Mavericks 103 Kings 100: Game 74 Review

Headline
Mavs blow another big lead, but pull it out late against a game Kings team.

Leaders

Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 19
Rebounds: Nowitzki, 7
Assists: Nowitzki, Calderon, 7
+-: Nowitzki, +12
Kings
Points: Gay, 30
Rebounds: Evans, 18
Assists: McCallum, 8
+-: Thompson, +6

Game Ball
Dirk Nowitzki
19 pts., 7 rbs. 7 ast., 5-10 FG, 9-10 FT

X-Factor
Samuel Dalembert
15 pts., 6 rbs., 3 blk., 7-8 FG

Goat
Travis Outlaw
6 pts., 1 rbs., 3-7 FG, missed potential game tying 3

Play of the Game
Shawn Marion's corner 3 off a Monta Ellis dish that put Dallas up 5 with 2:13 to go.

Stat of the Game
Mavs go 17-22 from the line in the 4th quarter, compared to Sacramento going only 2-2.

Mavs Grades
Nowitzki: B+
Marion: B+
Dalembert: A-
Ellis: B
Calderon: B-
Carter: C+
Wright: C+
Harris: D+
Crowder: B-
Blair: D+

Additional Notes
The Mavs went from a 52-35 lead late in the 2nd quarter to a 89-84 deficit with 4 minutes to go before going on a 10-0 run to regain control.
Kings starting point guard Isaiah Thomas sat out with a right thigh contusion forcing backup Ray McCallum to play all 48 minutes.
The Mavericks have won 20 straight regular season home games vs. the Kings dating back to 2-27-03.
Dallas trails Memphis by percentage points for eight in the West and is 1/2 game behind 7th place Phoenix.

Quote of Note
"I mean, we lose leads. That's what we do."
Dirk

Next Up
The record eight game homestand comes to an end when the Mavericks (44-30) tip off against the Golden State Warriors (45-27), Tuesday at 7:30.

Mavericks vs. Clippers: Game 73 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (43-29) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (50-22)
Mar. 27, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Clippers by 1

2013-14 Matchups

Jan. 3 at Dallas
Clippers 119 Mavs 112
Jan. 15 at LA
Clippers 129 Mavs 127

All-Time Series
Mavs 85 Clippers 51

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (111.0)
Defense: 23rd (108.4)
Clippers
Offense: 1st (111.7)
Defense: 8th (104.3)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Clippers
PG: Chris Paul
SG: Darren Collison
SF: Matt Barnes
PF: Blake Griffin
C: DeAndre Jordan

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.4
RPG: Marion, Dalembert, 6.6
APG: Ellis, 5.7
PER: Nowitzki, 23.3
Clippers
PPG: Griffin, 24.4
RPG: Jordan, 13.7
APG: Paul, 10.9
PER: Paul, 26.1

Notes
In their two games against the Clippers this year the Mavs have blown leads of 13 and 17 points. Chris Paul separated his shoulder in the first game and missed the second game. In his last four games Samuel Dalembert has collected 46 rebounds, half of which have been on the offensive end. J. J. Redick has been practicing recently for the Clippers, but is still out with a bulging disc in his back. If the Mavs do somehow manage to face-off against the Clippers in the playoffs, it will be the first time in franchise history the two franchises would meet in  a playoff series. The Clippers are the only Western Conference team Dallas has yet face in the playoffs.

Mavericks 128 Thunder 119 (OT): Game 72 Review

Headline
In the best game all year the Mavs get their biggest win of the year as Dirk outduels Durant.

Leaders

Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 32
Rebounds: Nowitzki, 10
Assists: Calderon, 8
+-: Calderon, +21
Thunder
Points: Durant, 43
Rebounds: Westbrook, Collison, 7
Assists:Westbrook,Jackson,8
+-: Fisher, +13

Game Ball
Dirk Nowitzki
32 pts., 10 rbs., 6 ast., 4 stl.

X-Factor
Jose Calderon
22 pts., 8 ast., 6-9 3PT, game-tying 3

Goat
Serge Ibaka
10 pts., 5 rbs., 1 blk.

Play of the Game
Brandan Wright's offensive rebound leads to Jose Calderon three that tied the game at 111 with 26 seconds left.

Stat of the Game
Mavericks make a season-high 15 threes in 38 attempts led by Calderon's six from deep that leads to a season high 128 points.

