Exit Interviews Quotes

Some select quotes from Mavs exit interviews earlier today.

Devin Harris
"However RC wants to use me, that’s how he’ll use me. If it’s starting, if it’s coming off the bench, he’ll figure that out but I think that he likes me coming off the bench, but starting is something I’ve done my whole career so I definitely can go back to it."

J.J. Barea
"I think we’re a great organization. We’re committed to winning and we try everything to win. You saw it this year, they made trades, they brought free agents here, they tried. They’re going to swing to try to win. I think it’s a good city, a good place to live."

Al-Farouq Aminu
"I had a lot of growth this year. Just being around these vets I learned a lot about how to conduct myself throughout the year. And I really appreciate everything from the coaching staff and the vets. I learned a lot."

Amar'e Stoudemire
"I'm already paid in full. Money is great to have, but it's now what I'm searching for at this point."

Charlie Villanueva
"It was great. Even though we fell short, I look at this season as a success for me. It was the first time winning 50 games, first time going to the playoffs. It was definitely a successful one for me, personally. I've still got this taste in my mouth. A bad taste. I want to bounce back from that and experience more."

Chandler Parsons
 "I have a lot of good relationships with a lot of guys. Obviously now with the season just ended yesterday I haven’t talked with them about who or what or whatever but we’ll take a look here soon. I’ll be in Dallas pretty much all summer so I’m sure we’ll have those conversations when the time comes."

Tyson Chandler
"This has been amazing here. Not only for myself but for my family, welcoming me back with open arms. Everybody in the city is so respectful and kind if you’re walking down the street, restaurants and different things. Makes it an easy city to live in. I’ve said on the website here that it truly meant a lot to me and I appreciate the fans here. I think they’re the best. It truly makes a difference. It makes coming and doing your job easy."

Dirk Nowitzki
"Yeah, I mean, whatever it takes. My last two years I want to enjoy. I want to be a good team. I want to be on a winning team. Playoffs. Hopefully deep runs. So, yeah, anything I've got to do to help is obviously no question."

Rick Carlisle
"Our desire is not to have a locker room of free agents every year. That said, the guys that we've had have been terrific."

Donnie Nelson (on the Rondo deal)
"If we had to do it all over again, we definitely would."

Rockets 103 Mavericks 94: WCQF Game 5 Recap

The Lead
The Mavericks season ends despite a valiant effort undone by poor shooting.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Ellis, 25
Rebounds: Nowitzki, 14
Assists: Barea, 9
+-: Harris, +5
Rockets
Points: Harden, 28
Rebounds: Howard, 19
Assists: Harden, 8
+-: Harden, +16

Game Ball
Al-Farouq Aminu
14 points, 9 rebounds, 5 steals, 7-8 FT

X-Factor
Devin Harris
8 points, 4 rebounds, 4-4 FT

Play of the Game
After a Mavericks turnover with 1:09 left, James Harden dishes to Terrence Jones for a dunk on the break to put the Rockets up 8. No foul was called despite Harden running over Monta Ellis right after passing the ball.

Stat of the Game
The Mavs shot only 38% from the field including an abysmal 5-26 on threes.

Of Note

• The Mavericks have now lost three straight times in the first round since winning the 2011 championship.
• Dirk's 14 rebounds enabled to finish the series with averages above 20 points and 10 rebounds (21.2 and 10.2). His career playoff averages now sit at 25.4 points and 10.2 rebounds.
• Dirk was 7-13 shooting in the second half after a 1-10 first half.
• Al-Farouq Aminu was 7-11 (64%) on threes for the series after shooting only 27% from deep in the regular season.
• The Mavs are 1-8 on the road in the playoffs since Game 6 of the 2011 Finals.

Grades
Nowitzki: B
Aminu: A
Chandler: B
Ellis: B-
Barea: C
Villanueva: B+
Stoudemire: D
Harris: B

Quote of Note
 "It's disappointing. When you start training camp, your goal is to win a championship. You always want to fight and give yourself. Anytime that you're less than that, it's always disappointing and you've got to do what it takes in the offseason to continue to pursue."
Tyson Chandler

Next Up
The 2015-16 Season 

Mavericks at Rockets: WCQF Game 5 Preview

(7.) Dallas Mavericks vs. (2.) Houston Rockets
Western Conference Quarterfinals: Game 5
Rockets lead series 3-1
Tues. April 28, 7:00 at the Toyota Center
TV: Ch. 21, TNT
Line: Rockets by 7

Series Results
Game 1: April 18 at Houston
Rockets 118 Mavs 108
Game 2: April 21 at Houston
Rockets 111 Mavs 99
Game 3: April 24 at Dallas
Rockets 130 Mavs 128
Game 4: April 26 at Dallas
Mavs 121 Rockets 109

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: J.J. Barea
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Al-Farouq Aminu
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Rockets
PG: Jason Terry
SG: James Harden
SF: Trevor Ariza
PF: Terrence Jones
C: Dwight Howard


Series Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 113.5 (4th)
Def. Rating: 116.4 (16th)
Pace: 100.5 (1st)
Point Differential: -3.0
Rockets
Offense: 116.4 (1st)
Defense: 113.5 (13th)
Pace: 100.5 (1st)
Point Differential: +3.0

Series Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 26.3
RPG: Chandler, 12.0
APG: Barea, 7.0
SPG: Ellis, 1.5
BPG: Aminu, 2.0
PER: Villanueva, 25.4
Rockets
PPG: Harden, 28.5
RPG: Howard, 12.5
APG: Harden, 7.8
SPG: Harden, Ariza, 1.3
BPG: Howard, 2.8
PER: Harden, 28.1

Of Note

• The Mavericks are 0-9 all-time in best of seven series in which they were down 3-1.
• Monta Ellis had the two highest scoring playoff games of his career in games 3 and 4 with 34 and 31 points.
• The Mavs are 0-4 in games at Houston this season.
• Al Farouq's 16 points in game 4 was his second highest total of the season behind the 17 points he scored against the Rockets on Feb. 20.
• According to a report from ESPN Dallas' Tim MacMahon, Chandler Parsons might require microfracture surgery on his injured right knee.

