Mavericks 110 76ers 103: Game 18 Recap

The Lead
The Mavericks with Dirk resting avoid embarrassment as they send Philly to their 16th straight loss to begin the season.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Chandler, 20
Rebounds: Chandler, 13
Assists: Parsons, 6
+-: Chandler, +29
76ers
Points: McDaniels, 21
Rebounds: McDaniels, 13
Assists: Carter-Williams, 16
+-: Grant, Covington, +4

Game Ball
Tyson Chandler
20 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, 7-9 FG, 6-7 FT

X-Factor
Charlie Villanueva
11 points, 4-7 FG, 3-4 3PT

Goat Horns
Brandon Davies
1 point, 0-3 FG, 5 fouls

Play of the Game
Midway through the second quarter, Chandler Parsons drives to the cup and then throws a no-look behind-the-back pass to a cutting Brandan Wright for the jam.

Stat of the Game
The Mavs were the first team since 2001 to win a rematch against an opponent after defeating them by 50+ points earlier. Six teams had tried and failed since, including the Mavs against the Knicks in 2010.

• Dirk got the night off on the second night of a back-to-back for rest while Jameer Nelson (back spasms) and Raymond Felton (ankle) agains sat out with injuries.
• The Sixers were without their leading scorer Tony Wroten who has a sprained right knee.
• Tyson Chandler has averaged 16 points and 16 rebounds in the last three games, all Dallas wins.
• Monta Ellis again was a second half player, scoring 16 of his 18 points after halftime.
• Philly at 0-16 is three games away from surpassing the 2009-10 Nets (0-18), for the worst start in NBA history.

Grades
Parsons: B+
Aminu: B-
Chandler: A+
Ellis: B+
Harris: A-
Wright: B
Jefferson: B+
Barea: B-
Villanueva: A
Crowder: C+

Quote of Note
"I just always want to make plays, especially down the stretch when my team needed me to. When (the 76ers) made a run there. I've seen them do it against Brooklyn, they kind of stick around. We just tried to get some stops and make plays and fortunately we were able to do that." 
Tyson Chandler

They Tweeted It

The West is just tough as nails pic.twitter.com/gxEKwl0e8G
— Bryan Gutierrez (@BallinWithBryan) November 30, 2014

Next Up
After two days off, the Mavericks (13-5) continue their road trip Tuesday in Chicago against the Bulls (10-6) at 7:00.

Mavericks 109 Knicks 102 (OT): Game 16 Recap

The Lead
Despite ice cold outside shooting, Mavs manage to win ugly in overtime against the Melo-less Knicks as Tyson Chandler beasts against his old team.

Box Score 

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 30
Rebounds: Chandler, 25
Assists: Harris, 8
+-: Chandler, +14
Knicks
Points: Calderon, 21
Rebounds: Dalembert, 13
Assists: Prigioni, 6
+-: Wear, +7

Game Ball
Tyson Chandler
17 points, 25 rebounds, 7-12 FG

X-Factor
Jae Crowder
7 points, 3 rebounds, 12 minutes

Goat Horns
Amare Stoudemire
10 points, 3-8 FG, 7 turnovers, fouled out

Play of the Game
Monta Ellis steals the ball from Samuel Dalembert and feeds Tyson Chandler for a two-handed jam that put Dallas up for good 101-99, with 1:37 to go in OT.

Stat of the Game
Chandler's 25 rebounds were the most in a game by a Mav since Erick Dampier had 26 in 2005. It is also a season-high in the NBA.
  
Of Note

• Jameer Nelson (back spasms) and Raymond Felton (ankle) sat out for the Mavs, while Carmelo Anthony missed the game as expected with back spasms.
• The Mavs went only 4-31 on threes, while the Knicks went 13-26 led by former Mav Jose Calderon who was 7-9 from deep.
• Monta Ellis who only had 8 points total, scored 6 in a row in a key stretch in the fourth quarter that gave the Mavs the lead.
• Brandan Wright who was 3-7 from the field, had his team record streak of 18 games in a row of shooting 50% or better broken.
• Since 2000 the 6 overtime games the Mavericks have played against the Knicks are their most against any opponent. They are 3-3 in those games.

Grades
Nowitzki: A-
Parsons: C
Chandler: A+
Ellis: C
Harris: C+
Wright: C
Barea: B-
Aminu: B
Crowder: A-

Quote of Note
 "He was huge, man. He almost played as good as I did against my former team. He was huge. He's such a good rebounder, such a good defender. He carried us all the way through tonight. I know how awkward and uncomfortable it can be playing your former team, and he handled himself great and we don't come close to winning this game without him."
Chandler (Parsons) on Chandler (Tyson)

They Tweeted It
 

Scatter shooting while wondering what might have been if Tyson/Dirk had spent a Romo/Witten decade together. #HaveYouEverThoughtAboutIt
— Bob Sturm (@SportsSturm) November 27, 2014

Next Up
The Mavericks (11-5) start up a four game roadtrip north of the border against the red hot Raptors (13-2), Friday at 6:30.

Mavericks vs. Knicks: Game 16 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (10-5) vs. New York Knicks (4-11)
Wed. Nov. 26, 6:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, ESPN
Line: Mavs by 12.5

2013-14 Matchups
Jan. 5 at Dallas
Knicks 92 Mavs 80
Feb. 24 at New York
Mavs 110 Knicks 108

All-Time Series
Mavs 34 Knicks 32

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 117.1 (1st)
Def. Rating: 106.7 (15th)
Point Differential: +9.7
Knicks
Offense: 106.0 (19th)
Defense: 110.7 (27th)
Point Differential: -4.2


Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Knicks
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Iman Shumpert
SF: J.R. Smith
PF: Quincy Acy
C: Samuel Dalembert

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 19.8
RPG: Chandler, 10.3
APG: Ellis, 4.7
PER: Wright, 30.5
Win Shares: Chandler, 2.1
Knicks
PPG: Anthony, 23.2
RPG: Stoudemire, 7.4
APG: Shumpert, 3.5
PER: Anthony, 22.2
Win Shares: Anthony, 1.4

Of Note

• Carmelo Anthony is listed as doubtful for the Knicks, after leaving the team's loss in Houston early due to back spasms.
• This is the first meeting of the teams since the offseason trade that sent Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton to Dallas and Jose Calderon, Samuel Dalembert and Shane Larkin to New York.
• The Mavs have taken 20 out of their last 25 games played against the Knicks.
• Dallas is looking to avoid their first 3 game losing streak since Feb. 28-Mar. 5 last year, which was their only such losing streak last season.
• While running the triangle offense under first-year-coach Derek Fisher, the Knicks are playing the slowest pace in the league, averaging only 89.4 possessions per game.