Mavs Grades
Nowitzki: A
Marion: B+
Dalembert: B+
Ellis: A-
Calderon: A
Carter: B
Wright: B
Harris: B-
Crowder: B+
Blair: D

Additional Notes
Tonight was the first night in Dirk's career he hit the thresholds of 32 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals in one game. (h/t ESPN Stats & Info)
Durant scored at least 25 points for the 36th straight game, the longest streak in the league since Michael Jordan went for 40 in a row in the 86-87 season.
The win put the Mavs a 1/2 ahead of the Suns for eight place in the West and percentage points behind 7th place Memphis.
Russell Westbrook did not play in the first three minutes of overtime as the team tries to hold his minutes down as he recovers from knee surgery.

Quote of Note
 "He played great. He carried us. His emotion and his attitude carried the team"
 Carlisle on Dirk

Next Up
The Mavericks (43-29) have another tough home test when the Los Angeles Clippers (50-21) come to town, Thursday at 7:30.

Mavericks vs. Nets: Game 71 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (42-28) at Brooklyn Nets (36-31)
Fri.  Mar. 23, 6:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 4 1/2

2013-14 Matchups
Jan. 24 at Brooklyn
Nets 107 Mavs 106

All-Time Series
Mavs 38 Nets 27

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (110.9)
Defense: 23rd (108.3)
Nets
Offense: 16th (106.0)
Defense: 16th (107.0)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Nets
PG: Deron Wlliams
SG: Shaun Livingston
SF: Joe Johnson
PF: Paul Pierce
C: Mason Plumlee

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.5
RPG: Marion, 6.6
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 23.6
Nets
PPG: Johnson, 15.4
RPG: Garnett, 6.7
APG: Williams, 6.4
PER: Blatche, 19.3

Notes
This is the Mavericks final game of the year against the East, which they have a 20-9 record against. Jason Kidd will coach his first game in Dallas on his 41st birthday. Jae Crowder's 12 point game Friday was his first scoring in double figures since he scored 13 on Jan. 18 against Portland.  The Nets are 26-10 since Jan. 1 after beginning the season 10-21. Kevin Garnett is out indefinitely for Brooklyn with back spasms. The Mavericks will see Nets Center Jason Collins for the first time since he became the NBA's first openly gay player.

Mavericks 122 Nuggets 106: Game 70 Review

Headline
A strong offensive performance helps Mavs avoid being a victim of a season sweep by Denver.

Leaders

Mavs
Points: Ellis, 26
Rebounds: Dalembert, 10
Assists: Ellis, 7
+-: Wright, +20
Nuggets
Points: Hickson, 18
Rebounds: Hickson, 8
Assists: Lawson, 9
+-: Mozgov, +9

Game Ball
Monta Ellis
26 pts., 7 ast., 11-14 FG

X-Factor
Jae Crowder
12 pts., 4 rbs., 4-4 3PT all in the 2nd quarter

Goat
Kenneth Faried
6 pts., 5 rbs., 2-10 FG

Play of the Game
Brandan Wright finds a wide-open Shawn Marion for a dunk with the shot clock running down, to put the Mavs up 10 with less than 4 minutes to go.

Stat of the Game
Mavs win the rebounding battle 48-35, including 15 offensive rebounds even though they shot 54%.

Mavs Grades
Dirk Nowitzki: A-
Shawn Marion: B+
Samuel Dalembert: B
Monta Ellis: A
Jose Calderon: B
Vince Carter: B+
Devin Harris: B-
Brandan Wright: A-
Jae Crowder: A
DeJuan Blair: C

Additional Notes
Monta Ellis scord 14 points in the 4th quarter on  perfect 6-6 shooting, including 10 points as part of a 22-6 Dallas run after the Nuggets had pulled within three.
The win and a Memphis loss in Miami put the Mavs a game ahead of the Grizzlies for seventh place in the West. A Phoenix win over Detroit kept Dallas a game and a half up on the ninth place Suns.
 Vince Carter dislocated his pinkie in the first quarter but returned soon after and showed no ill efffects on his way to 13 points.
J.J. Hickson led Denver is scoring (18) and rebounding (8), but was an anemic 2-9 from the line including missing his first seven. He eventually left the game in the fourth quarter with a sprained knee.

