Mavericks 108 Magic 93: Game 49 Recap

The Lead
The Mavs are able to overcome missing two starters, as a big first half leads to a sweep of Florida.

Box Score 

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Ellis, 25
Rebounds: Chandler, 9
Assists: Ellis, 13
+-: Harris, +32
Magic
Points: Vucevic, 17
Rebounds: Vucevic, 16
Assists: Harris, Payton, 5
+-: Green, Goprdon, +6

Game Ball
Monta Ellis
25 points, 13 assists, 3 steals, 11-20 FG

X-Factor
Richard Jefferson
14 points, 3 rebounds, 3-3 3PT

Goat Horns
Elfrid Payton
4 points, 1-6 FG, 3 TO

Play of the Game
After the Magic had cut the Mavs lead to 5 with less than 6 minutes left, coming out of a timeout Monta Ellis finds Tyson Chandler for a dunk with a bullet pass.

Stat of the Game
The win was the Mavericks 9th straight in Orlando, their longest active road winning streak vs. any opponent.

Of Note

• Rajon Rondo left the game less than two minutes in with a head injury. It happened when Richard Jefferson's knee accidentally collided with Rondo's face. Rick Carlisle said after the game he would be evaluated when the team returns to Dallas.
• Chandler Parsons missed his second straight game due to illness. He is expected to return for Monday's game.
• The win made the Mavericks 13-0 on the road against the East with games left at Atlanta and Indiana. They have won their last 17 dating back to last season.
• Monta scored 10 points in the Mavs 14-4 run to close out the game.
• The Mavs 34 first quarter points were more than they scored in the entire first half in Miami.

Grades
Nowitzki: B+
Jefferson: A
Chandler: A
Ellis: A
Harris: A
Smith: B
Villanueva: B
Barea: A-
Aminu: A-
Felton: C+

Quote of Note
 "Monta got everybody rolling. He did an excellent job the entire game of penetrating and finding the right guy. He found me a couple of times in a row, found guys on the perimeter and when they backed off, he created shots for himself."
Tyson Chandler

They Tweeted It
 

The Orlando Magic, making all of their opponents' dreams come true!
— Jeff Caplan (@Jeff_Caplan) February 1, 2015

Next Up
The Mavericks (32-17) return home on Monday to face the last pace Minnesota Timberwolves (8-39) at 7:30.

Mavericks at Magic: Game 49 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (31-17) at Orlando Magic (15-34)
Sat. Jan. 31, 6:00 at the Amway Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 7

2013-14 Matchups

Nov. 16 at Orlando
Mavs 108 Magic 100
Jan. 13 at Dallas
Mavs 107 Magic 88

All-Time Series
Mavs 28 Magic 23

Team Stats
Mavs
Offense: 2nd (110.0)
Defense: 14th (103.1)
Point Differential: +5.6
Magic
Offense: 25th (99.4)
Defense: 24th (105.5)
Point Differential: -6.2


Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Magic
PG: Elfrid Payton
SG: Victor Oladipo
SF: Aaron Gordon
PF: Channing Frye
C: Nikola Vucevic

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 20.4
RPG: Chandler, 12.0
APG: Rondo, 6.9
PER: Nowitzki, 20.9
Win Shares: Chandler, 6.8
Magic
PPG: Vucevic, 19.5
RPG: Vucevic, 11.3
APG: Payton, 5.8
PER: Vucevic, 22.0
Win Shares: Vucevic, 4.3
e won
Of Note

• The Mavericks are 12-0 on the road against the East this season, and have won 16 straight dating back to last season.
• Orlando native Chandler Parsons status is in question after he missed last night's game due to illness.
• The Magic have lost 7 games in row, and Head Coach Jacques Vaughn's job is reportedly in serious jeopardy. 
• The Mavs have won 8 straight games in Orlando.
• In the last two games Al-Farouq Aminu has 20 points, 14 rebounds, 7 steals and 6 blocks.

Mavericks 93 Heat 72: Game 48 Recap

The Lead
After a putrid first half, the Mavs turn things completely around with a 37-2 run helps that ends their four game losing streak.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Villanueva, 20
Rebounds: Chandler, 13
Assists: Ellis, 7
+-: Villanueva, +29
Heat
Points: Whiteside, 16
Rebounds: Whiteside, 24
Assists: Chalmers, 6
+-: Napier, +2

Game Ball
Charlie Villanueva
20 points, 5 rebounds, 6-11 3PT

X-Factor
Al-Farouq Aminu
10 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals

Goat Horns
Norris Cole
2 points, 1-10 FG

Play of the Game
Charlie Villanueva blocks James Ennis' shot on end, and then finishes on the offensive end with a dunk  to put the Mavs up 7 early in 4th quarter.

Stat of the Game
After Mario Chalmers put the Heat up 60-51 with a free throw with 3:12 left in the 3rd quarter, the Mavs went on a 37-2 run to go up 88-62 with 3:03 left in the game.

Of Note

• The loss snapped a season high four game losing streak for the Mavs.
• It was also the 600th career coaching win for Rick Carlisle.
• Chandler Parsons missed the game with an illness.
• Villanueva's 20 points were his most since February 8, 2013.
• Hassan Whiteside had 14 rebounds for Miami in the first quarter, the most for any player this season in a quarter. He finished the game with 24 rebounds.
• This was the Mavs first win over the Heat since Game 6 of the 2011 Finals. They had lost 7 straight to Miami since.
• The win was the Mavericks 16th straight against the East on the road, 12 of which have come this season.