Mavericks vs. Pacers: Game 15 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (10-4) vs. Indiana Pacers (5-8)
Mon. Nov. 24, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 12.5

2013-14 Matchups
Feb. 12 at Indiana
Mavs 81 Pacers 73
Mar. 9 at Dallas
Mavs 105 Pacers 94

All-Time Series
Mavs 39 Pacers 26

Team Stats

Mavs
Off. Rating: 118.1 (1st)
Def. Rating: 106.1 (16th)
Point Differential: +11.1
Pacers
Offense: 100.4 (26th)
Defense: 103.8 (8th)
Point Differential: -3.1

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Pacers
PG: Donald Sloan
SG: Solomon Hill
SF: Chris Copeland
PF: Luis Scola
C: Ian Mahinmi

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 19.5
RPG: Chandler, 10.4
APG: Ellis, Nelson, 4.6
PER: Wright, 31.1
Win Shares: Wright, Chandler, 2.0
Pacers
PPG: Copeland, Hibbert, 13.1
RPG: Hibbert, 7.8
APG: Sloan, 4.8
PER: Hibbert, 20.7
Win Shares: Hibbert, 1.3

Of Note

• The Mavs won  both meetings against the Pacers last season. Before that they had lost  three in a row to Indiana. Last year's game in Dallas was the first time the Mavs had scored over 87 points against the Pacers since 2011.
• Raymond Felton is eligible to return to action after recovering from his sprained ankle and serving his four game suspension.
• The Pacers are a walking MASH unit. They are without Paul George, David West, George Hill and C.J. Watson due to various injuries, as well as having Roy Hibbert, Rodney Stuckey and C.J. Miles questionable for tonight's game.
• In the Mavs 10 wins they are averaging  116.4 points and shooting 51.8% from the field and 39.1% on threes. In their 4 losses they are averaging 93.8 points and shooting 41.6% from the field and 25.9% on threes.
• The Pacers have failed to score 100 points since scoring 103 against the 76ers on opening night. Of course Dallas leads the league averaging 109.9 points per game. 

Update: Roy Hibbert has been declared out for tonight's game.

Mavericks at Rockets: Game 14 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (10-3) at Houston Rockets (9-3)
Sat. Nov.22 at the Toyoya Center
TV: Channel 21, NBATV
Line: Mavs by 3

2013-14 Matchups
Nov. 1 at Houston
Rockets 113 Mavs 105
Nov. 20 at Dallas
Mavs 123 Rockets 120
Dec. 23 at Houston
Mavs 111 Rockets 104
Jan. 29 at Dallas
Rockets 117 Mavs 115

All-Time Series
Rockets 81 Mavs 78

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 119.6 (1st)
Def. Rating: 106.5 (16th)
Point Differential: +12.2
Rockets
Offense: 103.6 (22nd)
Defense: 98.1 (3rd)
Point Differential: +5.1

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Rockets
PG: Patrick Beverley
SG: James Harden
SF: Trevor Ariza
PF: Donatas Motiejunas
C: Tarik Black


Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 19.7
RPG: Chandler, 10.2
APG: Ellis, Barea, 4.6
PER: Wright, 29.7
Win Shares: Nowitzki, Chandler, 1.9
Rockets
PPG: Harden, 23.8
RPG: Howard, 11.3
APG: Harden, 6.9
PER: Harden, 22.7
Win Shares: Harden, 2.2

Of Note

• Chandler Parsons returns to Houston for the first time since signing a 3 year deal with the Mavs this off-season that the Rockets refused to match.
• Devin Harris is questionable after missing the last two games with right lower leg soreness.
• For Houston, Dwight Howard is unlikely to play with a strained right knee and starting forward Terrance Jones is out with a nerve contusion.
• Former Mav Jason Terry is averaging 7.4 points in 21.6 minutes per game and is shooting 46% on threes.
• Dallas has won 12 out of their last 15 against the Rockets, including 5 out of 7 in Houston.
• Mainly because of blowouts Dirk has played less than 28 minutes in 5 straight games. He is still averaging 17 points per game in that stretch.
• The Mavs with a win will have their first seven game win streak since the 10-11 championship season.

Mavericks 140 Lakers 106: Game 13 Recap

The Lead
The league's best offense puts on a clinic against the worst defense as the Mavs post their highest points total in over five years.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 23
Rebounds: Aminu, 6
Assists: Ellis, 10
+-: Wright, +24
Lakers
Points: Lin, 18
Rebounds: Hill, 10
Assists: Bryant, 7
+-: Boozer, -3

Game Balls
Run DMC
Dirk: 23 points, 8-10 FG
Monta: 20 points, 10 assists, 7-10 FG
Chandler: 21 points, 8-13 FG, great D on Kobe

X-Factor
J.J. Barea
16 points, 8 assists, 5-5 3PT

Goat Horns
Kobe Bryant
17 points, 6-22 FG, -29

Play(s) of the Game
The Mavs scored 7 points in the last 5.9 seconds of the first quarter. First Dirk hit two free throws then Robert Sacre threw away the inbounds pass to Jae Crowder who scored  and was fouled. He missed the free throw but it was rebounded by Richard Jefferson who found J.J. Barea for a buzzer beating three. The score went from 31-27 Mavs to 38-27.

Stat of the Game
The Mavs 140 points are their most since they scored that many against Phoenix on April 5, 2009. They also tied the AAC scoring record from that game.

Of Note

• The Mavs four game winning streak against the Lakers is their most all-time against them.
• The Mavs current 6 game winning streak is their longest since February 2012. 
• For the game Dallas shot 61.2% from the field and hit 18-35 threes. They also scored 30 or more in all four quarters.
• Monta Ellis scored 18 of his 20 points and Chandler Parsons scored 15 of his 21 points in the third quarter.
• No Mavericks starter played in the fourth quarter.
• 8 Mavs scored in double figures for the second time this year.
• This was the league high fifth time the Mavs had at least a 30 point lead in a game.
• Devin Harris missed his second straight game with right lower leg soreness. He is questionable for tomorrow's game vs. Houston.

Grades
Nowitzki: A+
Parsons: A+
Chandler: A-
Ellis: A+
Nelson: A-
Aminu: A
Wright: A
Barea: A+
Crowder: A
Jefferson: B
Smith: B
Villanueva: B

Quote of Note
 "When you play a team that's so dominated by one player, I wanted to take the challenge. I wanted to guard [Kobe Bryant]. I wanted to do whatever it took for our team to win. You stop him, you stop them. I just wanted to make it difficult for him. He's one of the best scorers to ever play the game. I just tried to use my size and stay down on his fakes and make him shoot over a taller defender."
Chandler Parsons on guarding Kobe

They Tweeted It
 

Byron Scott called the Mavericks a championship caliber team. So cancel those early summer vacation plans, @espn_macmahon.
— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) November 22, 2014

Next Up
It's the long-awaited Chandler Parsons homecoming tomorrow at 7:00 as the 10-3 Mavericks face the 9-3 Rockets who probably will be without Dwight Howard.