Quote of Note
“He’s got the confidence to do it. Confidence in this league is like 80 percent (of success). There’s obviously some skill involved. But if you have that confidence, then you’ve arrived. And he’s been great all season for us when we do give him the ball attacking. And he’s been shooting the 3-ball well lately. That makes him tough to guard.”
Dirk on Monta

Next Up
The Mavericks (42-28) continue the homestand when Jason Kidd makes his AAC coaching debut when he leads his surging Brooklyn Nets (36-31) into town, Sunday at 6:30.

Mavericks vs. Nuggets: Game 70 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (41-28) vs. Denver Nuggets (31-37)
Mar. 21, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 10

2013-14 Matchups
Nov. 23 at Denver
Nuggets 102 Mavs 100
Nov. 25 at Dallas
Nuggets 110 Mavs 96
Mar. 5 at Denver
Nuggets 115 Mavs 110

All-Time Series
Mavs 79 Nuggets 75

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (110.7)
Defense: 22nd (108.3)
Nuggets
Offense: 16th (106.0)
Defense: 21st (107.8)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Nuggets
PG: Ty Lawson
SG: Randy Foye
SF: Wilson Chandler
PF: Kenneth Faried
C: Timofey Mozgov

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.5
RPG: Marion, 6.6
APG: Ellis, 5.7
PER: Nowitzki, 23.5
Nuggets
PPG: Lawson, 18.2
RPG: Hickson, 9.2
APG: Lawson, 9.0
PER: Lawson, 19.8

Notes
The Mavs currently sit in 8th place in the West, percentage points behind Memphis for 7th, and 1 1/2 games up on 9th place Phoenix. Ty Lawson and Wilson Chandler are both probable for the Nuggets after both missed the team's win over Detroit on Wednesday. Dallas has lost all three games to Denver this year and 5 out of 6 overall. The only other West teams the Mavs have yet to beat this year are the Spurs and Clippers. Jose Calderon has hit at least 2 threes in seven straight games, as well as 13 out of his last 15 and 16 out of his last 19 appearences.

Timberwolves 123 Mavericks 122 (OT): Game 69 Review

Headline
Mavs charge back late from 22 point deficit, but fall short in overtime as Love hits game-winner.

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 27
Rebounds: Dalembert, 14
Assists: Marion, 5
+-: Crowder, +14
Wolves
Points: Love, 35
Rebounds: Dieng, 11
Assists: Rubio, 15
+-: Dieng, +15

Game Balls
Kevin Love
35 pts., 8 rbs., 11-20 FG, 11-14 FT
Ricky Rubio
22 pts., 10 rbs., 15 ast., 8-12 FG

X-Factor
Shawn Marion
16 pts., 11 rbs., 5 ast., 8-12 FG

Goat
The Mavs terrible start that left them trailing 50-28 in the 2nd quarter.

Play of the Game
Kevin Love's game-winning bucket in which he split the double-team and finished inside to give the Wolves the lead back with 17 seconds left in OT.

Stat of the Game
Minnesota scored 29 points on 16 Mavs turnovers including multiple Corey Brewer leakout dunks early off Dallas miscues.

Mavs Grades
Dirk Nowitzki: C+
Shawn Marion: A-
Samuel Dalembert: B+
Monta Ellis: B+
Jose Calderon: C
Devin Harris: B-
Vince Carter: B-
Brandan Wright: C
Jae Crowder: C+

Additional Notes
Tonight was the first since Dec. 20, 2003 Dirk took at least 7 threes and missed them all. It was only the third time in his career for that to occur.
Monta Ellis scored 12 points in a row for the Mavs to finish regulation and force overtime after  Minnesota had a 12 point  lead with less than 5 minutes to go.
Rubio is the first NBA player to record 20 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists in a game since Rajon Rondo on 2-12-12.
Timberwolves rookie center Gorgui Dieng has his second consecutive double-double (10 pts., 11 rbs.), as he starts in place of Nikola Pekovic who is out with a sore right ankle.

Quote of Note
"Look, the last possession always gets overanalyzed in games like this. Our poor play at the beginning of the game is the reason it came down the way it did. Shame on us."
Rick Carlisle on the play call at the end of overtime that resulted in a Dirk missed tough fadeaway over Kevin Love.

Next Up
The Mavericks (41-28) look to bounce back against a team in the Denver Nuggets (31-37) they have yet to defeat in three tries this year, Friday at 7:30.