Grades
Nowitzki: C
Jefferson: B-
Chandler: A-
Ellis: C+
Rondo: C
Aminu: A
Harris: A-
Smith: C+
Villanueva: A+
Barea: B

Quote of Note
"Since I was insanely cold, it was good."
Dirk on Charlie V's game

They Tweeted It
 

Last 12 minutes: Charlie Villanueva 14, Heat 2.
— Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) January 31, 2015

Next Up
The Mavericks (31-17) will go for the sweep of Florida tomorrow night in Orlando against the Magic (15-34) at 6:00.

Mavericks at Heat: Game 48 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (30-17) at Miami Heat (20-25)
Fri. Jan. 30, 7:00 at the American Airlines Arena
TV: FSSW, ESPN
Line: Mavs by 9


2014-15 Matchups
Nov. 9 at Dallas
Heat 105 Mavs 96

All-Time Series
Mavs 29 Heat 27

Team Stats
Mavs
Offense: 2nd (110.1)
Defense: 15th (103.6)
Point Differential: +5.2
Heat
Offense: 18th (102.0)
Defense: 21st (104.5)
Point Differential: -3.3

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Heat
PG: Mario Chalmers
SG: Norris Cole
SF: Danny Granger
PF: Chris Bosh
C: Hassan Whiteside

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 20.5
RPG: Chandler, 12.0
APG: Rondo, 7.0
PER: Nowitzki, 21.1
Win Shares: Chandler, 6.7
Heat
PPG: Wade, 21.4
RPG: Bosh, 7.5
APG: Wade, 5.4
PER: Whiteside, 26.9
Win Shares: Bosh, 3.4

Of Note

• The Mavs will look to avoid their first 5 game losing streak since they lost 6 in a row in December 2012.
• Maimi will be without Dwyane Wade (strained right hamstring) and Luo Deng (sore calf) due to injuries.
• The Mavericks have lost 7 in a row against the Heat since beating them in the 2011 Finals.
• Dallas is 11-0 against the East on the road this year.
• The Mavericks did not have a player selected to the All-Star Game for only the second time this century. 2013 was the other year. 

Mavericks at Rockets: Game 47 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (30-16) at Houston Rockets (31-14)
Wed. Jan. 28, 7:00 at the Toyoya Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Rockets by 4

2014-15 Matchups
Nov. 22 at Houston
Rockets 95 Mavs 92

All-Time Series
Rockets 82 Mavs 78

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 110.6 (2nd)
Def. Rating: 103.7 (16th)
Point Differential: +5.5
Rockets
Offense: 103.6 (14th)
Defense: 99.6 (4th)
Point Differential: +4.0

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
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: Dwight Howard or Joey Dorsey

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 20.3
RPG: Chandler, 11.9
APG: Rondo, 7.1
PER: Nowitzki, 21.4
Win Shares: Chandler, 6.6
Rockets
PPG: Harden, 27.6
RPG: Howard, 11.0
APG: Harden, 6.7
PER: Harden, 27.9
Win Shares: Harden, 9.9

Of Note

• The Mavericks are looking to avoid their first four game losing streak since January 2013.
• Dwight Howard is questionable with a sprained right ankle. Terrence Jones, who is has been out since early in the season for the Rockets, is also questionable.
• Chandler Parsons will look to improve on his first return to trip to Houston this season, when he scored only 8 points on 3-9 shooting and missed all 5 of his three point attempts.
• All four times the Mavs meet the Rockets this year are on the second night of back-to-backs. The Mavs are 6-3 on the second night of back-to-backs this season.
• James Harden is averaging 37 points and 7 assists over his last four games.

Mavericks vs. Grizzlies: Game 46 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (30-15) at Memphis Grizzlies (32-12)
Tues. Jan. 27, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: Ch. 21, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 4.5


2014-15 Matchups
Dec. 9 at Memphis
Grizzlies 114 Mavs 105
Jan. 19 at Memphis
Mavs 103 Grizzlies 95

All-Time Series
Mavs 56 Grizzlies 20

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 110.8 (2nd)
Def. Rating: 103.4 (14th)
Point Differential: +6.0
Grizzlies
Offense: 105.0 (10th)
Defense: 101.6 (11th)
Point Differential: +4.3

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Grizzlies
PG: Mike Conley
SG: Courtney Lee
SF: Jeff Green
PF: Zach Randolph
C: Marc Gasol

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 20.3
RPG: Chandler, 12.0
APG: Rondo, 7.2
PER: Nowitzki, 21.5
Win Shares: Chandler, 6.6
Grizzlies
PPG: Gasol, 19.1
RPG: Randolph, 12.0
APG: Conley, 5.8
PER: Gasol, 22.7
Win Shares: Gasol, 5.9

Of Note

• The Mavs are looking to avoid their first three game losing streak of the season. They had only one such streak all of last season.
• The Mavericks have won four out of their last five home games against the Grizzlies, all by double figures.
• Chandler Parsons has been at much different player at home than on the road as a Maverick. In home games he is averaging 16.8 points and shooting 50.2% from the field and 38.6% on threes. On the road he is averaging 14.3 points and shooting 41.3% from the field and 34.3% on threes.
• Monta Ellis' 36 point game against New Orleans on Sunday was the first time the Mavs had lost a game he scored more than 35 points in. The Mavericks were 4-0 previously in those games.
• In six games against the Mavs over the last two years, Zach Randolph is averaging 20.3 points and 12.3 rebounds.

