Mavericks 91 Suns 78: Game 50 Recap

The Lead
A dominant fourth quarer gives the Mavs sans Dirk a win over the lowly Suns.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Williams, 27
Rebounds: Pachulia, 15
Assists: Felton, 6
+-: Williams, +21
Suns
Points: Booker, 19
Rebounds: Chandler, 13
Assists: Booker, Morris, 4
+-: McRae, +8

Game Ball
Deron Williams
27 points, 4 assists, 10-19 FG

X-Factor
Dwight Powell
6 straight points in the 4th quarter, 4 rebounds

Play of the Game
JaVale McGee unexpectedly hit a long turnaround jumper with the shot clock running down to give the Mavs a 74-73 lead with 6:58 left in the game.

Stat of the Game
The Mavs held the Suns to only 9 points in the fourth quarter as Phoenix went nearly 10 minutes without a field goal. Markieff Morris amazingly was the only Sun to score in the quarter.

Of Note

• Dirk sat out to rest on what was the first night of a back-to-back. He will play in Atlanta on Monday night.
• Devin Harris missed his 4th straight game with his toe injury. He is doubtful for tomorrow night as well.
• D-Will's 27 points was his second highest point total of the season behind the 30 he scored in Portland on Dec. 1.
• Dwight Powell scored 6 straight points in just over a minute to turn a one point deficit into a 5 point lead with 4:53 to go in the game.
• At one point in the 3rd quarter the Mavs missed 10 straight three point attempts.
• The Mavericks swept the season series against the Suns 3-0. This is the second Pacific Division team the Mavs swept the season series with as they also swept the Lakers 3-0. 
• Dallas held a second straight opponent under 80 points as they gave up 78 to the Nets on Friday.
• The Mavs finished their most challenging month of the season both in games played and opponents strengh with a 9-9 record.

Quote of Note
"I'm pissed off, but I'm not worried about it. If my coach isn't worried, I'm damn sure not."
Wesley Matthews on his recent shooting slump.

Tweet of the Night

Whole team calls me Ellen DeGeneres with my new hairdo!!!! @TheEllenShow pic.twitter.com/NabypGbSAr

— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) February 1, 2016

Next Up
The Mavericks (28-22) travel on a second night of a back-to-back for their only trip of the season to Atlanta to face the Hawks (27-22).

Mavericks vs. Suns: Game 50 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (27-22) vs. Phoenix Suns (14-34)
Sun. Jan. 31, 6:00 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 11

2015-16 Matchups
Oct. 28 at Phoenix
Mavs 111 Suns 95
Dec. 14 at Dallas
Mavs 104 Suns 94

All-Time Series
Suns 77 Mavs 69

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 103.1 (11th)
Def. Rating: 102.8 (16th)
Point Differential: -0.4
Suns
Offense: 99.9 (27th)
Defense: 106.7 (29th)
Point Differential: -5.8


Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia
Suns
PG: Archie Goodwin
SG: Devin Booker
SF: P.J. Tucker
PF: Alex Len
C: Tyson Chandler

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 17.5
RPG: Pachulia, 10.8
APG: Williams, 5.5
PER: Nowitzki, 19.5
Suns
PPG: Bledsoe, 20.4
RPG: Chandler, 8.3
APG: Bledsoe, 6.1
PER: Bledsoe, 20.6

Of Note

• Devin Harris is the only Mav listed on the injury report as he remains questionable with a strained toe. 
• Meanwhile the Suns have been ravaged with injuries with leading scorer Eric Bledsoe out for the season following knee surgery. His backcourt mate Brandon Knight is also out of the lineup with a groin injury.
• In the last 3 games, J.J. Barea has scored at least 13 points, averaging 15.0 points per game. He also has 12 assists and shot 20-38 from the field in those 3 contests.
• Tyson Chandler has seen his numbers fall dramatically this season after leaving the Mavs to sign with the Suns as a free agent. He is currently averaging 5.5 points and 8.3 rebounds on 48% shooting, down from 10.3 points and 11.5 rebounds on 67% shooting with Dallas a year ago.
• The Mavs can finish January, their toughest month of the season, with a .500 record of 9-9 with a win.  