Mavericks 121 Rockets 109: WCQF Game 4 Recap

The Lead
Mavs avoid elimination behind another big offensive performance led by new starters Barea and Aminu.

Box Score 

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Ellis, 31
Rebounds: Chandler, 14
Assists: Barea, 13
+-: Chandler, Ellis, +26
Rockets
Points: Harden, 24
Rebounds: Howard, 7
Assists: Harden, Prigioni, 5
+-: Smith, +13

Game Balls
J.J. Barea
17 points, 13 assists, 7-15 FG
Al-Farouq Aminu
16 points, 12 rebounds, 3-5 3PT

X-Factor
Monta Ellis
31 points, 6 rebounds, 13-21 FG

Play of the Game
Off an Amar'e Stoudemire blocked shot, Dirk rebounds and throws a long outlet pass to Monta, who spins pass Trevor Ariza and lays it up and in to give the Mavs their biggest lead of the game of 24 in the third quarter.

Stat of the Game
The Mavs outrebound Houston 52-38 led by 14 from Chandler and 12 from Aminu. Dwight Howard who had 26 boards in game 3 was held to only 7.

Of Note

• In four career games with the Mavericks facing a series sweep, Dirk has averaged 30.5 points and 8.8 rebounds. The Mavs are 3-1 in those games.
• Barea's 13 assists are tied for his most in a Mavericks uniform. He also had 13 assists on Dec. 12, 2010 against the Nets. 
• The Rockets only allowed a team to shoot over 50% from the field 9 times all year. The Mavs have now done it in back-to-games.
• The game really could have been a blowout if the Mavericks had made their free throws at their normal rate. They started out 1-10 from the line and finished 9-21 for the game.
• All five Mavericks starters which included new starters Barea and Aminu were at least a +20.

Grades
Nowitzki: A-
Aminu: A+
Chandler: A
Ellis: A
Barea: A+
Stoudemire: B+
Villanueva: A-
Harris: B
Jefferson: B-

Quote of Note
"The Devin foul was making a hard stand. We weren't going to give up another dunk. That was a big play for us."
Dirk on Devin Harris' open court tackle flagrant foul on Dwight Howard

Next Up
The Mavericks once again look to keep their season alive in Game 5 at Houston, Tuesday at 7:00. 

Mavericks vs. Rockets: WCQF Game 4 Preview

(7.) Dallas Mavericks vs. (2.) Houston Rockets
Western Conference Quarterfinals: Game 4
Rockets lead series 3-0
Sun. April 26, 8:00 at the AAC
TV: Ch. 21, TNT
Line: Rockets by 2.5

Series Results
Game 1: April 18 at Houston
Rockets 118 Mavs 108
Game 2: April 21 at Houston
Rockets 111 Mavs 99
Game 3: April 24 at Dallas
Rockets 130 Mavs 128

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: J.J. Barea
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Al-Farouq Aminu
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Rockets
PG: Jason Terry
SG: James Harden
SF: Trevor Ariza
PF: Terrence Jones
C: Dwight Howard

Series Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 111.5 (4th)
Def. Rating: 119.5 (16th)
Pace: 100.1 (1st)
Point Differential: -8.0
Rockets
Offense: 119.5 (1st)
Defense: 111.5 (13th)
Pace: 100.1 (1st)
Point Differential: +8.0

Series Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 24.7
RPG: Chandler, 11.3
APG: Ellis, 5.3
SPG: Aminu, Ellis, 1.7
BPG: Aminu, 2.3
PER: Villanueva, 23.7
Rockets
PPG: Harden, 30.0
RPG: Howard, 14.3
APG: Harden, 8.7
SPG: Five with 1.0
BPG: Howard, 3.0
PER: Howard, 29.2

Of Note

• Raymond Felton (hamstring) is expected to play. Richard Jefferson (calf) is questionable.
• The Mavs are 2-1 all-time in game fours when they trail a series 3-0. They beat San Antonio in 2001 and Denver in 2009 and lost to OKC in 2012. They ended up losing the first two series in five games.
• The Mavericks 128 points in game 3 were the most by a team in a playoff loss since the Warriors fell to the Suns 140-133 in game 3 of the 1993 first round.
• Dirk's 34 points in game 3 were the most he has scored in a playoff game since he also scored 34 in Game 4 vs. the Thunder in 2012.
• Rick Carlisle was fined $25,000 for comments about the officiating in his postgame press conference.

Mavericks vs. Rockets: WCQF Game 3 Preview

Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets
Western Conference Quarterfinals: Game 3
Rockets lead series 2-0
Fri.. April 24, 6:00 at the AAC
TV: Ch. 21, ESPN
Line: Mavs by 1

Series Results
Game 1: April 18 at Houston
Rockets 118 Mavs 108
Game 2: April 21 at Houston
Rockets 111 Mavs 99

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: J.J. Barea
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Richard Jefferson
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Rockets
PG: Jason Terry
SG: James Harden
SF: Trevor Ariza
PF: Terrence Jones
C: Dwight Howard

Series Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 102.2 (9th)
Def. Rating: 113.0 (15th)
Pace: 101.3 (1st)
Point Differential: -11.0
Rockets
Offense: 113.0 (2nd)
Defense: 102.2 (8th)
Pace: 101.3 (1st)
Point Differential: +11.0

Series Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 20.0
RPG: Chandler, 13.0
APG: Ellis, 3.5
SPG: Aminu, Chandler, 1.5
BPG: Aminu, 2.5
PER: Aminu, 23.1
Rockets
PPG: Harden, 24.0
RPG: Howard, 8.5
APG: Harden, 8.5
SPG: Ariza, Terry, 1.5
BPG: Howard, 53.5
PER: Howard, 32.0

Of Note

• The Mavericks will be without Chandler Parsons for the remainder of the playoffs with his knee injury that will likely require surgery. Rajon Rondo is done as well with a "back injury".
• Devin Harris is listed as probable after missing game 2 with a toe injury.
• The Mavs have come back from a 2-0 series deficit twice in franchise history. They won three straight to take a best-of-5 series with Utah in 2001, and they beat the Rockets in 7 in 2005 after losing the first two games at home.
• James Harden has been held to 24 points in both games, shooting 9-28 combined in the two games. He is 28-30 from the line though.
• J.J. Barea has averaged 14.3 points in his last 4 playoff games dating back to the 2011 Finals. He has scored at least 12 points in all 4 games.