  

Pelicans 109 Mavericks 106: Game 45 Recap

The Lead
The Mavs survive a Tyson injury scare, but fall short in chruch time to the Pelicans and lose their second game in a row.

Box Score 

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Ellis, 36
Rebounds: Rondo, 8
Assists: Rondo, 9
+-: Powell, +6
Pelicans
Points: Davis, 28
Rebounds:Asik, 11
Assists: Evans, 12
+-: Davis, +12

Game Ball
Monta Ellis
36 points, 5 rebounds, 16-27 FG, 4-9 3PT

X-Factor
Dwight Powell
10 points, 6 rebounds, 2-2 FG, 6-8 FT

Goat Horns
Chandler Parsons
6 points, 1 rebound, 2-6 FG, 3 TO

Play of the Game
Down one with 12 seconds left, Rajon Rondo's inbound pass is stolen by Anthony Davis after no one can get open.

Stat of the Game
Anthony Davis has averaged 30 points and 12 rebounds in three games against the Mavs this year.

Of Note

• Tyson Chandler left the game in the third quarter, after colliding knees with Davis. X-rays were negative and he returned in the fourth quarter.
• The loss broke a 9 game Maverick wining streak over the Pelicans.
• Besides Dwight Powell, the rest of the Mavericks bench was 3-15 shooting for 9 points.
• Amazingly the Pelicans have won three straight games for the first time all season.
• After getting dominated rebouding against the Bulls, the Mavs held their own on the glass, getting outrebounded only 40-38.

Grades
Nowitzki: B+
Parsons: D
Chandler: B+
Ellis: A
Rondo: A
Aminu: C+
Haris: D
Jefferson: C+
Powell: A
Barea: D+

Quote of Note
"Nothing is going to be given to us on the road. We still had enough chances. We just have to be better."
Dirk Nowitzki

They Tweeted It

“Monta Ellis is an All-Star. Tweet that.” - Rick Carlisle
— Bryan Gutierrez (@BallinWithBryan) January 26, 2015

Next Up
Another division showdown awaits the Mavericks (30-15) on Tuesday, as the Grizzlies (31-12) make their first trip of the year to the AAC.

Mavericks at Pelicans: Game 45 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (30-14) at New Orleans Pelicans (22-21)
Sun. Jan. 25, 5:00 at the Smoothie King Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 2.5


2014-15 Matchups
Nov. 1 at New Orleans
Mavs 109 Pelicans 104
Dec. 10 at Dallas
Mavs 112 Pelicans 107

All-Time Series
Mavs 50 Pelicans 23

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 110.6 (2nd)
Def. Rating: 103.0 (13th)
Point Differential: +6.2
Pelicans
Offense: 105.2 (9th)
Defense: 105.2 (23rd)
Point Differential: +0.6

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Pelicans
PG: Tyreke Evans
SG: Eric Gordon
SF: Dante Cunningham
PF:Anthony Davis
C: Omer Asik

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 19.9
RPG: Chandler, 12.2
APG: Rondo, 7.1
PER: Nowitzki, 21.4
Win Shares: Chandler, 6.5
Pelicans
PPG: Davis, 24.2
RPG: Davis, 10.4
APG: Holiday, 7.1
PER: Davis, 31.1
Win Shares: Davis, 8.3

Of Note

• The Mavs have won 9 straight games against the Pelicans, including 5 straight in New Orleans.
• The Mavericks 16 road wins are the most in the Western Conference.
• The Pelicans are without starting point guard Jrue Holiday, who has a stress reaction in his right leg. Ryan Anderson is questionable with an ankle injury as well.
• Dwight Powell has had a 10 rebound game and a 5 rebound game in his 11 games as a Mav, but has failed to record more than one rebound in any other game.
• Anthony Davis has 62 points and 26 rebounds in the two games he has played against the Mavs this season.
  

Bulls 102 Mavericks 98: Game 44 Recap

The Lead
Mavs can't get over the hump as the Bulls rebounding dominance sends Dallas to a home loss.

Box Score 

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 24
Rebounds: Chandler, 12
Assists: Ellis, Rondo, 4
+-: Nowitzki, +4
Bulls
Points: Butler, Rose, 20
Rebounds: Gasol, 16
Assists: Butler, 6
+-: Gasol, +9

Game Ball
Dirk Nowitzki
24 Points, 7 rebounds, 10-15 FG

X-Factor
Taj Gibson
15 points, 7 rebounds, 6-10 FG

Goat Horns
Dwight Powell
0-4, 0 rebounds in 21 minutes

Play of the Game
After Monta Ellis' three point play with 28.6 seconds put the Mavs within 2 points, they force a miss by Derrick Rose, however in a fitting conclusion to the game, Rose secures the rebound to give the Bulls the win.

Stat of the Game
The Bulls dominated the Mavericks on the glass by a 47-30 margin, including 15 offensive rebounds compared to 21 Dallas defensive rebounds.

Of Note

• Rajon Rondo did not play the final 5 minutes of the game. After the game Rick Carlisle called it a "coaches decision".
• Derrick Rose was red hot in the first half, scoring 18 points on 6-8 shooting and hitting all three of his three point attempts. In the 2nd half, he only scored 2 points on 1-9 shooting.
• The Mavericks stayed in the game by forcing 24 Chicago turnovers, while turning it over only 12 times themselves.
• Besides Tyson Chandler's 12 rebounds and Dirk's 7, the rest of the Mavs mustered only 11 boards including only 5 from the remaining three starters: Parsons, Rondo and Ellis.
• The Mavericks never led at any point in the game, but they did briefly tie it twice in the third quarter.