Mavericks vs. Lakers: Game 13 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (9-3) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (3-9)
Fri. Nov. 21, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 9

2013-14 Matchups
Nov. 5 at Dallas
Mavs 123 Lakers 104
Jan. 7 at Dallas
Mavs 110 Lakers 97
Apr. 4 at LA
Mavs 107 Lakers 95

All-Time Series
Lakers 104 Mavs 35

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 116.7 (1st)
Def. Rating: 105.6 (14th)
Point Differential: +10.4
Lakers
Offense: 107.9 (11th)
Defense: 116.2 (30th)
Point Differential: -7.9

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Lakers
PG: Jeremy Lin
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: Wesley Johnson
PF: Carlos Boozer
C: Jordan Hill

Team Leaders

Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 19.7
RPG: Chandler, 10.8
APG: Harris, 4.4
PER: Wright, 28.6
Win Shares: Chandler, 1.8
Lakers
PPG: Bryant, 27.5
RPG: Hill, 9.7
APG: Lin, 4.8
PER: Bryant, 20.5
Win Shares: Hill, Davis, 0.8

Of Note

• The Mavs took all three meetings from the Lakers last season after losing 7 out of 8 of the previous matchups after the Mavs swept the LA out of the 2011 playoffs.
• The game pits the Mavericks offense which is first in both points per game and offensive rating and the Lakers defense which is last in points allowed per game and defensive rating.
• Dallas has scored at least 105 points in all of their wins and 100 points or less in all three of their losses.
• Kobe Bryant is leading the league in scoring at 27.5 points per game but is only shooting .386% from the field despite shooting 24.2 times per game.
• In contrast to Kobe's inefficiency Brandan Wright has only missed 16 shots all year in 67 attempts. Dating back to last year Wright has shot 50% or better in 15 straight games tying Rolando Blackman's team record.

Mavericks 105 Wizards 102: Game 12 Recap

The Lead
The Mavs overcome plenty of adversity as they hold off the Wizards for a gutty road win.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Ellis, 34
Rebounds: Chandler, 16
Assists: Barea, 6
+-: Chandler, +11
Wizards
Points: Beal, 21
Rebounds: Gorat, Wall, Humphries, 6
Assists: Wall, 11
+-: Nene, +7

Game Ball
Monta Ellis
34 points, 4 assists, 10-21 FG, 12-14 FT

X-Factor
J.J. Barea
14 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 4-8 FG, 5-6 FT

Goat Horns
Nene
9 points, 5 rebounds, 3-9 FG

Play of the Game
After leaving the game after twisting his ankle with 8 minutes left, Dirk returns to action to hit a key three with 1:20 to go that put the Mavs up 102-97.

Stat of the Game
J.J. Barea (10) and Brandan Wright (8) combined for 18 fourth quarter points off the bench.


Of Note

• Monta Ellis kept the Mavs afloat early scoring 18 of the Mavs 23 first quarter points.
• Devin Harris missed the game with right lower leg soreness. He hopes to return to action on Friday.
• Bradley Beal scored 21 points in his first game of the season for the Wizards after wrist surgery.
• After scoring 13 points in the first quarter, Marcin Gortat was held to four points for the remainder of the game.
• Wright through down a ridiculous facial slam off a lob from Barea for an and-one that put the Mavs up by 5 early in the fourth quarter.

Grades
Nowitzki: B
Parsons: C+
Chandler: A
Ellis: A
Nelson: D
Wright: A
Barea: A
Aminu: B
Crowder: B

Quote of Note
"It was a close game, so if I can walk, I want to be out there. And it actually felt OK, once it loosened up.Just rolled (the ankle) a little bit, like I've done a million times in my career. Just had to walk it off coming back here, re-taped it and came right back out. Popped some pills."
Dirk on his injury

They Tweeted It

#mavs first half in five words: pic.twitter.com/y0Me5Man3I
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) November 20, 2014

Next Up
The Mavericks (9-3) briefly return home Friday at 7:30 to face Kobe and the Lakers (3-9), who have surprisingly won two in a row.

Mavericks at Wizards: Game 12 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (8-3) at Washington Wizards (7-2)
Wed, Nov. 19, 6:00, at the Verizon Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 2

2013-14 Matchups
Nov. 12 at Dallas
Mavs 105 Wizards 95
Jan. 1 at Washington
Mavs 87 Wizards 78

All-Time Series
Mavs 35 Wizards 30

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 117.3 (1st)

Def. Rating: 105.3 (13th)
Point Differential: +11.1
Wizards
Offense: 104.4 (19th)
Defense: 102.1 (6th)
Point Differential: +2.3

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Wizards
PG: John Wall
SG: Garrett Temple
SF: Paul Pierce
PF: Nene
C: Marcin Gortat

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 19.6
RPG: Chandler, 10.3
APG: Harris, 4.4
PER: Wright, 28.3
Win Shares: Chandler, 1.7
Wizards
PPG: Wall, 19.4
RPG: Gortat, 9.1
APG: Wall, 9.1
PER: Wall, 21.8
Win Shares: Wall, Gortat, 1.0


Of Note

• The Mavericks have won eight straight overall and five straight in D.C against the Wiz. The Mavs last two trips to Washington both came on New Year's Day.
• The Mavs offensive rating of 117.3 through 11 games would rank as the best of all-time beating out the 86-87 Lakers record of 115.6.
• Washington is 7-2, good for second place in East, but have had a very favorable schedule so far including no games against the West.
• Dallas has four guards averaging at least four assists a game: Harris, 4.4, Nelson, 4.3, Ellis, 4.2 and Barea, 4.1.
• Wizards guard Bradley Beal has missed the entire season so far after wrist surgery, but could make his season debut Wednesday.
• The Mavs will see DeJuan Blair for the first time since he signed with Washington in the off-season after spending one season in Dallas. So far Blair has only logged 11 minuts in 3 games, scoring 2 points.

Update: Devin Harris has been ruled out for the game with soreness in his lower right leg. He hopes to only miss one game.

Mavericks 107 Hornets 80: Game 11 Recap

The Lead
Ho-hum, another Mavs blowout win as Dirk passes 27,000 career points.