Mavericks vs. Timberwolves: Game 69 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (41-27) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (33-32)
Mar. 19, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 5 1/2

2013-14 Matchups
Nov. 8 at Minnesota
Wolves 116 Mavs 108
Nov. 30 at Dallas
Wolves 112 Mavs 106
Dec. 30 at Minnesota
Mavs 100 Wolves 98

All-Time Series
Mav 58 Wolves 43

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (110.7)
Defense: 23rd (108.2)
Wolves
Offense: 9th (108.8)
Defense: 11th (105.0)

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: Gorgui Dieng

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.4
RPG: Marion, 6.5
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 23.8
Wolves
PPG: Love, 26.4
RPG: Love, 12.9
APG: Rubio, 8.5
PER: Love, 27.9

Notes
With a win the Mavs would clinch a winning record and surpass last season's win total. Wolves Center Nikola Pekovic is not expected to play due to right ankle bursitis. If you remove the March 11 game at Golden State where he only played 7 minutes due to injury, in his last five games Devin Harris has averaged 12.8 points and 5.2 assists in 21 minutes per game. He has also shot 21-38 from the field, 8-16 on threes and 14-18 from the line. In three games against Dallas this year, Kevin Love has averaged 29.7 points, 12.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists.

Mavericks 94 Celtics 89: Game 68 Review

Headline
Mavs begin homestand by winning ugly against a limited but scrappy Celtics squad.

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 19
Rebounds: Ellis, Dalembert, 7
Assists: Calderon, Harris, 6
+-: Nowitzki, Calderon, +9
Celtics
Points: Bayless, 19
Rebounds: Humphries, 14
Assists: Bayless, 6
+-: Olynyk, +15

Game Ball
Devin Harris
12 pts., 6 ast., 2 stl.

X-Factor
Monta Ellis
17 pts., 7 rbs., 4 ast., 8-9 FT

Goat
Jeff Green
2 pts., 2-12 FG, 6 TO

Play of the Game
Vince Carter's game-clinching block of Jerryd Bayless in the closing seconds with the Mavs clinging to a three point lead.

Stat of the Game
Mavs win despite being outrebounded 57-36 including 21 Boston offensive boards.

Additional Notes
With the win the Mavs equal last year's win total of 41.
Dallas increases their lead on ninth place Phoenix to 2 1/2 games after the Suns fall in Brooklyn.
Boston finishes 0-15 on the road against the West.
Rajon Rondo sat out for the Celtics as the team rest him on the second night of back-to-backs.

Quote of Note
"He's an element on our team we really can't replace."
Rick Carlisle on Monta Ellis

Next Up
The Mavericks (41-27) continue their eight game homestand Wednesday against Kevin Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves (33-32), at 7:30.

Mavericks vs. Celtics: Game 68 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (40-27) at Boston Celtics (22-45)
Mar. 17, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 11 1/2

2013-14 Matchups
Feb. 9 at Boston
Mavs 102 Celtics 91

All-Time Series
Celtics 35 Mavs 30

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (110.8)
Defense: 23rd (108.4)
Celtics
Offense: 27th (102.0)
Defense: 14th (106.2)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Celtics
PG: Phil Pressey
SG: Jerryd Bayless
SF: Jeff Green
PF: Brandon Bass
C: Kris Humphires

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.4
RPG: Marion, 6.5
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 23.9
Celtics
PPG: Green, 17.2
RPG: Sullinger, 8.3
APG: Rondo, 8.8
PER: Humphries, 18.5

Notes
Tonight's game is the start of a team record eight game homestand for the Mavs. For a second straight night Dallas will avoid having to face a star point guard, as Rajon Rondo will sit out on the second night of a back-to-back as he comes back from knee surgery. According to ESPN's Hollinger Playoff Odds the Mavericks currently have a 89.1% chance of making the playoffs. This isn't the first time the Mavs have played the Celtics on St. Patrick's Day. In 1998 the Mavs beat Boston 99-93 at Reunion Arena, behind 26 from Chris Anstey!

Mavericks 109 Thunder 86: Game 67 Review

Headline
Mavs maintain big lead throughout the second half in dominant win over Westbrook-less Thunder.