Grades
Nowitzki: A
Parsons: B+
Chandler: A
Ellis: C+
Rondo: C
Harris: B-
Powell: D
Jefferson: C
Barea: B

Quote of Note
 "It was a coach's decision. Coach made a decision. It's as simple as that. I've been in this game a long time. It's not like it's the end of the world. I like what coach Carlisle has done for me this year. I don't have any regrets."
Rajon Rondo on not being in at the end of the game

They Tweeted It
 

H/T @steventurous pic.twitter.com/wQUYP5lHbW
— Bryan Gutierrez (@BallinWithBryan) January 24, 2015

Next Up
It's off to the Big Easy for the Mavs (30-14), for a Sunday matchup with All-Star starter Anthony Davis and the Pelicans (22-21).

Mavericks vs. Bulls: Game 44 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (30-13) vs. Chicago Bulls (28-16)
Fri. Jan. 23, 7:00 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, ESPN
Line: Mavs by 7

2014-15 Matchups
Dec. 2 at Chicago
Mavs 132 Bulls 129 (2OT)

All-Time Series
Mavs 34 Bulls 33

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 110.7 (2nd)
Def. Rating: 102.9 (13th)
Point Differential: +6.4
Bulls
Offense: 105.9 (8th)
Defense: 102.4 (12th)
Point Differential: +2.9

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Bulls
PG: Derrick Rose
SG: Jimmy Butler
SF: Tony Snell
PF: Taj Gibson
C: Pau Gasol

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 20.0
RPG: Chandler, 12.2
APG: Rondo, 7.3
PER: Nowitzki, 21.3
Win Shares: Chandler, 6.3
Bulls
PPG: Butler, 20.5
RPG: Gasol, 11.5
APG: Rose, 5.1
PER: Gasol, 22.2
Win Shares: Butler, 7.1

Of Note

• With a win the Mavs would move into a second place tie in the West with Memphis and Portland.
• The Bulls are currently without starters Joakim Noah and Mike Dunleavy, both with sprained ankles.
• The Mavs are 16-4 against the East but are 5-4 at home compared to 11-0 on the road.
• The Bulls had lost 6 out of 8 before thumping the Spurs at home by a 104-81 score, last night.
• After making only 10-36 (28%) threes in 14 December games, Dirk has made 14-31 (45%) in 9 January games.

Mavericks 98 Timberwolves 75: Game 43 Recap

The Lead
Mavs take care of business, as Parsons' big second quarter leads to a road rout of lowly Minnesota.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Parsons, 22
Rebounds: Powell, 10
Assists: Barea, 10
+-: Barea, +19
Wolves
Points: Wiggins, 18
Rebounds: Young, 11
Assists: Young, 6
+-: Robinson, 0

Game Ball
Chandler Parsons
22 points, 9-13 FG, 4-6 3PT

X-Factor
Dwight Powell
6 points, 10 rebounds, 3-3 FG

Goat Horns
Mo Williams
5 points, 2-12 FG, 0-4 3PT

Play of the Game
Midway through the third quarter, Rajon Rondo unleashes one of his trademark pass fakes as he fools the entire Wolves team by faking the pass to Dirk, only to take it in to the basket for the uncontested layup.

Stat of the Game
The story of this game could be found the shooting numbers for each team. The Mavs shot 51% from the field and 41% on threes while Minnesota shot 35% from the field and 13% on threes.

Of Note

• The Mavs improved to 3013, good for 4th place in the West and only 1 game behind second place Portland.
• Chandler Parsons scored 13 of his game high 22 points in the second quarter, as the Mavs outscored the Wolves 35-17 for the period.
• Reigning Western Conference Player of the Week Mo Williams, who scored 52 points in a game last week, was held to 5 points on 2-12 shooting.
• All 13 Mavs who played put points on the board.
• Minnesota scored 21 points or less in every quarter.

Grades
Nowitzki: A
Parsons: A+
Chandler: A-
Ellis: C
Rondo: B
Powell: A
Harris: B+
Jefferson: B-
Barea: A
Aminu: A-

Quote of Note
"The world we're living in here in the West, this is advance citizenship. You've got to want it bad to win games every night. That's where we're at, and we've got to have a laser-like focus on that."
Rick Carlisle

They Tweeted It
 

rondo'd https://t.co/k8O4X19OXo
— Tim Cato (@tim_cato) January 22, 2015

Next Up
The Mavericks (30-13), make another brief stop home to take on the Chicago Bulls (27-16), Friday at 7:00.

Mavericks at Timberwolves: Game 43 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (29-13) at Minnesota Timberwolves (7-33)
Wed. Jan. 21, 7:00 at the Target Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 8.5

2014-15 Matchups
Nov. 15 at Dallas
Mavs 131 Wolves 117 

All-Time Series
Mavs 59 Wolves 44

Team Stats
Mavs
Offense: 110.7 (1st)
Defense: 103.4 (16th)
Point Differential: +6.0
Wolves
Offense: 99.2 (25th)
Defense: 109.9 (30th)
Point Differential: -9.6

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Wolves
PG: Mo Williams
SG: Andrew Wiggins
SF: Robbie Hummel
PF: Thaddeus Young
C: Gorgui Dieng

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 20.3
RPG: Chandler, 12,3
APG: Rondo, 7.6
PER: Chandler, 21.4
Win Shares: Chandler, 6.1
Wolves
PPG: Wiggins, 15.1
RPG: Dieng, 8.3
APG: Williams, 6.5
PER: Muhammad, 19.7
Win Shares: Dieng, 2.9

