Mavericks 103 Bucks 93: Game 31 Recap

The Lead
The Mavs never trail despite a Bucks fourth quarter rally, as the Mavs ability to take care of the ball proves decisive.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Matthews, 22
Rebounds: Pachulia, 8
Assists: Barea, 5
+-: Matthews, +23
Bucks
Points: Bayless, 19
Rebounds: Monroe, 11
Assists: Bayless, 7
+-: O' Bryant, +12

Game Ball
Wesley Matthews
22 points, 6-10 FG, 5-7 3PT, 5-6 FT

X-Factor
Zaza Pachulia
17 points, 8 rebounds, 6-12 FG

Plays of the Game
After Milwaukee tied the game at 89 with 4:49 left, Wesley Matthews hit  threes on back-to-back possesions to give the Mavs a lead they would not relinquish.

Stat of the Game
The Mavs tied a franchise record with only 4 turnovers including 0 in the first half. They also outscored the Bucks 26-0 on points off turnovers.

Of Note

• Deron Williams missed his third straight game with a strained hamstring.
• Chandler Parsons returned to the starting lineup with Raymond Felton going to back to a reserve role.
• The Mavs were able to overcome a 3-15 shooting night from Dirk, which included him going only 1-7 on threes.
• Zaza Pachulia's 17 points and 8 rebounds were especially sweet coming against the team that traded him this summer to the Mavs after two years in Milwaukee.
• The Mavericks have won 6 straight against the Bucks.
• In his last two games Felton has scored 27 points on only 11 shot attempts. He is 7-11 from the field and 11-12 from the line.

Quote of Note
"It doesn't matter how thankful you are that they traded you to Dallas, to a good team and a better situation. This is a special game going against your old team. ... It's a personal challenge."
Zaza

Tweet of the Night

GOOD WIN #MFFL #MAVS pic.twitter.com/QSzZ4fY884

— PÎÊRRĘ (@JaValeMcGee34) December 29, 2015

Next Up
The Mavericks (18-13) get their biggest test of the season when they host Stephen Curry and the defending champion Golden State Warriors (29-1) on Wednesday.