Leaders
Mavs

Points: Marion, 19
Rebounds: Wright, 8
Assists: Ellis, Calderon, 7
+-: Carter, +23
Thunder
Points: Durant, 30
Rebounds: Collison, 7
Assists: Durant, 4
+-: Roberson, -6

Game Ball
Shawn Marion
19 pts., 6 rbs., 8-12 FG, good D on Durant

X-Factor
Vince Carter
18 pts., 4-8 3PT, +23

Goat
Derek Fisher
3 pts., 1-5 FG, -22

Play of the Game
Brandan Wright goes way up to flush home Devin Harris' extremely high alley-up pass to put the Mavs up 21 late in the third quarter.

Stat of the Game
Mavs outshoot OKC 53% to 37%, including going 13-24 on threes.

Additional Notes
The Mavs broke an 11 game losing streak to the Thunder.
Russell Westbrook sat out the game for OKC, as the team is resting him on back-to-back games.
Dallas outrebounded one of the leagues best rebounding teams 42-33.
The 23 point margin was the Mavericks largest margin of victory this season. The previous high of 22 points has been done twice.

Quote of Note
"Nah, he can't overthrow me. As long as he doesn't throw it over the backboard."
Brandan Wright on Devin Harris' lob pass

Next Up
The Mavericks (40-27) return to the AAC Monday, for the start of a team record eight game homestand as they face the Boston Celtics (22-45) at 7:30.

Mavericks at Thunder: Game 67 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (39-27) at Oklahoma City Thunder (48-17)
Mar. 15, 6:00 at Chesapeake Energy Arena
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Thunder by 8

2013-14 Matchups

Nov. 6 at OKC
Thunder 107 Mavs 93

All-Time Series
Sonics/Thunder 72 Mavs 65

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (110.7)
Defense: 23rd (108.6)
Thunder
Offense: 5th (110.4)
Defense: 5th (103.2)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Thunder
PG: Russell Westbrook
SG: Andre Roberson
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Serge Ibaka
C: Steven Adams

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.5
RPG: Marion, 6.5
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 24.0
Thunder
PPG: Durant, 31.8
RPG: Ibaka, 8.9
APG: Westbrook, 7.1
PER: Durant, 30.3

Notes
The Mavericks have lost 11 in a row to the Thunder including the playoffs, with their last win over OKC coming 1-2-12 by a 100-87 score. The Mavs enter play in a tie with Memphis for 7th place in the West at 39-27. They hold the tiebreaker over the Grizzlies by winning the season series. Dallas is 1 1/2 games up on 9th place Phoenix. Kevin Durant is averaging a career high in points (31.8), assists (5.6) and PER (30.3), and is poised to win his first career MVP award. After this game the Mavs will have an eight game homestand and won't play again on the road until April 3 at the LA Clippers.

Top 10 2014 NBA Draft Prospects

With the NCAA Tournament upon us, now is as good time to look at the players you will be seeing at the top of this summer's NBA Draft. The following are my personal rankings of what I feel are the top ten prospects.

1. Andrew Wiggins- SF, Kansas
The hype was immense, but has shown especially of late why he is deserving of such lofty praise.

2. Joel Embid- C, Kansas
The back trouble is a concern, but the skills are tremendous for such a raw player.

3. Jabari Parker- SF, Duke
A natural scorer who should be ready to contribute right away for whomever drafts him.



4. Dante Exum- PG, Australia
Haven't seen him play, but is considered an explosive scorer with high athleticism.

5. Julius Randle- PF, Kentucky
A top inside scorer who is limited by lack of length and explosivenss.

6. Aaaron Gordon- PF, Arizona
A jack-of-all-trades type who is key to the Wildcats suffocating defense.

7. Marcus Smart- PG, Oklahoma St.
Forget the incident in Lubbock, is still a top 10 pick with only a shaky jump shot holding him back.

8. Noah Vonleh- PF, Indiana
You won't be seeing him in the tournament, but he is an athlete who can rebound and provides length.

9. Doug McDermott: SF, Creighton
Sure he has his limitations, but can flat out shoot and score.

10. Tyler Ennis: PG, Syracuse
Isn't the explosive type, but is a heady lead guard who won't make many mistakes.

Mavericks 108 Jazz 101: Game 66 Review

Headline
Behind Dirk's brilliance, Mavs able to finally pull away late to secure a big win.