Injury News

The Mavericks have declared Chandler Parsons out for the remainder of the playoffs with his right knee injury. He is currently exploring options for surgery on the knee.
Rajon Rondo is being ruled out indefinitely with a "back injury". I'd say chances are pretty good we've seen the last of him in a Mavericks uniform.
In some rare good news, Devin Harris is being listed as probable for Game 3 Friday after missing Game 2 with a left toe injury.

Mavericks at Rockets: WCQF Game 2 Preview

Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets
Western Conference Quarterfinals: Game 2
Rockets lead series 1-0
Tues. April 21, 8:30 at the Toyota Center
TV: Ch. 21, TNT
Line: Rockets by 5.5

Series Results
Game 1: April 18 at Houston
Rockets 118 Mavericks 108

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Rockets
PG: Jason Terry
SG: James Harden
SF: Trevor Ariza
PF: Terrence Jones
C: Dwight Howard

Series Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 101.4 (10th)
Def. Rating: 110.8 (15th)
Pace: 106.5 (1st)
Point Differential: -10.0
Rockets
Offense: 110.8 (2nd)
Defense: 101.4 (7th)
Pace: 106.5 (1st)
Point Differential: +10.0

Series Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 24.0
RPG: Chandler, 18.0
APG: Rondo, 5.0
SPG: Ellis, Chandler, 2.0
BPG: Aminu, 2.0
PER: Chandler, 24.5
Rockets
PPG: Harden, 24.0
RPG: Ariza, 11.0
APG: Harden, 11.0
SPG: Ariza, 3.0
BPG: Howard, 5.0
PER: Howard, 25.5


Of Note

• Chandler Parsons (knee) and Devin Harris (toe) did not practice on Tuesday and both are listed as questionable.
• The Mavericks are 7-13 all-time in series when they lose game one.
• Dirk's 10-14 (71%)field goal shooting  in game one was the forth highest percentage in a game in his playoff career. He was 12-14 (86%) in game one vs. the Spurs in 2010, 12-15 (80%) in game one vs. OKC in 2011 and 15-20 (75%) in game three vs. Portland in 2003.
• James Harden's 24 points in game one marked the fourth straight game the Mavs have held him to 26 points or less. He has shot 50% or less in all five game against Dallas this season.
• Since Game 6 of the 2011 Finals the Mavericks are 1-6 on the road in the playoffs. Their only win came in game two last year in San Antonio.
  

Rockets 118 Mavericks 108: WCQF Game 1 Recap

The Lead
The Mavs fight back after digging an early hole, but the Rockets' balanced offensive attack proves to be too much.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 24
Rebounds: Chandler, 18
Assists: Rondo, 5
+-: Barea, +12
Rockets
Points: Harden, 24
Rebounds: Ariza, 11
Assists: Harden, 11
+-: Harden, Terry, +15

Game Ball
Dirk Nowitzki
24 points, 8 rebounds, 10-14 FG

X-Factor
J.J. Barea
12 points, 4 assists, 6-9 FG

Goat Horns
Monta Ellis
5-16 FG, 0 rebounds, 3 TO

Play of the Game
With the shot clock running down, Corey Brewer hits a corner three of a pass from Terrence Jones to put the Rockets up 10 with 7:58 to go.

Stat of the Game
The Mavericks uncharacteristically turned the ball over 17 times helping lead Houston to 29 fast break points.

Of Note

• After missing the last 6 regular season games with knee soreness, Chandler Parsons played 37 minutes, scoring 10 points on 5-15 shooting including 2 dunks.
• Devin Harris sat out the second half after aggravating his injured toe.
• Former Mavs Jason Terry and Corey Brewer combined for 31 points, hitting 7-11 three point attempts.
• Rajon Rondo scored 11 of his 15 points during the second quarter, helping leading the Mavs back from down 13 to briefly take the lead.
• The Rockets had a huge free throw attempt advantedge 45-17, although a number of those attempts came late when the Mavs were intentionally fouling.
• Charlie Villanueva hit two threes in the last minute of the game, in his first playoff action after 10 seasons in the league.

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

Quote of Note
"You've got to give the other guys credit.Obviously, we were paying a lot of attention to James, but they made some plays off the pick-and-rolls. It's just too easy."
Dirk on the Rockets supporting cast

Next Up
The teams will have two days off before they go back at it in Game 2, Tuesday at 8:30.

First Round Playoff Predictions

West

Mavericks 4 Rockets 3
Warriors 4 Pelicans 1
Spurs 4 Clippers 2
Grizzlies 4 Blazers 2

East
Hawks 4 Nets 0
Cavaliers 4 Celtics 1
Bulls 4 Bucks 1
Raptors 4 Wizards 3

Mavericks vs. Rockets: Series Preview

Western Conference Quarterfinals
7. Dallas Mavericks (50-32) vs. 2. Houston Rockets (56-26)

Schedule
Game 1 at Houston: Sat. April 18, 8:30, Ch. 21, ESPN
Game 2 at Houston: Tue. April 21, 8:30, Ch. 21, TNT
Game 3 at Dallas: Fri. April 24, 6:00, Ch. 21, ESPN
Game 4 at Dallas: Sun. April 26, 8:30, Ch. 21, TNT
Game 5 at Houston, Tue. April 28, TBD, Ch. 21, TBD (if necessary)
Game 6 at Dallas, Thu. April 30, TBD, Ch. 21, TBD (if necessary)
Game 7 at Houston, Sat. May 2, TBD, Ch. 21, TNT (if necessary)