Box Score 

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Ellis, 18
Rebounds: Aminu, 11
Assists: Nelson, 8
+-: Ellis, +23
Hornets
Points: Henderson, 18
Rebounds: Biyombo, 8
Assists: Stephenson, 7
+-: Maxiell, Vonleh, 0

Game Ball
Chandler Parsons
17 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 4-9 3PT

X-Factor
Jameer Nelson
11 points, 8 assists, 4-6 FG, 3-4 3PT

Goat Horns
Al Jefferson
6 points, 5 rebounds, 3-12 FG

Play of the Game
Dirk's jumper midway through the third period that gave him 27,000 points in his career. He is only the fourth player in NBA history to score that many points with one team joining Michael Jordan, Karl Malone and Kobe Bryant.

Stat of the Game
The Mavericks had a 30 point lead for the fourth time this season. Golden State has done it the next most in the league with two such leads and 9 other teams have had done it on one occasion.

Of Note

• The Mavs have now won 23 out of 25 against the Hornets and snapped a two game losing streak in Charlotte.
• Devin Harris did not play in the second half due to soreness in his left leg.
• With Tyson Chandler going 7-7 from the field he joined Brandan Wright as now the second Maverick shooting over 70% from the field.
• Raymond Felton was deemed healthy enough to begin his four game suspension.  He will eligible to play next Monday at home against Indiana. With Felton having to be activated, Richard Jefferson was inactive for tonight's game.
• Dallas had an assist-to-turnover ratio of 32 to 8 and scored over 60 points in the first half for the 3rd straight game.

Grades
Nowitzki: B+
Parsons: A
Chandler: A
Ellis: B+
Nelson: A
Wright: A-
Harris: B
Aminu: A
Barea: A-
Crowder: B-
Smith: B
Villanueva: B

Quote of Note
 "It means a lot to me that I was able to do it for one franchise with not knowing what to expect when I got there a long time ago. It's been a great ride. People were great to me from the beginning. When I was struggling my first year everyone supported me. Obviously Cubes bought the team and he was loyal to me and I count it as my new home. I'm proud of that and hopefully there are many more baskets to come."
Dirk on 27,00 points

They Tweeted It
 

The gap between DAL + the No. 2 offense (5.8 points-per-100) is nearly the same as the difference between No. 2 (CLE) + No. 15 (ATL).
— Dan Devine (@YourManDevine) November 18, 2014

Next Up
It is off the nation's capital for the 8-3 Mavericks where the Wizards (7-2) will await them Wednesday at 6:00. 

Mavericks at Hornets: Game 11 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (7-3) at Charlotte Hornets (4-6)
Mon. Nov. 17, 6:00 at the Time Warner Cable Arena
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 2.5

2013-14 Matchups
Dec. 3 at Dallas
Mavs 89 Charlotte 82
Feb. 11 at Charlotte
Charlotte 114 Mavs 89

All-Time Series
Mavs 33 Hornets 14
 
Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 116.9 (1st)
Def. Rating: 106.8 (18th)
Point Differential: +9.5
Hornets:
Offense: 101.5 (25th)
Defense: 104.9 (13th)
Point Differential: -3.6

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Hornets
PG: Kemba Walker
SG: Lance Stephenson
SF: P.J. Hairston
PF: Marvin Williams
C: Al Jefferson

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 20.3
RPG: Chandler, 10.4
APG: Ellis, 4.4
PER: Wright, 28.3
Win Shares: Nowitzki, 1.6
Hornets
PPG: Jefferson, 21.4
RPG: Stephenson, 9.5
APG: Stephenson, 9.1
PER: Jefferson, 21.0
Win Shares: Jefferson, 0.8

Of Note

• The Mavs have won 22 out of 24 against the franchise formerly known as the Bobcats, but have dropped 2 in a row in Charlotte including a 114-89 thumping last February.
• Raymond Felton is expected to be deemed healthy enough to begin his four game suspension. Felton played his first five seasons in Charlotte.
• Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (foot) and Gary Neal (concussion) are not expected to play for the Hornets.
• Tyson Chandler has five straight double-digit rebounding games and was one point against Philadelphia away from five straight double-doubles.
• Dirk is an obscene  20-29 from the field and 16-17 from the line in the last three games.

Mavericks 131 Timberwolves 117: Game 10 Recap

The Lead
Mavericks pick up another home blowout as the league's best offense does serious damage in the paint.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Ellis, 30
Rebounds: Chandler, 16
Assists: Nelson, 6
+-: Chandler, +19
Wolves
Points: Martin, 34
Rebounds: Dieng, 8
Assists: Williams, 8
+-: Muhammad, +10

Game Ball
Monta Ellis
30 points, 11-21 FG, 3-7 3PT, 5-5 FT

X-Factor
Tyson Chandler
12 points, 16 rebounds, 3 blocks, 5-7 FG

Goat Horns
Nikola Pekovic
2 points, 0-2 FG, 12 minutes

Play of the Game
Tyson Chandler violent rejection of Gorgui Deng's shot in the second quarter, that was caught by Mavs assistant coach Darrell Armstrong.

Stat of the Game
The Mavs tied a team record with 76 points in the paint. They also had that amount on April 4, 2002 against the Clippers.

Of Note

• Ellis' 30 points were the most by a Maverick this year. He scored 17 of those points in the third quarter.
• Dirk scored 15 points on 6-9 shooting in 23 minutes. He sat out the entire fourth quarter.
• Dallas has now led by at least 25 points in 4 out of their 6 home games this year.
• Minnesota allowed a combined 270 in back-to-back nights. They allowed New Orleans to score 139 points on Friday.
• 8 Mavs were in double figueres scoring including 4 players off the bench (Barea, Wright, Aminu, Jefferson). 

Grades
Nowitzki: A
Parsons: A
Chandler: A+
Ellis: A+
Nelson: A-
Harris: A-
Aminu: A 
Wright: A
Barea: A-
Jefferson: A

Quote of Note
"That's our game. That's how we should play the whole season. We shouldn't run many plays. We just have to get out, run, flow, pass, cut, and find the open guy. We have so many threats on the offensive end that teams have to help a lot. We just have to find the open man."
Monta Ellis on the offense

They Tweeted It

It must be new for Dallas to score so many points in the paint. When both were asked about 76 PITP, Carlisle & Dirk started with “Us?"
— Bryan Gutierrez (@BallinWithBryan) November 16, 2014

Next Up
The Mavs (7-3) head East to face the rechristened Charlotte Hornets (4-6), Monday at 6:00. 