Of Note

• The Mavs are 6-3 this month, with a schedule that has been heavy with road games. One of the losses came in Denver without Dirk, Tyson and Rondo.
• The Wolves have been without Kevin Martin and Nikola Pekovic since early in the season due to injuries, but both are questionable to return for Wednesday's game. Ricky Rubio is also getting close to returning but is still listed as out.
• The game will be a matchup of the Mavs' league leading offense with a rating of 110.7 against Minnesota's league worst defense with a 109.9 rating.
• Dirk has really hit a groove of late, scoring over 20 points in 4 out of his last 5 games and making 9 out of his last 17 threes.
• #1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins has had a fantastic 2015 so far, scoring 21 points per game in 10 games in January while shooting 48% from the field and 39% on threes.

Mavericks 103 Grizzlies 95: Game 42 Recap

The Lead
The Mavs finish strong led by Dirk's clutch scoring to register their best win of the year to start the season's second half.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Ellis, 25
Rebounds: Chandler, 16
Assists: Ellis, 7
+-: Harris, +15
Grizzlies
Points: Conley, 22
Rebounds: Randolph, 15
Assists: Gasol, Conley, 4
+-: Calathes, +2

Game Ball
Dirk Nowitzki
21 points, 6 rebounds, 7-13 FG, 2-4 3PT, 5-5 FT

X-Factor
Tyson Chandler
10 points, 16 rebounds, 3-6 FG, 4-5 FT

Goat Horns
Tony Allen
4 points, 1-3 FG, 3 fouls

Play of the Game
With 1:20 to go Monta Ellis finds a cutting Dirk for a layup to put the Mavs up 6. It would be 2 of the 8 straight points that Dirk scored to finish the game.

Stat of the Game
The Mavs took big advantage of their edge in perimeter shooting over Memphis by hitting 10-25 threes while holding the Grizzlies to only 3-22.

Of Note

• The win was only the Mavs second all year against one of the West's top eight teams, and their first on the road.
• Dallas climbed to within a half game of the Grizzlies for the Southwest Division lead.
• After Mike Conley's three gave the Grizzlies their first lead since early in the first quarter at 91-89, the Mavs would outscore Memphis 14-4 to finish the game.
• The Mavericks more than held their own on the boards against the Grizzlies size and bulk, as both teams grabbed 42 rebounds led by Tyson Chandler's 16.
• Former Mav Vince Carter was held scoreless in 9 minutes, missing his shots two shots from the field which were both threes.

Grades
Nowitzki: A
Parsons: B-
Chandler: A
Ellis: A
Rondo: C+
Harris: A
Powell: B+
Jefferson: A-
Barea: C
Aminu: B

Quote of Note
"I love Dirk seeing the ball go through the basket, because I know when he gets on a roll, he's on a roll. It was good to see him hit some crunch-time baskets because I know he was on himself before that."
Tyson on Dirk


They Tweeted It

Looks a lot like 2011 Mavs here in crunch time. Dirk dominating on offense, Tyson Chandler doing work on defense.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) January 20, 2015

Next Up
The Mavericks (29-13) head north to face red-hot rookie Andrew Wiggins and the Minnesota Timberwolves (7-33), Wednesday at 7:00.

Mavericks at Grizzlies: Game 42 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (28-13) at Memphis Grizzlies (29-11)
Mon. Jan. 19, 4:00 at the FedEx Forum
TV: FSSW, NBATV
Line:

2014-15 Matchups
Dec. 9 at Memphis
Grizzlies 114 Mavs 105 

All-Time Series
Mavs 55 Grizzlies 20

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 110.6 (1st)
Def. Rating: 103.6 (16th)
Point Differential: +6.0
Grizzlies
Offense: 105.4 (10th)
Defense: 102.0 (11th)
Point Differential: +4.1

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Grizzlies
PG: Mike Conley or Beno Udrih
SG: Courtney Lee
SF: Tony Allen
PF: Zach Randolph
C: Marc Gasol

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 20.2
RPG: Chandler, 12.2
APG: Rondo, 8.1
PER: Chandler, 21.4
Win Shares: Chandler, 5.9
Grizzlies
PPG: Gasol, 19.2
RPG: Randolph, 11.8
APG: Conley, 6.1
PER: Gasol, 22.4
Win Shares: Gasol, 5.2

Of Note

• The Mavs have dropped 7 out of their last 8 games in Memphis.
• Mike Conley is questionable with a sprained right ankle.
• The Mavericks will look to improve on their 1-8 record against the West's top 8 teams. 6 out of the 8 losses have come on the road.
• Newly acquired Grizzlies forward Jeff Green has scored 53 points in two games against the Mavs this year while with Boston.
• A win would pull Dallas to within a half of a game of Mempis for the Southwest Division lead. Houston is currently tied with the Mavs for second place.

 

Mavericks 97 Nuggets 89: Game 41 Recap

The Lead
Dirk's hot start leads to a wire-to-wire win as the Mavs split their two games in a row against Denver.

Box Score 

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 25
Rebounds: Chandler, 16
Assists: Rondo, 8
+-: Nowitzki, Chandler, +16
Nuggets
Points: Afflalo, 16
Rebounds: Hickson, 14
Assists: Lawson, 12
+-: Hickson, +8

Game Ball
Dirk Nowitzki
25 points, 9 rebounds, 8-18 FG, 4-5 3PT

X-Factor
Chandler Parsons
18 points, 7 rebounds, 6-11 FG, 5-6 FT

Goat Horns
Jusuf Nurkic
2 points, 1-7 FG

Play of the Game
Midway through the third quarter, Chandler Parsons drove to the basket and dunked ferociously right on J.J. Hickson for a poster slam.