2014-15 Matchups
Nov. 22 at Houston 
Rockets 95 Mavs 92
Jan. 28 at Houston
Rockets 99 Mavs 94
Feb. 20 at Dallas
Mavs 111 Rockets 100
April 2 at Dallas
Rockets 108 Mavs 101
Season Series: 3-1 Rockets

All-Time Regular Season Results
Rockets 84 Mavs 79

All-Time Playoff Series Results
1988 West Quarterfinals
Mavs 3 Rockets 1
2005 West Quarterfinals
Mavs 4 Rockets 3
All-Time Playoff Results: Mavs 7 Rockets 4

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 107.2 (5th)
Def. Rating: 103.7 (18th)
Pace: 97.4 (9th)
Point Differential: +2.9
Rockets
Offense: 104.2 (12th)
Defense: 100.5 (6th)
Pace: 99.3 (2nd)
Point Differential: +3.4

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Rockets
PG: Jason Terry
SG: James Harden
SF: Trevor Ariza
PF: Terrence Jones
C: Dwight Howard

Key Reserves
Mavs
G: Devin Harris
F: Al-Farouq Aminu
C: Amare Stoudemire
Rockets
G: Pablo Prigioni
G-F: Corey Brewer
F: Josh Smith

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 18.9
RPG: Chandler, 11.5
APG: Rondo, 6.5
SPG: Ellis, 1.9
BPG: Chandler, 1.2
PER: Stoudemire, 22.3
Win Shares: Chandler, 10.3
Rockets
PPG: Harden, 27.4
RPG: Howard, 10.5
APG: Harden, 7.0
SPG: Harden, 1.9
BPG: Jones, 1.8
PER: Harden, 26.7
Win Shares: Harden, 16.4

Of Note

• The Mavs expect both Chandler Parsons (knee) and Devin Harris to be ready to play in Game 1.
• The Rockets will be without key contributors, Patrick Beverley (wrist) and Donatas Motiejunas (back), who are both out for the year.
• The last time these teams met in the playoffs, the Mavs came back after dropping the first two games at home to win the series in 7 behind a 40 point win in Game 7.
• The only three players still active from that series: Dirk, Devin Harris and Jason Terry, will all play in the series 
• Dirk (25.6 points and 10.1 rebounds) and Rockets great Hakeem Olajuwon are the only two players since the merger in 1976 to average at least 25 points and 10 rebounds for their playoff career.
• The last time a #2 seed lost to a # 7 seed was in 2010 when the second seeded Mavericks fell to the seventh seeded Spurs.
• In nine playoff games against the Mavs while he played with the Thunder in 2011 and 2012, James Harden averaged 16.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists.
• In the four regular season meeting between the teams this year, the Rockets outscored the Mavs by a total of two points. All four games came on the second night of a back-to-back for Dallas.
• Rick Carlisle and Rockets Coach Kevin McHale were teammates for three seasons with the Celtics, during which the team made three Finals and won a championship in 1986.
• In the four games against the Rockets this year, Al-Farouq Aminu averaged 9.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks in 26.0 minutes per game.

Series Prediction
This is as good a matchup as the Mavericks could have hoped for in the opening round. Though the Rockets rebounding and three point shooting can give the Mavs plenty of trouble, Houston is a team the Mavs have shown they can play with consistently. The coaching edge should be a big for the Mavs as well. The health of Parsons is a question mark, but if he is able to play at an effective level this could be a classic series. I think this is a series that could easily go either way, but I feel like the Mavericks experience and a strong series from Dirk will carry the day.
Mavs in Seven

Mavericks vs. Rockets Series Schedule

Game 1 at Houston: Sat. April 18, 8:30, Ch. 21, ESPN
Game 2 at Houston: Tue. April 21, 8:30, Ch. 21, TNT
Game 3 at Dallas: Fri. April 24, 6:00, Ch. 21, ESPN
Game 4 at Dallas: Sun. April 26, 8:30, Ch. 21, TNT
Game 5 at Houston, Tue. April 28, TBD, Ch. 21, TBD (if necessary)
Game 6 at Dallas, Thu. April 30, TBD, Ch. 21, TBD (if necessary)
Game 7 at Houston, Sat. May 2, TBD, Ch. 21, TNT (if necessary)

Mavericks 114 Blazers 98: Game 82 Recap

The Lead
Behind Chandler, Mavericks cruise to win #50 as the playoffs and Houston await.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Chandler, 22
Rebounds: Chandler, 15
Assists: Rondo, 7
+-: Jefferson, +25
Blazers
Points: Aldridge, 19
Rebounds: Leonard, 9
Assists: Frazier, 10
+-: Freeland, +7

Game Ball
Tyson Chandler
22 points, 15 rebounds, 5-7 FG, 12-15 FT

X-Factor
Raymond Felton
10 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds

Play of the Game
Raymond Felton hit a buzzer-beating long three at the end of the third quarter to put the Mavs up by 19, and snuff out any hope of a Portland comeback.

Stat of the Game
The Mavericks won their 50th game for their 12th 50+ win season since 2001 and their first since 2011.

Of Note

• Thanks to a Houston win over Utah and a San Antonio loss to New Orleans the Mavs will face the second seed Rockets in the West Quarterfinals with the series beginning Saturday.
• Despite missing his sixth straight game with knee soreness, Chandler Parsons went through a rather strenuous workout before the game and his optimistic of being available on Saturday.
• Devin Harris also missed the game with his toe injury but he also expects to play in Game One.
• Tyson Chandler recorded his 31st double-double of the season and set a season high in both free throws made (12) and attempted (15).
• The Mavericks finished with 27-14 home record, one game better than last year.

Grades
Nowitzki: B
Jefferson: B+
Chandler: A+
Ellis: B
Rondo: B+
Aminu: A-
Stoudemire: B
Barea: C
Felton: A
Villanueva: B

Quote of Note
"We've got to make sure that we ignore what's not important. What's important is our group, how tied together we are and how strong our will is."
Rick Carlisle on the Playoffs

Next Up
The Mavericks (50-32) will begin their best of seven series with the Rockets (56-26), Saturday in Houston at 8:30. 