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 31
Rebounds: Nowitzki, 8
Assists: Ellis, 11
+-: Nowitzki, +22
Jazz
Points: Burke, 20
Rebounds: Kanter, 11
Assists: Burks, 8
+-: Evans, +1

Game Ball
Dirk Nowitzki
31 pts., 12-14 FG, 4-4 3PT, 3-3 FT

X-Factor
Wayne Ellington
11 pts., 4-5 FG, 3-3 3PT

Goat
Marvin Williams
2 pts., 1 rbs., 22 min.

Play of the Game
Devin Harris' transition three point play with 8 minutes left that extended the Mavs lead to 6.

Stat of the Game
Mavs shoot a seson best 62% on threes (13-21). Meanwhile Utah goes only 5-26 from deep.

Additional Notes
The Mavs are now 5-0 on the second night of road back-to-backs.
They are also 3-0 vs. the Jazz this year.
Devin Harris played well (12 pts., 5-9 FG), after exiting early against Golden St. due to a sore achillies.
Monta Ellis scored 13 of his 16 points in the second half and also contributed 11 assists and 7 rebounds.
Dallas went on a 11-3 run starting with 3:37 to go, to turn a two point lead into a comfortable 10 point margain with 1:54 left.

Quote of Note
 "Our guys played with some real emotions. They knew the importance of the game, but Dirk was great from start to finish."
Rick Carlisle

Next Up
The Mavericks (39-27) have three days off before they face a tough road test in Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and the rest of the Oklahoma City Thunder (47-17), Sunday at 6:00.

Mavericks at Jazz: Game 66 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (38-27) vs. Utah Jazz (22-42)
Mar. 12, 8:00 at Energy Solutions Arena
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 4 1/2

2013-14 Matchups
Nov. 22 at Dallas
Mavs 103 Jazz 93
Feb. 7 at Dallas
Mavs 103 Jazz 81

All-Time Series
Jazz 89 Mavs 64

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (110.6)
Defense: 23rd (108.6)
Jazz
Offense: 23rd (103.5)
Defense: 29th (110.0)

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

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.3
RPG: Marion, 6.5
APG: Ellis, 5.7
PER: Nowitzki, 23.7
Jazz
PPG: Hayward, 16.1
RPG: Favors, 8.7
APG: Burke, 5.4
 PER: Favors, 17.9

Notes
Devin Harris is questionable after leaving last night's loss to Golden St. with a sore Achilles. The Mavs have lost three road games in a row after previously winning four in a row and six out of seven away home. Utah is in a 3-way tie for last place in the West with the Lakers and Sacramento at 22-42.  This has been a series of streaks. Dallas has taken 3 straight from the Jazz after dropping 3 in a row prior. Previous to that the Mavs had won 7 consecutively over Utah. With his first point Dirk will pass John Havlicek for 12th on the NBA all-time scoring list. They are currently tied with 26,395 career points.

Mavericks at Warriors: Game 65 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (38-26) at Golden State Warriors (40-24)
Mar. 11, 9:35 at Oracle Arena
TV: FSSW, ESPN
Line: NA

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

Dec. 11 at Oakland
Warriors 95 Mavs 93

All-Time Series
Mavericks 78 Warriors 60

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (111.0)
Defense: 23rd (108.6)
Warriors
Offense: 12th (106.9)
Defense: 3rd (101.9)

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

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.5
RPG: Marion, 6.6
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 23.9
Warriors
PPG: Curry, 23.5
RPG: Bogut, 10.1
APG: Curry, 8.7
PER: Curry, 23.2

Notes
The Warriors have a 2 game lead on the Mavs for 6th place in the West. In the Maverick's victories over Portland and Indiana they combined for 78 bench points compared to their opponents 25. The Warriors have shockingly transformed into a defensive first team, ranking third in the NBA in defensive efficiency. 4 of the last 5 meetings between Dallas and Golden St. have been decided by 4 points or less, including the Warriors win on a Steph Curry last second shot on December 11.

Mavericks 105 Pacers 94: Game 64 Review

Headline
Another strong start and finish gives Dallas another big win over one of the league's best.

Leaders

Mavs
Points: Ellis, Harris: 20
Rebounds: Nowitzki, Dalembert, Ellis, 8
Assists: Calderon, 7
+-: Harris, +21
Pacers
Points: George, 27
Rebounds: George, 11
Assists: four with 3
+-: Hill, +2

Game Ball
Devin Harris
20 pts., 5 ast., 4 stl., 6-9 FG, 4-6 3PT

X-Factor
Monta Ellis
20 pts., 8 rbs., 8-9 FT, two big shots late

Goat
Pacers Bench
4 points, 1-9 FG, outscored 41-4 by Mavs bench

Play of the Game
Vince Carter outfights Paul George for an offensive rebound that leads to a Jose Calderon three that puts Dallas up 9 with 8:56 to go.

