Mavs 95 Jazz 83: Game 79 Review

Headline
A PERFECT TENTH
Dirk passes the Big O for 10th on the NBA scoring list, as he leads the Mavs closer to a playoff berth.

Leaders

Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 21
Rebounds: Nowitzki, Marion, Dalembert, 6
Assists: Harris, 6
+-: Carter, +16
Jazz
Points: Favors, 19
Rebounds: Kanter, 19
Assists: Hayward, Burke, 5
+-: Garrett, +2

Game Ball
Dirk Nowitzki
21 pts., 6 rbs., 3 ast., 9-11 FG, 2-3 3PT

X-Factor
Devin Harris
9 pts., 6 ast., 3-5 FG, 17 min.

Goat
Trey Burke
 4 pts., 2-8 FG

Play of the Game
Dirk's jumper on the opening possession of the 4th quarter on which he passed Oscar Robertson for 10th on the NBA's all-time scoring list. He finished the game with 26,714 career points.

Stat of the Game
The Mavs shot 16-17 from the field in the first quarter for 94%, a franchise record  for a single quarter. It was the best shooting quarter in the NBA since 2010.

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

Additional Notes
The win puts the Mavs a game up on 8th place Phoenix and 2 games up on 9th place Memphis. Their magic number for clinching a playoff berth is now only 2.
Dirk shot 21-25 in two games in Utah this year. He was also 6-7 on threes.
The Mavs swept the season series over the Jazz and their road trip 4-0.
Utah barely had more defensive rebounds (24) than offensive rebounds (23).

Quote of Note
"Amazing. The top 10 is unreal. It’s been a crazy ride.”
Dirk on joining the exclusive list of the NBA's top 10 scorers.

Next Up
The Mavericks (48-31) return home to face their arch-nemesis, the San Antonio Spurs (60-18), Thursday at 7:00.