Mavericks vs. Blazers: Game 82 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (49-32) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (51-30)
Wed. Apr. 15, 7:00 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line:


2014-15 Matchups
Nov. 6 at Portland
Blazers 108 Mavs 87
Feb. 7 at Dallas
Mavs 111 Blazers 101 (OT)
Mar.5 at Portland
Blazers 94 Mavs 75

All-Time Series
Blazers 77 Mavs 65

Team Stats
Mavs
Offense: 107.1 (5th)
Defense: 103.9 (18th)
Point Differential: +2.7
Blazers
Offense: 105.7 (8th)
Defense: 101.3 (10th)
Point Differential:  +4.5

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Richard Jefferson
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Blazers
PG: Damian Lillard
SG: Allen Crabbe
SF: Alonzo Gee
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge
C: Robin Lopez

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 19.0
RPG: Chandler, 11.5
APG: Rondo, 6.5
PER: Stoudemire, 22.3
Win Shares: Chandler, 9.9
Blazers
PPG: Aldridge, 23.5
RPG: Aldridge, 10.3
APG: Lillard, 6.2
PER: Aldridge, 22.9
Win Shares: Lillard, 10.7


Of Note

• The Mavericks will be without both Chandler Parsons (knee) and Devin Harris (toe). Both players are expected to be ready when the playoffs start either Saturday or Sunday.
• The Blazers have plenty of injury concerns of their own. LaMarcus Aldridge has missed the last two games with a foot injury but is listed as probable. Portland however will be without Nicolas Batum (knee), C.J. McCollum (ankle), and Arron Afflalo (shoulder).
• The Mavs will finally found out who they will play in the first round  before the night ends. It will be the Spurs if they win in New Orleans. If they lose it will be Rockets if they beat Utah. If both teams lose it will be the Clippers.
• Dallas, of course gets a 50 win season with a victory. They also won their 50th game on the last day of the season in 08-09, Rick Carlisle's first year as Mavs coach. 
• In six April games, Dirk is averaging 19.5 points on 52% shooting from the field.

Jazz 109 Mavericks 92: Game 81 Recap

The Lead
With most of their top players sitting, the Mavs lose their first chance to get 50 wins.

Box Score 

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Barea, 18
Rebounds: Aminu, 10
Assists: Rondo, Felton, 5
+-: Stoudemire, +1
Jazz
Points: Cotton, 21
Rebounds: Gobert, 17
Assists: Hood, Cotton, 4
+-: Johnson, +20

Game Ball
J.J. Barea
18 points, 8-15 FG, 23 minutes

X-Factor
Dwight Powell
8 points, 8 rebounds, 24 munutes

Play of the Game
Early in the second quarter, Jazz point guard Bryce Cotton goes way up to finish an alley-oop dunk with his left hand.

Stat of the Game
After playing to a 57-57 tie in the first half, the Mavs get destroyed by Utah 30-12 in the third quarter.

Of Note

• Dirk, Tyson Chandler and Monta Ellis were all sent back to Dallas before the game to rest.
• Chandler Parsons suffered a setback in his return from his knee injury. He is still hopeful he will back by the time the playoffs start this weekend.
• Devin Harris left the game in the second quarter after injuring his toe. X-Rays were negative and the injury is not considered serious. It is a different toe than the one he had surgery on last season.
• The Mavericks had their 8 game winning streak over the Jazz snapped.
• Tonight was the first game all season, Rajon Rondo made both multiple threes and free throws. He was 2-3 on threes and 3-4 from the line.
• The Mavs finished the year 23-18 on the road. They were also 23-18 last season.

Grades
Jefferson: C-
Villanueva: A-
Stoudemire: A-
Rondo: A-
Felton: B-
Aminu: B+
James: C
Barea: A-
Powell: B

Quote of Note
"Am I concerned? Yeah, I'm concerned.The next couple days we will get back home and he will continue to rehab. ... We will see where we are. We are not going to take any risks with it."
Rick Carlisle on Parsons' injury situation

Next Up
The Mavericks (49-32) close the regular season Wednesday, at home against the Northwest Division champion Portland Trail Blazers (51-30). 

My NBA Awards Selections

MVP

1. Stephen Curry
2. James Harden
3. LeBron James
4. Chris Paul
5. Anthony Davis

Rookie of the Year
1. Andrew Wiggins
2. Nikola Mirotic
3. Nerlens Noel

Coach of the Year
1. Steve Kerr
2. Mike Budenholzer
3. Jason Kidd

Defensive Player of the Year
1. Draymond Green
2. Kawhi Leonard
3. Andrew Bogut

Most Improved Player
1. Jimmy Butler
2. Rudy Gobert
3. Hassan Whiteside

Sixth Man of the Year
1. Isaiah Thomas
2. Lou Williams
3. Tristan Thompson

All-NBA
First Team
F: LeBron James
F: Anthony Davis
C: Marc Gasol
G: Stephen Curry
G: James Harden
Second Team
F: LaMarcus Aldridge
F: Blake Griffin
C: DeMarcus Cousins
G: Chris Paul
G: Russell Westbrook
Third Team
F: Tim Duncan
F: Kawhi Leonard
C: Al Horford
G: Klay Thompson
G: Kyrie Irving

All-Rookie

First Team
Andrew Wiggins
Nikola Mirotic
Nerlens Noel
Elfrid Payton
Jordan Clarkson
Second Team
Marcus Smart
Jusuf Nurkic
Zach LaVine
Bojan Bogdanovic
Tarik Black

All-Defense
First Team
F: Draymond Green
F: Kawhi Leonard
C: Andrew Bogut
G: Chris Paul
G: Tony Allen
Second Team
F: Tim Duncan
F: Anthony Davis
C: Rudy Gobert
G: Klay Thompson
G: Mike Conley