Mavericks vs. Timberwolves: Game 10 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (6-3) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (2-6)
Sat. Nov. 15, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 11.5


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
Mar. 19 at Dallas
Wolves 123 Mavs 122 (OT)

All-Time Series
Mavs 58 Wolves 44

Team Stats
Mavs
Offense: 115.5 (1st)
Defense: 105.8 (15th)
Point Differential: +9.0
Wolves
Offense: 103.5 (20th)
Defense: 106.9 (22nd)
Point Differential: -8.9

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Wolves
PG: Zach LaVine
SG: Kevin Martin
SF: Andrew Wiggins
PF: Gorgui Dieng
C: Nikola Pekovic

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 20.9
RPG: Chandler, 9.8
APG: Ellis, 4.6
PER: Wright, 28.3
Win Shares: Nowitzki, 1.4
Wolves
PPG: Martin, 18.3
RPG: Pekovic, 9.1
APG: Rubio, 10.0
PER: Dieng, 23.3
Win Shares: Martin, 0.7

Of Note

• Both teams are coming off the opposite ends of two blowouts. The Mavs set a team record for victory margin with their 123-70 winover the Sixers on Thursday, while the Wolves were destroyed 139-91 by the Pelicans on Friday. In that game New Orelans shot 67% from the field and were 15-20 on threes.
• J.J. Barea will face the team he spent the last three seasons with. The Wolves waived him right before the start of this season.
• Minnesota will be without two key players: Ricky Rubio, who is out indefinitely  with a sprained ankle and Thaddeus Young, who is mourning the loss of his mother.
• Minnesota took 3 out of the 4 meeting between the teams last year as all the games were decided by 8 points or less. Of course this is a lot different Wolves team after trading Kevin Love and with Rubio out of the lineup.
• Brandan Wright (28.3) and Dirk Nowitzki (28.0) rank second and third in the league in PER trailing only Anthony Davis (35.2).
• The Mavs have led by at least 30 points in 3 of their 5 home games so far. They led Utah by 30 on their way to a 18 point win, led by 31 against Boston before hanging on to win by 5 and then led by as much as 58 in their record-setting romp of the Sixers.

Mavericks 123 76ers 70: Game 9 Recap

The Lead
Mavericks terrorize the tanking Sixers on their way to the biggest rout in franchise history.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 21
Rebounds: Chandler, 10
Assists: Barea, 11
+-: Nowitzki, +33
76ers
Points: Carter-Williams, 19
Rebounds: Carter-Williams, 8
Assists: Carter-Williams, 5
+-: Gordon, -9

Game Ball
Dirk Nowitzki
21 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 7-8 FG, 6-7 FT, 20 minutes

X-Factor
Brandan Wright
14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, 4-7 FG, 6-7 FT, 16 minutes

Goat Horns
Nerlens Noel
5 points, 2-7 FG, 1-6 FT, 5 turnovers, -39

Play of the Game
Monta Ellis throws a behind-the-back pass to Tyson Chandler for the jam that gave the Mavs a 59-21  midway through the second quarter.

Stat of the Game
The 53 point margin of victory is all-time Mavs record, breaking the mark of 50 points set in a 128-78 win over the Knicks on January 24, 2010.

Of Note

• The Mavs 44 point halftime lead of 73-29 is the second biggest in the NBA in the shot clock era. It is also the only time a team scored over 70 points in a half while allowing fewer than 30.
• Dirk was perfect shooting the ball in the first half, going 5-5 from the field and 4-4 from the line for 15 points.
• The Sixers turned the ball over 28 times, compared to only 9 assists. J.J. Barea had 11 assists in less than 20 minutes.
• Every Mav was at least a double-digit plus while on the floor except Richard Jefferson who was +4. Every Sixer was at least a -9.
• All 13 Mavericks in uniform scored including Charlie Villanueva who had 10 4th quarter points in 8 minutes. 

Grades
Nowitzki: A+
Parsons: A
Chandler: A
Ellis: A
Nelson: B
Harris: A
Wright: A+
Aminu: B+
Barea: A+
Crowder: B+
Smith: B+
Jefferson: B+
Villanueva: A

Quote of Note
“No NBA game is easy. We've got to respect guys we go up against, no matter how good we think we are or how much more talented we are than the other team. It's a nice accomplishment. We celebrate tonight, and move on for tomorrow."
Brandan Wright

They Tweeted It

Mavs could have scored 0 points in the second half and still won by 3.
— Michael Dugat (@mdug) November 14, 2014

Next Up
The Mavs (6-3) finish up their four game homestand against the Minnesota Timberwolves (2-5) , Saturday at 7:30. 
 

Mavericks vs. 76ers: Game 9 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (5-3) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (0-7)
Thurs. Nov. 13, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FFSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 13

2013-14 Matchups
Nov. 18 at Dallas
Mavs 97 76ers 94
Feb. 21 at Philadelphia
Mavs 124 76ers 112

All-Time Series
76ers 33 Mavs 32

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 114.4 (1st)
Defense: 110.6 (26th)
Point Differential: +3.5
76ers
Offense: 95.5 (30th)
Defense: 108.7 (23rd)
Point Differential: -12.8

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
76ers
PG: Tony Wroten
SG: Hollis Thompson
SF: Luc Mbah Moute
PF: Nerlens Noel
C: Henry Sims

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 20.9
RPG: Chandler, 9.8
APG: Ellis, Harris, 4.6
PER: Wright, 27.2
Win Shares: Nowitzki, 1.1
76ers
PPG: Wroten, 21.9
RPG: Sims, 6.3
APG: Wroten, 6.7
PER: Wroten, 20.6
Win Shares: Wroten, 0.3

Of Note

• The Mavs have won 3 in a row and 6 out of 7 against vs. the Sixers. They have also taken 8 straight at home vs. Phill, last losing in 2005.
• Brandan Wright is shooting 77.5% (31-40) from the floor this year. In four games he has been perfect from the field with at least 2 attempts. He also has two games where he was 6-7.
• Dirk Nowitzki has had five straight games where has made at least 2 threes and has made 15-25 (60%) from distance in that strech.
• Last year's Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams is expected to make his season debut for the Sixers after missing the start of the season due to off-season shoulder surgery. Nerlens Noel is also expected back after missing two games with a sprained ankle.
• Philadelphia has been off since being throttled by Toronto 120-88 on Sunday. They have the league's worst offense so far, while the Mavs on the other hand feature the league best offense.

Mavericks 106 Kings 98: Game 8 Recap

The Lead
Mavericks fight back after horrid start as Dirk becomes the NBA's top international scorer.

Box Score 

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 23
Rebounds: Chandler, 11
Assists: Nelson, Harris, 5
+-: Ellis, +21
Kings
Points: Gay, 26
Rebounds: Cousins, 11
Assists: Gay, 8
+-: Cousins, +8

Game Ball
Dirk Nowitzki
23 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 7-12 FG, 2-3 3PT, 7-8 FT

X-Factor
Tyson Chandler
14 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks, 5-8 FG, 4-5 FT

Goat Horns
Ryan Hollins
6 minutes, 0 points, 0 rebounds, 3 fouls, -9

Moment of the Game
On a jumper with 8:56 left in the fourth quarter Dirk passed Hakeem Olajuwon as the NBA's all-time international-born scorer. His 23 points gave him 26,953 career points good for ninth all-time.