Stat of the Game
The Mavericks took advantage of a Denver team that allows the most free throws in the league by making 23-29 from the line.  Meanwhile the Nuggets went only 12-25 on their free throws.

Of Note

• The Mavericks finished the first half of the season with a 28-13 record, their best mark after 41 games since they were also 28-13 in 2007-08.
• The Mavericks got off to a 13-2 lead to start the game led by Dirk scoring the team's first 10 points including hitting 2 threes.
• After an 11 point game in Denver, Dwight Powell saw action as the backup center, scoring 4 points and recording 2 steals in 14 minutes.
• Rajon Rondo's return to lineup was felt as helped hold Ty Lawson to 3-13 shooting including 1-10 in the first three quarters.
• After being baldy outrebounded of late including in Wednesday's game, the Mavs tied the rebounding battle at 52 apiece led by 16 boards by Tyson Chandler.
• Former Mav Jameer Nelson had 14 points and 7 assists in his first game for the Nuggets since being traded from Boston.

Grades
Nowitzki: A
Parsons: A-
Chandler: A
Ellis: B-
Rondo: B
Harris: C+
Aminu: B+
Powell: B
Barea: B
Jefferson: C

Quote of Note
"It's one game. I still have to prove myself regardless of the situation. I'm just going to keep trying to work hard and show him that I'm working hard and bring full effort every time he gives me an opportunity."
Dwight Powell on entering the rotation.

They Tweeted It

dirk >>>>>>>>>>>>>> https://t.co/mMsQWO3vBP
— Lana Berry (@Lana) January 17, 2015

Next Up
The Mavs (28-13) hit the road again for a MLK day matinee on Monday, against the division leading Grizzlies (28-11).

Mavericks vs. Nuggets: Game 41 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (27-13) vs. Denver Nuggets (18-20)
Fri.. Jan. 16, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 9


2014-15 Matchups
Jan. 14 at Denver
Nuggets 114 Mavs 107


All-Time Series
Mavs 80 Nuggets 76

Team Stats
Mavs
Offense: 110.9 (1st)
Defense: 103.8 (18th)
Point Differential: +6.0
Nuggets
Offense: 102.8 (17th)
Defense: 104.3 (20th)
Point Differential: -1.2

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Nuggets
PG: Ty Lawson
SG: Arron Afflalo
SF: Wilson Chandler
PF: Kenneth Faried
C: Jusuf Nurkic

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 20.4
RPG: Chandler, 12.1
APG: Rondo, 8.1
PER: Chandler, 21.5
Win Shares: Chandler, 5.7
Nuggets
PPG: Lawson, 17.0
RPG: Faried, 8.9
APG: Lawson, 10.1
PER: Nurkic, 19.2
Win Shares: Lawson, 3.8

Of Note

• The Mavs should have their full complement of players after resting Dirk, Tyson Chandler and Rajon Rondo on the second night of a back-to-back in Denver.
• The Mavericks have dropped 3 out of 4 games while the Nuggets have won 5 in a row.
• The Mavs and Nuggets also played each other in back-to-back games in November 2013, with the Nuggets taking both games.
• The Mavericks have lost 4 out of 5 and 6 out of 8 games to Denver.
• This is only one of four home game for the Mavs in January, with none coming back-to-back.

Nuggets 114 Mavericks 107: Game 40 Recap

The Lead
Without Dirk, Tyson and Rondo, the Mavs bench makes it interesting down the stretch but falls short in the end.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Barea, 17
Rebounds: Jefferson, 6
Assists: Barea, 6
+-: Aminu, +10
Nuggets
Points: Lawson, 29
Rebounds: Faried, 14
Assists: Lawson, 12
+-: Nurkic, +13

Game Ball
Ty Lawson
29 points, 12 assists, 5 rebounds, 10-18 FG

X-Factor
Dwight Powell
11 points, 5 rebounds, 5-8 FG

Goat Horns
Mavericks 3 point shooting
9-37

Play of the Game
After blocking the shot on one end, Dwight Powell runs the floor and blows by Kenneth Faried for an explosive jam, early in the 2nd quarter.

Stat of the Game
Of the 10 Mavs who played, 8 scored in double figures, including all 5 bench players.

Of Note

• On the second of a back-to-back and coming off an overtime game, the Mavs sat Dirk due to rest, Chandler due to a sore ankle and Rondo due to a sore achilles.
• Monta Ellis, struggled scoring only 5 points on 1-11 shooting and sat out the last quarter and a half.
• Raymond Felton started his first game of the year in Rondo's place and scored 10 points in 29 minutes.
• Once again the Mavs were beaten up on the glass, getting outrebounded 51-39.
• Starting at center, Greg Smith was a disappointment, scoring only one point in 17 minutes.

Grades
Jefferson: B+
Parsons: C
Smith: D-
Ellis: D
Felton: C+
Harris: C+
Villanueva: B+
Powell: A
Aminu: A-
Barea: B

Quote of Note
"I should have rested Ellis. I should have insisted that he didn’t play. He looked tired.”
Rick Carlisle on Monta

Tweet of the Night

Psst. Cavs! The Mavericks are without  Rondo, Dirk, and Chandler and are competitive on a back to back in Denver!
— Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) January 15, 2015

Next Up
The Mavs (27-13) will get another shot at the Nuggets (18-20) at home on Friday, this time with a full roster. 