Mavericks at Jazz: Game 81 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (49-31) at Utah Jazz (37-43)
Mon. Apr. 13, 8:00 at Energy Solutions Arena
TV: Ch. 21, NBALP
Line: Jazz by 11.5

2014-15 Matchups
Oct. 30 at Dallas
Mavs 120 Jazz 102
Nov. 7 at Utah
Mavs 105 Jazz 82
Feb. 11 at Dallas
Mavs 87 Jazz 82


All-Time Series
Jazz 89 Mavs 69

Team Stats
Mavs
Offense: 107.3 (5th)
Defense: 103.7 (18th)
Point Differential: +3.0
Jazz
Offense: 102.7 (15th)
Defense: 102.0 (12th)
Point Differential: +0.3

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Raymond Felton
SF: Richard Jefferson
PF: Al-Farouq Aminu
C: Bernard James
Jazz
PG: Dante Exum
SG: Rodney Hood
SF: Gordon Hayward
PF: Derrick Favors
C: Rudy Gobert

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 19.0
RPG: Chandler, 11.5
APG: Rondo, 6.6
PER: Stoudemire, 22.3
Win Shares: Chandler, 9.9
Jazz
PPG: Hayward, 19.3
RPG: Gobert, 9.4
APG: Burke, 4.3
PER: Favors, 22.0
Win Shares:Gobert, 9.0

Of Note

• Dirk, Tyson Chandler and Monta Ellis will not play tonight to rest. Chandler Parsons is also expected to miss the game with his injured knee.
• The Mavs have won 8 straight over Utah.
• A win would give the Mavs 50 wins for the 14th time in franchise history, and the 12th time since 2001.
• The Jazz are 18-9 since the All-Star break while allowing only 87.9 points per game.
• Raymond Felton has scored 13 and 15 points in the last two games, his highest scoring games of the season, and will surely see extended playing time again tonight.

Mavericks 120 Lakers 106: Game 80 Recap

The Lead
The Mavs easily handle a depleted Lakers team to win their third in a row and get within a game of 50 wins.

Box Score 

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Chandler, 20
Rebounds: Aminu, 10
Assists: Rondo, 11
+-: Nowitzki, +18
Lakers
Points: Clarkson, 20
Rebounds: Black, 19
Assists: Kelly, Clarkson, 6
+-: Johnson, +1

Game Ball
Tyson Chandler
20 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, 9-10 FG

X-Factor
Raymond Felton
15 points, 3 assists, 7-10 FG

Play of the Game
Early in the second quarter, Dirk goes in a for a easy dunk off a Barea feed, his fifth slam of the season if you count the All-Star Game, which I do.

Stat of the Game
The Mavs have now scored at least 120 points three time in their last six games. They have reached the 120 mark 10 times all season. 

Of Note

• Chandler Parsons missed his 4th straight game with knee soreness while Devin Harris and Amar'e Stoudemire sat to rest. More players are expected to rest tomorrow in Utah including  Dirk,Tyson and Monta.
• The Mavs swept the season series over the Lakers for the second straight year. They have won 7 in a row in the series, including 3 straight in LA.
• Dallas has won three straight on the road for the first time since early January.
• Tyson Chandler has his fifth 20+ scoring game of the season, and first since Feb. 4 vs. Golden State.
• The win gives the Mavs 49 wins to equal last season's total. They just need to win one of their last two games for their first 50 win season since the 10-11 Championship campaign. 

Grades
Nowitzki: A-
Jefferson: A
Chandler: A
Ellis: C+
Rondo: A-
Aminu: A
Barea: A-
James: B+
Villanueva: A-
Felton: A

Quote of Note
“It’s time. We’ve got to use these last games as practice. Not disrespecting any teams that we’re playing, but we’ve got to use these games as a way to get better. We’ve got to work on our game and work on our principles going into the playoffs."
Raymond Felton

Next Up
The Mavericks (49-31) play their last regular season road game of the year Monday, against the much improved Utah Jazz (37-43)

Mavericks at Lakers: Game 80 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (48-31) at Los Angeles Lakers (21-58)
Sun. Apr. 12, 8:30 at the Staples Center
TV: FSSW, NBATV
Line: Mavs by

2014-15 Matchups
Nov. 21 at Dallas
Mavs 140 Lakers 106
Dec. 26 at Dallas
Mavs 102 Lakers 98
Mar. 8 at Los Angeles
Mavs 100 Lakers 93

All-Time Series
Lakers 104 Mavs 38

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 107.1 (5th)
Def. Rating: 103.8 (18th)
Point Differential: +2.8
Lakers
Offense: 101.0 (23rd)
Defense: 107.7 (29th)
Point Differential: -6.5


Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Richard Jefferson
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Lakers
PG: Jordan Clarkson
SG: Jabari Brown
SF: Wesley Johnson
PF: Ryan Kelly
C: Tarik Black

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 19.2
RPG: Chandler, 11.5
APG: Rondo, 6.5
PER: Stoudemire, 22.3
Win Shares: Chandler, 9.7
Lakers
PPG: Bryant, 22.3
RPG: Hill, 8.0
APG: Bryant, 5.6
PER: Davis, 20.1
Win Shares: Davis, 6.2

Of Note

• It is very much up in the air who exactly will play for the Mavs. Chandler Parsons status remains in doubt due to his knee and Rick Carlisle says he might rest several players either tonight or Monday night in Utah.
• The Mavericks have won 6 straight against the Lakers and can sweep the season series for the second straight year after never doing it previously in franchise history.
• The Mavs have scored over 100 points in five straight games, averaging 119.4 points per game over that span.
• If the Mavericks win their three remaining games, Rick Carlisle  would tie Don Nelson as the winningest coach in team history with 339 wins.
• The Mavericks opening round playoff opponent remains very much in the air. Currently Memphis, San Antonio and the Clippers are in a three-way tie for second in the West at 54-26, while Houston is a half-game back at 53-26. As the #7 seed in the West the Mavs are guaranteed to face the #2 seed.