Play of the Game
The Mavs execute a three-pass fast break with the ball never touching the ground late in the third quarter. Al-Farouq grabs the rebounds and then outlets to Monta Ellis who fires a pass cross-court to Devin Harris to lobs it up to Brandan Wright for a two-hand slam.

Stat of the Game
The Mavs comeback from 24 points down is tied for their third largest in team history. They were down 44-20 with 8:46 to go in the second quarter. They were also down 24-4 to start the game.

Of Note

•  The win was the 21st straight for the Mavs over the Kings at home, a streak that dates back to 2003.
• Tyson Chandler's 14 points and 11 rebounds gave him his third consecutive double-double and fourth in five games.
• Monta Ellis scored all 16 of his points in the second half.
• Chandler Parsons bounced back with 19 points and 5 made threes after going 2-20 in his last two games.
• Jameer Nelson left the game in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury. He is not excepted to miss any games going forward.
• Former Mav Darren Collison sat out for the Kings with a shoulder injury.

Mavs Grades
Nowitzki: A
Parsons: B+
Chandler: A
Ellis: B+
Nelson: C
Harris: A-
Wright: A-
Aminu: B+
Barea: B

Quote of Note
 "I can't say enough about how proud I am of him and the things he's been able to accomplish. He's the most humble player. He's an example for us all and every young player coming up of what hard work and dedication can do and the things you can accomplish in this league. He was a player that was almost [written] off early in his career, and there were a lot of people who thought that he would be able to play in this league. This organization believed in him and a few people around him believed in him. He continued to work and continued to believe in himself. You see where he is now."
Tyson on Dirk

They Tweeted It
 

Dirk Nowitzki now No. 9 on all-time scoring list. He has 1,487 career 3PM. All other 7-footers among top-50 scorers combined for 71 3PM.
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) November 12, 2014

Next Up
The homestand continues for the Mavs (5-3) as they take on the winless 76ers (0-7), Thurday at 7:30.

Mavericks vs. Kings: Game 8 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (4-3) vs. Sacramento Kings (5-2)
Nov. 11, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 7

2013-14 Matchups
Dec. 9 at Sacramento
Kings 112 Mavs 97
Jan. 31 at Dallas
Mavs 107 Kings 103
Mar. 29 at Dallas
Mavs 103 Kings 100 
Apr. 6 at Sacramento
Mavs 93 Kings 91

All-Time Series
Mavs 86 Kings 62

Team Ratings
Mavs
Offense: 114.3 (1st)
Defense: 111.1 (27th)
Point Differential: +2.9
Kings
Offense: 106.2 (13th)
Defense: 103.5 (11th)
Point Differential: +2.6

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Kings
PG: Darren Collison
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Jason Thompson
C: Demarcus Cousins

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 20.6
RPG: Chandler, 9.6
APG: Ellis, 4.7
PER: Nowitzki, 26.6
Win Shares: Nowitzki, 0.9
Kings
PPG: Cousins, 23.0
RPG: Cousins, 11.1
APG: Collison, 6.3
PER: Cousins, 28.2
Win Shares: Cousins, 1.1


Of Note

• The Mavs have dominated the series with the Kings recently winning of the 18 out of the last 20, including 20 in a row at home. Sacramento's last win in Dallas came on Feb. 27, 2003.
• Look for Jae Crowder to see more playing time after scoring 15 points in the fourth quarter on Sunday. He had scored only 2 points in his previous 4 games, failing to crack double-digits in minutes in any of them.
• Tyson Chandler has recored double-doubles in three of the last 4 games including a combined 31 points and 28 rebounds in the last two.
• DeMarcus Cousins was a terror for the Mavs deal with last year. In three games he averaged 25.7 points and 12 rebounds.
• The surprising Kings saw a five winning streak end on Sunday when they lost in OKC to the Thunder 101-93. Making their start to season even more impressive is the fact they have yet to face a team from the East.

Heat 105 Mavericks 96: Game 7 Recap

The Lead
Mavs get thoroughly dominated at home by their old nemesis from South Florida.

(photo via Getty Images)

Box Score 

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Ellis, 23
Rebounds: Chandler, 15
Assists: Ellis, Nelson, 5
+-: Parsons, +9

Heat
Points: Deng, 30
Rebounds: Bosh, 10
Assists: Wade, 10
+-: Chalmers, +18

Game Ball
Luol Deng
30 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assits, 13-19 FG, 4-9 3PT

X-Factor
Mario Chalmers
18 points, 4 assists, 6-9 FG, 3-5 3PT

Goat Horns
Chandler Parsons
4 points, 1-9 FG, 0-4 3PT 

Play of the Game
The Heat move the ball to find Luol Deng for a corner three to give Miami an 11-0 run to end the first quarter that put them up 29-20. They would never relinquish the lead.

Stat of the Game
The Heat outshot the Mavs 55% to 42% and for most of the game it was much worse.

Of Note

• The Heat have now won 7 in a row over the Mavs since the 2011 Finals.
• Jae Crowder had 15 fourth quarter points on 5-6 shooting. The rest of the bench totaled 10 points on 4-20 shooting.
• Chandler Parsons is 2-20 from the field in the last two games.
• Deng, Bosh, Wade, and Chalmers combined for 88 of Miami's points and shot 35-56 from the floor.
• Dirk now needs 17 points to pass Hakeem Olajuwon for 9th on the NBA's career scoring list.

Mavs Grades
Nowitzki: B-
Parsons: D-
Chandler: A
Ellis: B+
Nelson: C+
Aminu: C-
Wright: C-
Harris: D-
Barea: D-
Jefferson: D
Crowder: A

Quote of Note
 "There's no way they should come into our building and play harder than us. We've got to pick it up there. You can't coach effort, you can't coach intensity. You've got to bring that within yourself every night. Myself and everyone else has to do a better job. You've got to bring effort, regardless of what else is happening."
Chandler Parsons

They Tweeted It

How bad was it? 53 of MIA 105 were in last 8 seconds of shot clock. Not even SA puts up numbers like that
— Chuck Cooperstein (@coopmavs) November 10, 2014

Next Up
The Mavs (4-3) look to bounce back on Tuesday when they host the surprising Sacramento Kings (5-2) at 7:30. 

