 8th place in the West is on the line for the winner of the game. Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger was named Western Conference Coach of the Month for January after leading Memphis to a 12-3 record for the month.

Mavericks 124 Cavaliers 107: Game 49 Review

Headline
Mavs dominate Cavs offensively to retake 8th place in the West.

Leaders

Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 23
Rebounds:Nowitzki, Dalembert,8
Assists: Calderon, 10
+-: Carter, +26
Cavs
Points: Irving, 27
Rebounds: Deng, Thompson, 8
Assists: Irving, Jack, 8
+-: Miles, -1

Player of the Game
Samuel Dalembert
18 pts., 8 rbs., 7-8 FG

X-Factor
Devin Harris
16 pts., 4 ast., 19 min.

Goat
Dion Waiters
0 pts., 0-4 FG, 11 min.

Plays of the Game
Back-to-back Dirk threes in the 2nd quarter that put Dallas up 13.

Stat of the the Game
Mavs shoot 55% FG (44-80), 46% 3PT (12-26) and 92% FT (24-26).

Additional Notes
Shawn Marion missed his 2nd straight game with a bruised shoulder.
The win coupled with Memphis' loss to OKC put the Mavs back in 8th place in the West.
Jose Calderon recorded his first double-double of the year with 11 points and 10 assists.

Quote of Note
"He's proven he can take us to a higher level. Tonight he did."
Rick Carlisle on Samuel Dalembert

Next Up
The Mavericks (28-21) head to Memphis for a big game in determining playoff positioning against the Grizzlies (26-21), Wednesday at 7:00.

Mavericks vs. Cavaliers: Game 49 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (27-21) at Cleveland Cavaliers (16-31)
Mon. Feb. 3, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 9

2013-14 Matchups
Jan. 20 at Dallas
Mavs 102 Cavs 97

All-Time Series
Cavs 34 Mavs 30

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 5th (109.9)
Defense: 22nd (108.4)
Cavs
Offense: 25th (101.1)
Defense: 19th (107.4)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion or Jae Crowder
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Cavs
G: Kyrie Irving
SG: Jarrett Jack
SF: Luol Deng
PF: Tristan Thompson
C: Anderson Varejao or Tyler Zeller

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.8
RPG: Marion, 6.9
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 24.2
Cavs
PPG: Irving, 21.5
RPG: Varejao, 10.3
APG: Irving, 6.2
PER: Irving, 19.9

Notes
Shawn Marion is listed as questionable with a bruised shoulder. Anderson Varejao is questionable for Cleveland with a bruised knee. In his last three games, Dirk Nowitzki has scored 100 points and gone 34-56 from the field and 27-27 from the line. The Cavs have lost 6 of their last 7 games, with their only win coming over the putrid Bucks.