Mavericks 144 Nuggets 143 (20T): Game 79 Recap

The Lead
After blowing a 23 point lead, the Mavs backups led by Raymond Felton pull it out in double overtime.

Box Score 

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 25
Rebounds: Chandler, 11
Assists: Harris, Barea, 9
+-: Nowitzki, +16
Nuggets
Points: Gallinari, 47
Rebounds: Hickson, 12
Assists: Lawson, 18
+-: Gallinari, +20

Game Ball
Raymond Felton
13 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, game-winning basket

X-Factor
Richard Jefferson
24 points, 4 rebounds, 8-15 FG, 4-8 3PT

Play of the Game
With the Mavericks down one and time running out in double OT, Raymond Felton crosses over Randy Foye and then lays it up high off the glass and in with 1.5 seconds left to give the Mavs the lead.  He would then block Kenneth Faried's shot on the other end to seal the victory.

Stat of the Game
The win gives the Mavericks a 6-0 record in overtime games this season. It is their most OT wins in a season without a loss.

Of Note

• Chandler Parsons missed his third straight game with knee soreness while Rajon Rondo rested his ailing knee.
• Danilo Gallinari scored 47 points for the Nuggets despite only having 9 points at halftime.
• Felton got his second start of the season, both of which have come in Denver where he played part of one season.
• The Nuggets 125 field goal attempts were an all-time Mavericks opponent high.
• The Mavericks outshot Denver 52% to 42% but allowed the Nuggets to stay in the game, by giving up 27 offensive rebounds.

Grades
Nowitzki: A
Jefferson: A
Chandler: B
Ellis: B-
Felton: A
Aminu: A-
Harris: A
Villanueva: B-
Stoudemire: A-
Barea: B+
James: B

Quote of Note
"It's most interesting meaningless game I've ever seen. But it wasn't really meaningless. There were a lot of good things that happened out there tonight."
Rick Carlisle

Next Up
The Mavericks (48-31) have a day off tomorrow, before taking on the Lakers (21-58) in L.A. on Sunday night.

Mavericks at Nuggets: Game 79 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (47-31) at Denver Nuggets (29-49)
Fri.. Apr. 10, 8:00 at the Pepsi Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by

2014-15 Matchups
Jan. 14 at Denver
Nuggets 114 Mavs 107
Jan. 16 at Dallas
Mavs 97 Nuggets 89

All-Time Series
Mavs 81 Nuggets 76

Team Stats
Mavs
Offense: 107.0 (5th)
Defense: 103.6 (18th)
Point Differential: +2.9
Nuggets
Offense: 101.0 (22nd)
Defense: 105.1 (24th)
Point Differential: -3.7

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Richard Jefferson
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Nuggets
PG: Ty Lawson
SG: Randy Foye
SF: Wilson Chandler
PF: Danilo Gallinari
C: Kenneth Faried

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 19.2
RPG: Chandler, 11.5
APG: Rondo, 6.5
PER: Stoudemire, 21.9
Win Shares: Chandler, 9.7
Nuggets
PPG: Lawson, 15.4
RPG: Faried, 8.8
APG: Lawson, 9.5
PER: Lawson, 18.7
Win Shares: Lawson, 7.0

Of Note

• Chandler Parsons will miss his third straight game with knee soreness. The team hopes he can return to play in the last couple regular season games.
• The teams split back-to-back meetings in January, each winning at home. In the loss in Denver Dirk, Chandler and Rondo all sat on the second night of a back-to-back.
• Dirk has scored at least 18 points in five straight games for the first time all season. 
• In his last four games, Tyson Chandler has averaged 11.0 points and 13.5 rebounds and shot 72% from the field.
• A 3-1 finish would give the Mavs their first 50 win season since 2011. They fell one game short of the mark last year. The franchise won at least 50 games in 11 straight seasons from 2001 to 2011.

Mavericks 107 Suns 104: Game 78 Recap

The Lead
In a game that was tight throughout, Dirk's clutch three helps the Mavs get win number 47.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Ellis, 20
Rebounds: Chandler, 23
Assists: Rondo, 7
+-: Nowitzki, +12
Suns
Points: Green, 30
Rebounds: Marcus Morris, 10
Assists: Markieff Morris, 7
+-: Bledsoe, +6

Game Ball
Tyson Chandler
12 points, 23 rebounds, 2 blocks, 5-9 FG

X-Factor
Rajon Rondo
12 points, 7 assists, 1 TO, 6-9 FG

Play of the Game
With the Mavericks holding a one point lead with 22.8 seconds left, Dirk nails an open three off the feed from Monta to make it a two possession game. The Mavs would later withstand three Suns potential game-tying three point attempts.


Stat of the Game
Led by Chandler's 23 rebounds, the Mavs outrebounded a thin Suns frontline 47-37, including 15 offensive rebounds, 9 of which were by Tyson.


Of Note

• The Mavericks are now locked into the 7th seed in the West playoffs. Their opponent is very much in the air as it could be Memphis, Houston, the Clippers or San Antonio.
• Chandler Parsons missed his second straight game with knee soreness.
• The win was the Mavs first over the Suns this season after three losses. The only three teams Dallas failed to beat this year were Golden State, Atlanta and somehow Indiana.
• Before Dirk's late three, the only made threes of the game by the Mavs came from Charlie Villanueva, who made three in the first half.
• The 23 rebounds were the second highest total for Tyson this year behind his 25 rebound effort against the Knicks on Nov. 26. It was also his 30th double-double of the season.

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

Quote of Note
"I think I even saw 1 or 2 post moves out him tonight, which was great. He played a great game."
Dirk on Tyson

Next Up
The Mavericks (47-31) begin their final road trip of the year on Friday, against the Denver Nuggets (29-49).