Mavericks vs. Heat: Game 7 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (4-2) vs. Miami Heat (4-2)
Sun. Nov. 9, 6:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 8

2013-14 Matchups
Nov. 15 at Miami
Heat 110 Mavs 104
Feb. 18 at Dallas
Heat 117 Mavs 106

All-Time Series
Mavs 29 Heat 26

Team Ratings
Mavs
Offense: 1st (115.6)
Defense: 26th (110.4)
Point Differential: +4.8
Heat
Offense: 6th (110.2)
Defense: 21st (107.8)
Point Differential: +3.5

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Heat
PG: Norris Cole
SG: Dwyane Wade
SF: Luol Deng
PF: Shawne Williams
C: Chris Bosh

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 21.2
RPG: Chandler, 8.7
APG: Harris, 5.0
PER: Wright, 30.0
Win Shares: Nowitzki, 0.8
Heat
PPG: Bosh, 24.2
RPG: Bosh, 11.0
APG: Wade, 6.0
PER: Bosh, 27.9
Win Shares: Bosh, 0.9

Of Note

• Miami has won 6 in a row over the Mavs since the 2011 Finals. Of course all of those wins came with LeBron James wearing a Heat uniform.
• This is the first game of a four game homestand for the Mavs, in which the Heat are the only opponent that made the playoffs last year.
• Chandler Parsons is averaging 25 points per game on 58% shooting in two home games, while in 4 road games he is averaging 10.3 points per game on 32% shooting.
• Chris Bosh has scored at least 21 points in all six games this year and has grabbed at least 11 rebounds three times.
• In the two games vs. Miami last year, Dirk averaged 25.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists and was 15-26 from the field.

Mavericks 105 Jazz 82: Game 6 Recap

The Lead
The Mavs bounce back on the back half of a back-to-back to blow out the Jazz for the second time this year.

(Photo via USA Today)

Box Score 

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 27
Rebounds: Chandler, 13
Assists: Ellis, Harris, 6
+-: Nowitzki, +28

Jazz
Points: Burks, 14
Rebounds: Kanter, 10
Assists: Exum, 5
+-: Novak, 0

Game Ball
Dirk Nowitzki
27 points, 10 rebounds, 11-18 FG, 5-8 3PT

X-Factor
Tyson Chandler
15 points, 13 rebounds, 6-9 FG, 3-3 FT

Goat Horns
Derrick Favors
6 points, only 2 after the first 5 minutes of the game

Play of the Game
Dirk hits a buzzer-beating jumper to put the Mavs up 78-62 at the end of 3. The shot put a capper on a third quarter that saw the Mavs outscore Utah 26-18 to put a stop to their third quarter woes.

Stat of the Game
Dallas forces 23 turnovers from the Jazz and score 32 points off those miscues. Meanwhile they only turnover it over 9 times themselves.

Of Note

• The win was the 7th straight by the Mavericks over Utah including 3 in a row in Salt Lake City.
• Chandler Parsons played through an upper respiratory infection and was only 1-11 from the field.
• After getting dominated on the boards in the last two games the Mavs outrebounded the Jazz 42-41.
• The only time the Mavs trailed was when they fell behind 2-0 to start the game.
• For the second straight night no Mav played 30 minutes or more.
• For the first time all year Tyson Chandler and Brandan Wright saw time on the floor together.
• Raymond Felton is close to returning to action from his sprained ankle, and could begin serving his 4 game league suspension on Sunday.   

Mavs Grades
Nowitzki: A+
Parsons: C-
Chandler: A
Ellis: B
Nelson: B+
Wright: B+
Harris: B+
Aminu: B
Barea: B+

Quote of Note
"Everyone better enjoy Dirk Nowitzki while he's playing, 'cause there's not going to be another one like him ever. This is a once in a lifetime guy. He's a total game-changer."
Rick Carlisle

They Tweeted It

The big man Batman and Robin (h/t @jga41agher) pic.twitter.com/cVqMRfuoie
— Bryan Gutierrez (@BallinWithBryan) November 8, 2014

Next Up
The Mavs (4-2) return home to begin a four game homestand against the Lebron-less Heat (3-2), Sunday at 6:30.
 

Mavericks at Jazz: Game 6 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (3-2) at Utah Jazz (2-3)
Fri. Nov. 7, 8:00 at EnergySolutions Arena
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 1.5

2014-15 Matchups
Oct. 30 at Dallas

Mavs 120 Jazz 102

All-Time Series
Jazz 89 Mavs 67

Team Ratings
Mavs
Offense: 115.0 (1st)
Defense:113.8 (28th)
Point Differential: +1.2
Jazz
Offense: 112.6 (3rd)
Defense: 113.9 (29th)
Point Differential: -1.2


Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Jazz
PG: Trey Burke
SG: Alec Burks
SF: Gordon Hayward
PF: Derrick Favors
C: Enes Kanter

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 20.0
RPG: Chandler, 7.8
APG: Harris, 4.8
PER: Wright, 32.9
Win Shares: Wright, 0.6
Jazz
PPG: Hayward, 19.2
RPG: Favors, 8.0
APG: Hayward, 5.6
PER: Favors, 28.6
Win Shares: Favors, Hayward, 0.8

Of Note

• The Mavs have now won six in a row over the Jazz including two wins last season in Salt Lake City.
• Both teams feature offenses that rank in the top three in the league so far, but also defenses that are in the bottom three.
• Besides the third quarter the Mavs have also struggled rebounding in the last couple games. They were outrebounded 49-36 by Boston and 53-34 by Portland last night.
• The Jazz are coming off an impressive 102-100 home win over Cleveland on Wednesday, which they won on a Gordon Hayward buzzer beater.
• Dallas was 6-0 last year on the second night of road-to-road back-to-backs.  

Mavericks at Blazers: Game 5 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (3-1) at Portland Trail Blazers (2-2)
Thurs. Nov. 6, 9:30 at the Moda Center
TV: TNT
Line: Blazers by 3

2013-14 Matchups
Dec. 7 at Portland
Mavs 108 Blazers 106
Jan. 18 at Dallas
Blazers 127 Mavs 111
March 7 at Dallas
Mavs 103 Blazers 98

All-Time Series
Blazers 75 Mavs 64

Team Ratings
Mavs
Offense: 120.0 (1st)
Defense: 112.7 (28th)
Point Differential: +6.8
Blazers
Offense: 106.8 (14th)
Defense: 1008 (9th)
Point Differential:  +5.6


Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Blazers
PG: Damian Lillard
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Nicolas Batum
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge
C: Robin Lopez

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 20.8
RPG: Chandler, 8.8
APG: Ellis, 5.3
PER: Wright, 33.4
Win Shares: Nowitzki, Wright, 0.6
Blazers
PPG: Aldridge, 22.8
RPG: Lopez, 8.0
APG: Batum, 5.0
PER: Aldridge, 22.2
Win Shares: Matthews, Lillard, 0.6

Of Note

•  The Mavericks current offensive rating of 120.0 would rank as the best in NBA history.
• The Mavs have won 4 out of their last 5 and 6 out of their last 8 against Portland.
• Dirk Nowitzki has made at least 63.6% of his shots in three out of four games this season. He went 7-11 vs San Antonio, 9-13 vs. Utah and 9-14 vs Boston.
•  In 26 career games against his hometown team, LaMarucs Aldridge has averaged 22.2 points and 8.9 rebounds on .514% shooting.
• The Blazers are one of only two playoff teams from last year that the Mavs will face in a nine game stretch that they are in the middle of. The other team they will face is the Heat on Sunday.
• The Mavs won on their only trip last year to Portland thanks to a Monta Ellis buzzer-beating jumper.

