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.