Mavericks vs. Suns: Game 78 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (46-31) vs. Phoenix Suns (39-39)
Wed. Apr. 8, 8:30 at the AAC
TV: Ch. 21, ESPN
Line: Mavs by 8.5

20-14-15 Matchups
Dec. 5 at Dallas
Suns 118 Mavs 106
Dec. 23 at Phoenix
Suns 124 Mavs 115
Mar. 22 at Phoenix
Suns 98 Mavs 92

All-Time Series
Suns 77 Mavs 66

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 106.9 (5th)
Def. Rating: 103.5 (18th)
Point Differential: +2.9
Suns
Offense: 103.5 (13th)
Defense: 103.1 (16th)
Point Differential: -0.4


Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons or Richard Jefferson
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Suns
PG: Eric Bledsoe
SG: P.J. Tucker
SF: Marcus Morris
PF: Markieff Morris
C: Brandan Wright


Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 19.1
RPG: Chandler, 11.4
APG: Rondo, 6.5
PER: Stoudemire, 21.6
Win Shares: Chandler, 9.5
Suns
PPG: Bledsoe, 17.2
RPG: Len, 6.6
APG: Bledsoe, 6.0
PER: Bledsoe, 18.7
Win Shares: Bledsoe, 6.9

Of Note

• Thanks to the Thunder's loss to the Spurs on Tuesday, the Mavericks clinched their 14th playoff appearance in 15 years. A win would lock the Mavs into the 7th seed in the West.  
• Chandler Parsons missed pratice Tuesday due to his sore knee and is questionable. Both Rajon Rondo (knee) and Richard Jefferson (toe) practiced and are expected to play.
• Both Brandon Knight (heel) and Alex Len (broken nose) are out for the Suns.
• The Suns are the only West team other than Golden State that the Mavs have yet to beat this season.
• Brandan Wright will play his first game in Dallas since being traded by the Mavs in the Rondo deal on Dec. 18. He has averaged 12.7 points and 7.0 rebounds in his last three games, all starts.

The Bonus
All-Time Mavs and Suns Team
G: Steve Nash
G: Jason Kidd 
F: Michael Finley
F: Shawn Marion
C: Amare Stoudemire
Coach: John MacLeod

Mavericks vs. Warriors: Game 77 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (46-30) at Golden State Warriors (62-13)
Sat. Apr. 4, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Warriors by 4.5

2014-15 Matchups
Dec. 13 at Dallas
Warriors 105 Mavs 98
Feb. 4 at Oakland
Warriors 128 Mavs 114
Mar. 6 at Oakland
Warriors 104 Mavs 89

All-Time Series
Mavericks 78 Warriors 65

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 107.0 (5th)
Def. Rating: 103.3 (17th)
Point Differential: +3.1
Warriors
Offense: 109.6 (2nd)
Defense: 97.6 (1st)
Point Differential: +10.7


Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons or Richard Jefferson
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler
Warriors
PG: Stephen Curry
SG: Klay Thompson
SF: Harrison Barnes
PF: Draymond Green
C: Andrew Bogut


Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Ellis, 19.2
RPG: Chandler, 11.3
APG: Rondo, 6.5
PER: Stoudemire, 21.7
Win Shares: Chandler, 9.3
Warriors
PPG: Curry, 23.8
RPG: Bogut, 8.2
APG: Curry, 7.8
PER: Curry, 27.8
Win Shares: Curry, 14.4


Of Note

• Chandler Parsons is questionable after leaving Thursday's game in the third quarter with knee soreness.
• Draymond Green is expected to play for the Warriors after missing the last three games with a shin injury.
• The Mavericks look pretty locked into the 7th seed in the West with a four game lead on 8th place Oklahoma City and a four games deficit behind 6th place San Antonio.
• The Mavs have lost six in a row to the Warriors including three games this season by an average of 12 points.
• To no one's surprise MVP frontrunner Stephen Curry has absolutely torched Dallas this year, averaging 34 points on 52.5% shooting from the field and 51.4 % shooting on threes in the three games. He scored 51 points in the Warriors 128-114 victory over the Mavs on Feb. 4.
  

Mavericks 135 Thunder 131: Game 75 Recap

The Lead
The Mavs get an important win in an incredible offensive shootout as Parsons takes over late.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Ellis, 26
Rebounds: Chandler, 10
Assists: Rondo, 10
+-: Harris, +15
Thunder
Points: Morrow, 32
Rebounds: Kanter, 16
Assists: Westbrook, 11
+-: McGary, Novak, +5

Game Ball
Chandler Parsons
22 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 10-15 FG

X-Factor
Amare Stoudemire
18 points, 4 rebounds, 8-9 FG, 20 minutes

Goat Horns
D.J. Augustin
3 points, 1 assists, 1-4 FG, 20 minutes

Play of the Game
Clinging to one point lead with 13 seconds left, Chandler Parsons hit a turnaround jumper to put the Mavs up three.

Stat of the Game
The Mavs scored 135 points despite making only 4 threes thanks to 72 points in the paint and 62% shooting.

Of Note

• The win gave the Mavs a 4 game lead over OKC for 7th in the West and the tiebreaker by wining the season series 3-1.
• Parsons scored 13 of his points in the last 5:08 of the game on 6-6 shooting.
• The Thunder had three different 30 point scorers (Morrow, Westbrook, Kanter). They are the first team to do that and lose since 1997. 
• Despite getting a triple-double, the Mavs led by Rajon Rondo held Russell Westbrook to 10-32 shooting.
• The game was the highest scoring game of the season in the NBA.

Grades
Nowitzki: A-
Parsons: A+
Chandler: A-
Ellis: A
Rondo: A
Stoudemire: A+
Harris: A-
Barea: A-
Aminu: A

Quote of Note
"It was a great basketball game. Every once in a while, you stand over there and you say, 'This is an unbelievable game to be a part of,' and it was. The extreme momentum swings back and forth - the shot making was breathtaking."
Rick Carlisle

They Tweeted It

The complete list of players who score more PPP as P&R ball-handlers than Parsons (0.962) (min 100 poss): L Williams, C Paul, S Curry
— Bobby Karalla (@bobbykaralla) April 2, 2015

Next Up
The Mavericks (46-29) face another MVP candidate, when James Harden and the Houston Rockets (51-24), come to the AAC, tonight at 7:30.