Mavericks 112 Pelicans 107: Game 24 Recap

The Lead
Monta bounces back in a big way, scoring 13 straight in crunch time to help the Mavs take down New Orleans.

Box Score 

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Ellis, 26
Rebounds: Nowitzki, Chandler, 6
Assists: Ellis, 5
+-: Harris, +9
Pelicans
Points: Davis, 31
Rebounds: Asik, 15
Assists: Holiday, 10
+-: Evans, Holiday, +3

Game Ball
Monta Ellis
26 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 11-19 FG

X-Factor
Devin Harris
20 points, 4 assists, 8-13 FG, 3-7 3PT

Goat Horns
Tyreke Evans
8 points, 4-11 FG

Play of the Game
Monta Ellis hits a driving jump shot with 22.9 seconds left to give the Mavs a four point lead. It was 2 of his 13 straight points that closed the game out for Dallas.

Stat of the Game
For the second time this month, Monta Ellis, Dirk Nowitzki, Chandler Parsons and Devin Harris all score at least 20 points in the same game. The foursome also accomplished the feat against the Bulls on Dec. 2.


Of Note

• Jameer Nelson was a late scratch with back spasms. J.J. Barea started in his place.
• The Mavs won despite getting outrebounded 45-29 including allowing 16 rebounds on the offensive glass to the Pelicans.
• Chandler Parsons scored at least 20 points for the third straight, shooting over 50% from the field in all three contests.
• Anthony Davis has 62 points and 26 rebounds in two games against the Mavericks this year.
• Parsons was bothered by back spasms, leaving for the locker room late in the 1st half but returned for the start of the 2nd half.
• Former Mav Gal Mekel had 4 points in 9 minutes on 2-6 shooting for New Orleans.

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

Quote of Note
"I feel great about it. My teammates do a great job of setting me up very well in the fourth quarter. I love that situation. I understand it. I'll be ready for it when the time comes."
Monta on stepping up in the clutch

They Tweeted It

Monta has ALWAYS competed and played at a high level. people taking notice now with him on a winning team. #RespectRec
— Kendall Marshall (@KButter5) December 11, 2014

Next Up
The Mavericks (17-7) will welcome to town the Golden State Warriors (19-2), winners of 14 in a row and owners of the best record in the league for a rare Saturday matinee at 1:00.