Mavericks 91 Nets 79: Game 49 Recap

The Lead
Buoyed by the return of Zaza and Parsons' continued strong play, the Mavs have no problem with a sorry Nets squad.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Parsons, 19
Rebounds: Pachulia, 12
Assists: Williams, 6
+-: Felton, +23
Nets
Points: Lopez, 28
Rebounds: Lopez, 12
Assists: Johnson, Sloan, 4
+-: Johnson, +5

Game Ball
Zaza Pachulia
16 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 6-10 FG

X-Factor
J.J. Barea
13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3-3 3PT

Play of the Game
Midway through the second quarter, Zaza goes to floor to get an offensive rebound, than passes from his backside to Justin Anderson who finds Chandler Parsons open for a corner 3 that gives the Mavs a game high 18 point lead at 40-22.

Stat of the Game
The Mavericks totally dominated the battle of the benches, outscoring the Nets second unit 34-2. The Dallas bench shot 13-24 from the floor while the Brooklyn bench shot 1-14.

Of Note

• Pachulia, who returned from a three games absence due to a sore Achilles, tied a career high with his 21st double-double of the season.
• Parsons whose rebound numbers have soared lately, grabbed a season high 10 boards. He has averaged 7.5 rebounds in his last 6 games.
• In his first game against his former team, Deron Williams shot only 3-14 from the field for 8 points. He did have a game high 6 assists and only 1 turnover.
• Dirk had 4 blocks, his most in a game since Apr. 16, 2014 against Memphis.
• The Mavs broke a 4 game home losing streak to the Nets.
• The 79 points was the second lowest total allowed by the Mavericks this season behind the 77 they allowed to the Bulls on Jan. 15.

Quote of Note
"They shot a couple in my hand, I guess."
Dirk on his 4 blocks.

Tweet of the Night

Mavs TV looking for reasons why Parsons game has taken off.  Check the "since he stopped wearing tights under his shorts" trend.

— Bob Sturm (@SportsSturm) January 30, 2016

Next Up
The Mavericks (27-22) stay at home on Sunday to take on the dysfunctional and injury-riddled Phoenix Suns (14-34).

Mavericks vs. Nets: Game 49 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (26-22) vs. Brooklyn Nets (12-34)
Fri. Jan. 29, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 9.5

2015-16 Matchups
Dec. 23 at Brooklyn
Mavs 119 Nets 118 (OT)

All-Time Series
Mavs 40 Nets 29

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 103.1 (10th)
Def. Rating: 103.1 (17th)
Point Differential: -0.6
Nets
Offense: 98.3 (28th)
Defense: 106.0 (24th)
Point Differential: -7.5

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia or Salah Mejri
Nets
PG: Donald Sloan
SG: Wayne Ellington
SF: Joe Johnson
PF: Thaddeus Young
C: Brook Lopez

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 17.6
RPG: Pachulia, 10.7
APG: Williams, 5.5
PER: Nowitzki, 19.5
Nets
PPG: Lopez, 19.6
RPG: Young, 9.0
APG: Jack, 7.4
PER: Lopez, 21.2

Of Note

• Both Zaza Pachulia (Achilles) and Devin Harris (toe) have been upgraded to questionable to play.
• Neither Dirk or any other Maverick was selected by the coaches as an all-star reserve. There is still a chance for Dirk to make it as an injury replacement for a selected player as he did last year.
• After missing the game in Brooklyn last month due to injury, Deron Williams will finally get the chance to go head-to-head with his former team.
• Along with his red hot play of late, Chandler Parsons has also shown huge improvement at the free throw line, making 20-25 free throws in the last 4 games.
• Nets interim head coach Tony Brown was a Mavs assistant from 2011-14.

Powell Selected for Rising Stars Challenge

Mavericks second year forward Dwight Powell was selected to the World Team in this year's Rising Star Challenge during All-Star Weekend in Toronto. Powell, a Toronto native was one of 20 rookies and sophomores selected to play in the game which now uses a USA vs. The World format. In 45 games this season Powell, is averaging 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 17.0 minutes per game. He is the first Maverick to be selected for the game since Devin Harris in 2006.

