Mavericks 111 Suns 95: Game 1 Recap

The Lead
New look Mavericks start the season in extremely impressive fashion with blowout victory over the Suns.

Box score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Felton, 18
Rebounds: Pachulia, 10
Assists: Williams, 7
+-: Pachulia, +26
Suns
Points: Knight, 15
Rebounds: Len, 8
Assists: Bledsoe, 4
+-: Weems, +8

Game Ball
Raymond Felton
18 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 7-14 FG

X-Factor
Zaza Pachulia
10 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists

Stat of the Game
8 Mavs scored in double figures while Wesley Matthews chipped in with 9 points.

Of Note

• The Mavs pulled away early in the third quarter, starting the period with a 25-8 run that turned a 9 point halftime lead into a 26 point runaway.
• Felton's 18 points were more points than he scored in any game last year.
• Rick Carlisle tied Don Nelson as the winningest coach in Mavericks history with 339 wins.
• Deron Williams left the game in third quarter after banging knees with Eric Bledsoe. He briefly returned to the game and the injury is not believed to be serious. 
• Tyson Chandler has a quiet night against his former team with 3 points and 6 rebounds in only 17 minutes.

Quote of Note
"I don't think I've played with a smarter center than he is. Just making smart plays, setting good picks, getting guys open. He's a good passer for his size and just makes really, really smart plays."
Dirk on Zaza Pachulia

Next Up
The Mavs (1-0) face a tough challenge Thursday on the second night of a back-to-back in Los Angeles against the Clippers (1-0) and some guy named DeAndre Jordan.