Mavericks 118 Celtics 113: Game 4 Recap

The Lead
Mavs build a big first half lead, only to barely hang on in the second half against the feisty Celtics.

(Photo via Getty Images)

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Parsons, 29
Rebounds: Chandler, 12
Assists: Harris, 6
+-:  Harris, +13

Celtics
Points: Green, 35
Rebounds: Rondo, 9
Assists: Rondo, 15
+-: Olynyk, +13

Game Balls
Dirk Nowitzki
27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 9-14 FG, 4-4 3PT
Chandler Parsons
29 points, 10-15 FG, 4-5 3PT

X-Factor
Devin Harris
12 points, 6 assists, 4-9 FG, 2-6 3PT

Goat Horns
Brandon Bass, Evan Turner and Marcus Thornton
combined 7 points on 2-13 FG

Play of the Game
After Avery Bradley hit 2 out of 3 three throws to pull Boston within one, Monta Ellis drives in for a layup to give the Mavs a 3 point advantage with 27.9 seconds left. Jeff Green would then miss a three and Ellis would hit two free throws to close it out.

Stat of the Game
A tale of two halves. The Mavs lead by as much as 31 in the first half and take a 67-41 lead into halftime. The Celtics then outscored Dallas 72-51 in the second half, with the Mavs again suffering third quarter woes.

Of Note 

• The Mavs starting frontline of Dirk, Parsons and Chandler went a combined 24-36 from the floor.
• Al-Farouq Aminu sat out the second half with a knee injury that according to Rick Carlisle was not believed to be serious.
• The Mavs were dominated on the boards by a 49-36 margin including 22 Celtics offensive rebounds.  
• Parsons has scored 20 or more in three straight games after only scoring 5 in the opener vs. the Spurs.
• Marcus Smart had 7 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and played tough defense in a homecoming for the Flower Mound native.
• The Mavs shot over 50% (53.7%) from the field for a third straight game and went 14-25 on threes.

Mavs Grades
Nowitzki: A
Parsons: A
Chandler: A-
Ellis: B-
Nelson: C
Harris: B+
Wright: B
Aminu: B
Barea: B
Jefferson: C

Quote of Note
 "How do I feel about it? It's a win in a league that's tough. But, yeah, we've got to solve some of those third-quarter issues. We have to keep playing. We have to make sure to come out with the same focus in the third quarters. Other than that, I've liked what we've been doing."
Dirk on the third quarter struggles

They Tweeted It

Behind in Cs-Mavs. This is unfair for defenses. pic.twitter.com/t5zNw2tIz6
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) November 4, 2014

Next Up
The Mavs (3-1) hit the road to the Pacific Northwest to face the Blazers (1-2), Thursday at 9:30. 

 

Power Ranking the Mavs

A look at where the Mavs stack up in leading sports websites NBA power rankings after one week.

ESPN: 3rd
"Even if you think they should have won in San Antonio, it's hard to quibble too much with the Mavs' start. Dirk and Monta have it going already, Tyson Chandler looks right back at home, Dallas manufactured a nice win in New Orleans -- and please tell me you've seen the new Run DMC video."

NBA.com: 7th
"Dirk Nowitzki's mid-range game is in mid-season form. He shot 20-for-28 from between the paint and the 3-point line last week. Tyson Chandler's defensive impact has yet to be really felt, but Chandler Parsons recovered from his poor showing in San Antonio to score 41 points against the Jazz and Pelicans, while the Mavs' bench additions made impacts as well."

Yahoo Sports: 8th
"Dirk Nowitzki needs 105 points to pass Hakeem Olajuwon to become the top international scorer in NBA history."

SI.com: 8th
"Dallas leading the league in offensive efficiency (118.8 points per 100 possessions). Its revamped defense anchored by Tyson Chandler, however, is still a work in progress (109.1 rating). The same goes for the point guard rotation, which added another veteran last week in J.J. Barea, a Mav from 2006-11."

CBS Sports: 3rd
"They would be No. 1 if not for the loss to the Spurs on opening night. They've looked terrific in terms of how their team has adapted. Dallas has balance on both sides of the ball, speed, savvy and versatility. Expect big things from them."

SB Nation: 4th
"Give Rick Carlisle personnel to work with and he'll make great things happen. The Mavericks have the best offense in the NBA, putting up 118.8 points per 100 possessions, according to NBA.com. Six players are averaging double-digit scoring, and Dirk Nowitzki, Ageless Wonder, is averaging 18.7 points on 55.8 percent shooting."

Mavericks vs. Celtics: Game 4 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (2-1) at Boston Celtics (1-1)
Nov. 3, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 9.5


2013-14 Matchups
Feb. 9 at Boston
Mavs 102 Celtics 91
Mar. 17 at Dallas
Mavs 94 Celtics 89

All-Time Series
Celtics 35 Mavs 31

Team Rankings
Mavs
Offense: 1st (120.4)
Defense: 26th (112.4)
Celtics
Offense: 18th (15.8)
Defense: 13th (104.8)

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Celtics
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Avery Bradley
SF: Jeff Green
PF: Jared Sullinger
C: Kelly Olynyk

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 19.0
RPG: Chandler, 7.7
APG: Ellis, 5.0
PER: Wright, 36.8
Celtics
PPG: Green, 17.0
RPG: Rondo, 8.5
APG: Rondo, 10.0
PER: Olynyk, 26.1

Of Note

• The Mavs legue leading offensive rating of 120.4 is more than 4 points better than 2nd place Miami.
• Dallas has won 7 out of 8 against Boston with the one loss coming in double overtime.
• Dallas area native Marcus Smart will play his first career game in his hometown.
• Brandan Wright (14-16) and Tyson Chandler (14-20) are a combined 28-36 from the field for the season.
• Dating back to last season the Mavericks have scored 100 points or more in 15 out of 17 games.