Mavericks at Nuggets: Game 40 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (27-12) at Denver Nuggets (17-20)
Wed. Jan. 14, 8:00 at the Pepsi Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Pick 'em

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
Mar. 21 at Dallas
Mavs 122 Nuggets 106

All-Time Series
Mavs 80 Nuggets 75

Team Stats
Mavs
Offense: 111.2 (1st)
Defense: 103.6 (18th)
Point Differential: +6.3
Nuggets
Offense: 102.5 (18th)
Defense: 104.4 (21st)
Point Differential: -1.4

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Nuggets
PG: Ty Lawson
SG: Arron Afflalo
SF: Wilson Chandler
PF: Kenneth Faried
C: Jusuf Nurkic

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 20.7
RPG: Chandler, 12.1
APG: Rondo, 8.1
PER: Chandler, 21.5
Win Shares: Chandler, 5.7
Nuggets
PPG: Lawson, 16.7
RPG: Faried, 8.7
APG: Lawson, 10.0
PER: Nurkic, 19.6
Win Shares: Lawson, 3.6


Of Note

• The Nuggets are the last team in the West the Mavs have yet to face the season. The only other team they haven't played yet is Orlando.
• Monta Ellis last night was the first Mav with at least 28 points and 10 assists in a road game since Steve Nash in Jan. 2002.
• The Mavericks are 6-2 on the second night of a back-to-back this season, good for the second best record in the league.
• Denver has won 4 games in a row and been off since last Friday.
• The Mavericks, Rockets and Grizzlies are all within a half game of each other for first place in the Southwest Division.
  

Mavericks 108 Kings 104 (OT): Game 39 Recap

The Lead
It was anything but pretty, but the Mavs were able to overcome a 10 point deficit with 4 minutes in regulation to win in OT and stop a two game losing streak.

Box Score 

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Ellis, 28
Rebounds: Chandler, 17
Assists: Ellis, 10
+-: Nowitzki, +19
Kings
Points: Cousins, 32
Rebounds: Cousins, 16
Assists: Cousins, 9
+-: McCallum, +8

Game Ball
Monta Ellis
28 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds, 4 steals

X-Factor
Tyson Chandler
16 points, 17 rebounds, 6-8 FG, 4-6 FT

Goat Horns
Darren Collison
6-20 FG, 0-6 3PT, 3 assists, 3 turnovers

Play of the Game
With the Mavs down one and the shot clock running down with 1:14 left in OT, Rajon Rondo nails a three to put the Mavs ahead for good.

Stat of the Game
The Mavs were able to overcome a 59-44 rebounding deficit by turning the ball over only 10 times, compared to 20 turnovers by the Kings, including 9 by DeMarcus Cousins.

Of Note

• After falling behind 95-85 with 4 minutes left in regulation, the Mavs outscored the Kings 23-9 for the remainder of the game, as the Kings would only make one more field goal.
• Rondo broke out of a shooting slump by going 10-16 from the field, including the big three in overtime.
• The Mavericks are 4-0 in overtime games this year beating the Kings, Bulls, Knicks and Nets.
• Cousins had an amazing game with 32 points, 16 rebounds and 9 assists but fouled out on an offensive foul on Tyson Chandler with 21.7 left in the 4th quarter.
• The Mavericks bench really struggled going 5-24 from the field, with Devin Harris making three of those shots.
• The Kings were only 1-18 on threes.

Grades
Nowitzki: C+
Parsons: C+
Chandler: A
Ellis: A
Rondo: A
Harris: C
Jefferson: D
Smith: B-
Villanueva: D
Barea: D
Aminu: C-

Quote of Note
"We hate losing, and you've got to hate losing more than you love winning."
Chandler Parsons

Tweet of the Night

That's the "Playoff Rondo" everyone told us was so awesome. Cool.
— Kevin Turner (@ktfuntweets) January 14, 2015

Next Up
The Mavs (27-12) have a tough turnaround on the second night of a back-to-back in Denver, against the Nuggets (17-20) at 8:00.

Mavericks at Kings: Game 39 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (26-12) at Sacramento Kings (16-21)
Tues. Jan. 13, 9:00 at Sleep Train Arena
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 4.5

2014-15 Matchups
Nov. 11 at Dallas
Mavs 106 Kings 98 

All-Time Series
Mavs 87 Kings 62

Team Stats
Mavs
Offense: 111.6 (1st)
Defense: 103.9 (19th)
Point Differential: +6.3
Kings
Offense: 103.8 (14th)
Defense: 105.5 (23rd)
Point Differential: -1.5

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
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: Ellis, 20.6
RPG: Chandler, 12.0
APG: Rondo, 8.2
PER: Chandler, 21.6
Win Shares: Chandler, 5.5
Kings
PPG: Cousins, 23.9
RPG: Cousins, 12.3
APG: Collison, 6.0
PER: Cousins, 26.7
Win Shares: Collison, 3.6

Of Note

• The Mavericks are looking to avoid their first three games losing streak of the season.
• Dallas has won 19 out of their last 21 games against Sacramento.
• After a hot stretch shooting the ball, Rajon Rondo has really struggled in the last three games, shooting a combined 5-31 from the field including games of 1-13 and 1-11.
• Since a 9-5 start to the season, the Kings are only 7-16 and head coach Michael Malone has been replaced by Tyron Corbin.
• While the Mavs are currently 1-8 against teams in the top 8 in the West, they are 9-0 against the rest of the conference.

