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.