Stat of the Game
Mavericks only commit 10 turnovers compared to Indiana's 20.

Additional Notes
The Mavs won despite Dirk going only 3-14 from the field. He was 7-7 from the line.
The win coupled with a Phoenix loss to Golden State puts Dallas 7th in the West, a game ahead of both the Suns and Memphis in the standings.
The Pacers have now lost 4 in a row but have not lost much ground in the race for first in the East because Miami has lost 3 in a row.

Quote of Note
''In these two games, we've run the gamut of virtually everything. The early big lead, losing the entire lead, getting down and fighting back. And tonight, this is a top-two team in the league. We did it by keeping a real even, strong disposition.''
Rick Carlisle

Next Up
The Mavericks (38-26) begin a three game road trip when they match up with the team directly ahead of them in the West: the Golden State Warriors (40-24), Tuesday at 9:30.

Mavericks vs. Pacers: Game 64 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (37-26) at Indiana Pacers (46-16)
Sun. Mar. 9, 6:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Pick 'Em

2013-14 Matchups
Feb. 12 at Indiana
Mavs 81 Pacers 73

All-Time Series
Mavs 38 Pacers 26

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (110.8)
Defense: 23rd (108.6)
Pacers
Offense: 21st (105.0)
Defense: 1st (97.8)

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, 21.6
RPG: Marion, 6.6
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 24.2
Pacers
PPG: George, 22.2
RPG: Hibbert, Stephenson, 7.3
APG: Stephenson, 5.1
PER: George, 20.6

Notes
The Mavs lead Memphis by only a half-game for 8th place in the West. Dallas does hold the tiebreaker for winning the season series. The Pacers have struggled of late, losing three in a row, the last two by a combined 48 points. The Mavericks allowed a season low 73 points in their win at Indiana. Their 81 points in that game was also their fewest in a win this year. Devin Harris was 4-6 from the field Friday against Portland. He had shot 6-32 in his six games prior.

Mavericks 103 Blazers 98: Game 63 Review

Headline
Mavs blow a 30 point lead, but takeover down the stretch for a huge win.

Leaders

Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 22
Rebounds: Dalembert, Ellis, 8
Assists: Ellis, 7
+-: Harris, +19
Blazers
Points: Aldridge, 30
Rebounds: Aldridge, 17
Assists: Batum. 5
+-: Matthews, +9

Game Ball
Dirk Nowitzki
22 pts., 5 rbs., 6 ast.

X-Factor
Devin Harris
12 pts., 4-6 FG

Goat
Damian Lillard
3-10 FG, 1-6 3PT, 5 TO

Play of the Game
Devin Harris' three-point play with 24 seconds left that broke a 98-98 tie.

Stat of the Game
Mavs start the game with a 40-10 lead and finish on an 11-0 run.

Additional Notes
Jose Calderon scored 19 points in the first half but went scoreless in the second half.
The 10 points the Mavs allowed the first quarter were the fewest they have allowed in any quarter this year. They had allowed 11 points in the third quarter in Wednesday's game in Denver.
If they had lost the Mavericks would have tied the team record for largest lead blown in a game. They also blew a 30 point lead on Dec. 6, 2002 in a loss against the Lakers.

Quote of Note
“We actually ran a play – it’s called: get out of the way,”
Dirk on Devin's game-winning three-point play.

Next Up
The Mavericks (37-26) stay at home to face the suddenly struggling Indiana Pacers (46-16), Sunday at 6:30.

Mavericks vs. Blazers: Game 63 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (36-26) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (42-19)
Fri. Mar. 7, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Blazers by 3

2013-14 Matchups
Dec. 7 at Portland
Mavs 108 Blazers 106
Jan. 18 at Dallas
Blazers 127 Mavs 111

All-Time Series
Blazers 75 Mavs 63

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (1110.9)
Defense: 23rd (108.7)
Blazers
Offense: 2nd (112.3)
Defense: 18th (106.9)

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: Nowitzki, 21.6
RPG: Marion, 6.7
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 24.2
Blazers
PPG: Aldridge, 23.5
RPG: Aldridge, 11.1
APG: Lillard, 5.6
PER: Aldridge, 21.8

Notes
The Mavs have lost a season-high three in a row. Portland has won five out of six, with the loss inexplicably coming at home to the Lakers. LaMarcus Aldridge was only 1-13 in Wednesday's game against Atlanta, but the Blazers still cruised to a 24 point win. Dallas has given up 100 or more points in 7 out of the last 8 games, including at least 110 in four of those games including the last two.