Former Mav Tarpley Dies at 50

In some very sad new, former Maverick big man Roy Tarpley has died at age 50 according to the Dallas Morning News. Tarpley was a very talented player who won the NBA Sixth Man of they Year Award in 1987-88 but his career was unfortunately derailed by drug and alcohol problems.
Tarpley, the 7th overall pick in the 1986 draft played all 280 of his career games for the Mavs, before he was suspended for the league for good in 1995.

Mavericks at Clippers: Game 38 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (26-11) at Los Angeles Clippers (24-12)
Sat. Jan. 10, 2:30 at Staples Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Clippers by 3

2013-14 Matchups
Jan. 3 at Dallas
Clippers 119 Mavs 112
Jan. 15 at LA
Clippers 129 Mavs 127
Mar. 27 at Dallas
Clippers 109 Mavs 103
Apr. 3 at LA
Mavs 113 Clippers 107

All-Time Series
Mavs 86 Clippers 52

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 111.8 (1st)
Def. Rating: 103.4 (16th)
Point Differential: +7.1
Clippers
Offense: 110.1 (3rd)
Defense: 103.2 (15th)
Point Differential: +6.6


Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Clippers
PG: Chris Paul
SG: J.J. Redick
SF: Matt Barnes
PF: Blake Griffin
C: DeAndre Jordan

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 20.5
RPG: Chandler, 12.1
APG: Rondo, 8.2
PER: Chandler, 22.0
Win Shares: Chandler, 5.5
Clippers
PPG: Griffin, 22.6
RPG: Jordan, 13.6
APG: Paul, 9.5
PER: Paul, 25.2
Win Shares: Paul, 6.7

• The Mavs had lost 6 out of 7 to the Clippers, before wining in LA last April 3.
• The Mavericks blew fourth quarter leads in their 3 losses to the Clippers last year.
• A win would be the Mavericks first against a top six team in the West. They have lost one game each to Golden St., Portland, Memphis and Houston.
• Golden St. (13-4) is the only West team with a better road record than the Mavs (13-5).
• This is the Mavericks first game of the year in the state of California.
  

Pistons 108 Mavericks 95: Game 37 Recap

The Lead
The Mavs trail from start to finish as the Pistons win their 7th in a row to snap Dallas' 6 game win streak.

Box Score 

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 19
Rebounds: Chandler, 15
Assists: Rondo, 8
+-: Powell, +3
Pistons
Points: Monroe, 27
Rebounds: Drummond, 19
Assists: Monroe, Jennings, 6
+-: Jerebko, +14

Game Ball
Greg Monroe
27 points, 18 rebounds, 6 assists, 11-16 FG

X-Factor
D.J. Augustin
26 points, 9-16 3FG, 4-5 3PT

Plays of the Game
After the Mavs got within 4 points with 8 minutes left, D.J. Augustin hit back-to-back threes to push the Detroit lead to 10.

Stat of the Game
The Pistons outrebound the Mavs 60-43 led by 19 rebounds from Andre Drummond and 18 from Greg Monroe.

Of Note

• The loss was the Mavs 4th all year to the East, all at home.
• Dallas was only 6-22 on threes while the Pistons were 10-21.
• Augustin scored 17 of his 26 points in the 4th quarter.
• Rajon Rondo was responsible for 7 of the Mavs 14 turnovers.
• Detroit's 7 game winning streak is their longest in 6 years.

Grades
Nowitzki: C+
Parsons: C
Chandler: B
Ellis: C-
Rondo: D+
Harris: B+
Villanueva: C
Smith: C-
Jefferson: C
Barea: C-

Quote of Note
"We didn't have enough of a hit-first disposition tonight."
Rick Carlisle

Tweet of the Night

Raise the banner, Pistons (via @netw3rk) pic.twitter.com/mkVRQQp1qX
— Mavs Moneyball (@mavsmoneyball) January 8, 2015

Next Up
The Mavericks (26-11), go back on the road for Saturday matinee against the Clippers.

Mavericks vs. Pistons: Game 37 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (26-10) vs. Detroit Pistons (11-23)
Wed. Jan. 7, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FFSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 9.5

2014-15 Matchups

Dec. 17 at Detroit
Mavs 117 Pistons 106 

All-Time Series
Pistons 36 Mavs 31

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 112.2 (1st)
Def. Rating: 103.3 (14th)
Point Differential: +7.6
Pistons
Offense: 100.0 (24th)
Defense: 103.6 (17th)
Point Differential: -2.8

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Pistons
PG: Brandon Jennings
SG: Kentavios Caldwell-Pope
SF: Kyle Singler
PF: Greg Monroe
C: Andre Drummond

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 20.6
RPG: Chandler, 12.0
APG: Rondo, 8.2
PER: Villanueva, 23.1
Win Shares: Chandler, 5.3
Pistons
PPG: Monroe, 14.4
RPG: Drummond, 13.1
APG: Jennings, 6.3
PER: Drummond, 20.2
Win Shares: Drummond, 2.8


Of Note

• Both teams enter the game on 6 game winning streaks. The Pistons extended their streak with a last second win in San Antonio and Tuesday.
• Both teams have also made a big move since they last played; the Mavs traded for Rajon Rondo and Detroit released Josh Smith.
• The Mavericks have won 6 in a row and 11 out of 12 against the Pistons, including 6 in a row at home.
• All three of the Mavs losses to the East have come at home.
• The Mavs 96 points against the Nets was the fewest in a win they have scored all year.