Mavericks at Nuggets: Game 62 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (36-25) at Denver Nuggets (25-34)
Mar. 5, 7:00 at the Pepsi Center
TV: FSSW, ESPN
Line: Mavs by 4 1/2

2013-14 Matchups
Nov. 23 at Denver
Nuggets 102 Mavs 100
Nov. 25 at Dallas
Nuggets 110 Mavs 96

All-Time Series
Mavs 79 Nuggets 74

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (110.7)
Defense: 23rd (108.4)
Nuggets
Offense: 18th (105.3)
Defense: 21st (107.9)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Samuel Dalembert
Nuggets
PG: Ty Lawson
SG: Randy Foye
SF: Wilson Chandler
PF: Kenneth Faried
C: Timofey Mozgov

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.5
RPG: Marion, 6.7
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 24.2
Nuggets
PPG: Lawson, 18.3
RPG: Hickson, 9.7
APG: Lawson, 8.8
PER: Lawson, 20.3

Notes
The Mavericks look to avoid their first three game losing streak all year. Meanwhile Denver has been free falling, having lost 6 in a row and 11 out of 12. The Nuggets have decimated by injuries including losing three key players (Danilo Gallinari, JaVale McGee and Nate Robinson) for the season. The Mavs have assigned Gal Mekel to the Texas Legends for a rehab assisgnment. He will play in games on both Wednesday and Thursday. Dallas had dropped 4 out of 5 to Denver, including back-to-back games in November.

Spurs 112 Mavericks 106: Game 61 Review

Headline:
Mavs keep it close with the Spurs but never can get over the hump.

Leaders

Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 22
Rebounds: Dalembert, 10
Assists: Ellis, 8
+-: Carter, +7

Spurs
Points: Parker, 22
Rebounds: Diaw, 10
Assists: Parker, Ginobili, 7
+-: Green, +13

Game Ball
Tony Parker
22 pts., 7 ast., 10-15 FG

X-Factor
Boris Diaw
14 pts., 10 rbs.

Goat
Shawn Marion
5 pts., 2-7 FG

Play of the Game
Boris Diaw's offensive rebound that led to a Tony Parker layup that put the Spurs up 7 with 45 seconds to go.

Stat of the Game
The Spurs go 24-28 from the free throw line compared to the Mavs 9-14.

Additional Notes
The Spurs beat the Mavericks for an eighth straight time.
The Mavs have now lost two in a row 8 times this year. They have yet to lose 3 in a row.
Jose Calderon had streak of 18 straight games with a made three pointer snapped. He missed his only attempt from deep.

Quote of Note
"It felt like we were really close. But then again we weren't close."
Dirk

Next Up
The Mavericks (36-25) have two days off before they face off in Denver against the Nuggets (25-33), Wednesday at 7:00.

Mavericks at Spurs: Game 61 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (36-24) at San Antonio Spurs (42-16)
Mar. 2, 6:00 at the AT&T Center
TV: FSSW, NBATV
Line: Spurs by 5 1/2

2013-14 Matchups
Dec. 26 at Dallas
Spurs 116 Mavs 107
Jan. 8 at San Antonio
Spurs 112 Mavs 90

All-Time Series
Spurs 94 Mavs 64

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 4th (110.7)
Defense: 23rd (108.3)
Spurs
Offense: 7th (109.2)
Defense: 4th (102.9)

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

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.5
RPG: Marion, 6.8
APG: Ellis, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 24.3
Spurs
PPG: Parker, 17.7
RPG: Duncan, 10.1
APG: Parker, 6.2
PER: Duncan, 21.7

Notes
Tony Parker is supposed to return for the Spurs after missing the last 6 games with "various maladies". Parker has scored between 21 to 25 points in his each of his last four games against Dallas. The Mavericks have lost 7 in a row to the Spurs. In four of those games the Spurs have won by at least 17 points. After starting the season 4-9 on the road, the Mavs have won 13 out of 18 away from the AAC.