Mavericks at Warriors: Game 48 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (26-21) at Golden State Warriors (41-4)
Wed. Jan. 27, 9:30 at Oracle Arena
TV: FSSW, ESPN
Line: Warriors by 17

2015-16 Matchups
Dec. 30 at Dallas
Mavs 114 Warriors 91

All-Time Series
Mavs 79 Warriors 66

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 102.9 (12th)
Def. Rating: 102.4 (15th)
Point Differential: -0.2
Warriors
Offense: 112.7 (1st)
Defense: 98.7 (3rd)
Point Differential: +12.5

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Salah Mejri
Warriors
PG: Stephen Curry
SG: Klay Thompson
SF: Harrison Barnes
PF: Draymond Green
C: Andrew Bogut

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 17.6
RPG: Pachulia, 10.7
APG: Williams, 5.5
PER: Nowitzki, 19.5
Warriors
PPG: Curry, 30.3
RPG: Green, 9.5
APG: Green, 7.3
PER: Curry, 33.0

Of Note

• The Mavs 114-91 win over the Warriors on Dec. 30 was only Golden State's second loss of the season. Of Course, Stephen Curry didn't play in that one.
• Zaza Pachulia (Achilles)  and Devin Harris (toe) are doubtful to play for the Mavs.
• The Warriors have not lost a regular season at home in exactly a year, losing to the Bulls last Jan. 27, 113-111 in OT. They have won 39 games in a row at home since.
• Lat night was Dirk's 12th career go-ahead FG in the last 3 seconds of the 4th quarter and OT, tied for the most in the last 20 years with Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony. 
• Curry is on pace to obliterate his NBA record for threes made in a single season. He broke his own record last season with 286 threes, and this year has made 210 in only 43 games. 

Update: Dirk will sit out the game to rest.

Mavericks 92 Lakers 90: Game 47 Recap

The Lead
Shaking off a rough start and foul trouble, Dirk rebounds to hit the game-winning shot with 2 seconds left.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Barea, 18
Rebounds: Parsons, 9
Assists: Matthews, 5
+-: Nowitzki, +17
Lakers
Points: Clarkson, 18
Rebounds: Randle. 11
Assists: Clarkson, 7
+-: Black, +5

Game Ball
Dirk Nowitzki
8 of his 13 points in the 4th quarter including game winning shot, +17.

X-Factor
J.J. Barea
18 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists

Play of the Game
With the game tied at 90, Dirk hit a jumper with 2.1 seconds to go in front of the Laker bench and Kobe Bryant to give the Mavs the win. Kobe would then give Dirk a pat on the back in respect.

Stat of the Game
After a high scoring first half which saw the Mavs trail 58-56 at halftime, both teams struggled on offense in the 2nd half culminating in a 15-12 fourth quarter in the Mavs favor.

Of Note

• In what was supposed to be his final game against the Mavericks, Kobe sat out instead with a sore shoulder.
• The Mavs were without Zaza Pachulia (Achilles) and Devin Harris (toe). Salah Mejri got his second straight start at center and had 9 points and 4 rebounds.
• The Mavs have now won 10 straight against the Lakers, one of the longest streaks any team has ever had against L.A.
• Chandler Parsons scored 11 of his 17 points in the first six minutes of the game. He also set a season high with 9 rebounds. 
• Dallas had only had 1 turnover in the first half and finished with 6 for the game.
• Barea drew several offensive fouls, including one on Lou Williams with 13.5 seconds left that set up Dirk's heroics.

Quote of Note
"That's why he still plays, for those little moments like that"
J.J. Barea on Dirk

Tweet of the Night
 

It never gets old seeing @swish41 drain game-winners.

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) January 27, 2016

Next Up
The Mavericks (26-21) will face their toughest challenge of the season on Wednesday, against the unstoppable Golden State Warriors (41-4) who haven't lost at home in the regular season in exactly a year.

Mavericks at Lakers: Game 47 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (25-21) at Los Angeles Lakers (9-37)
Tues. Jan. 26, 9:30 at the Staples Center
TV: FSSW, NBATV
Line: Mavs by 8

2015-16 Matchups
Nov. 1 at Los Angeles
Mavs 103 Lakers 93
Nov. 13 at Dallas
Mavs 90 Lakers 82

All-Time Series
Lakers 104 Mavs 41

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 102.9 (13th)
Def. Rating: 102.5 (15th)
Point Differential: -0.3
Lakers
Offense: 97.0 (29th)
Defense: 108.4 (30th)
Point Differential: -10.1

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Salah Mejri
Lakers
PG: Jordan Clarkson
SG: Lou Williams
SF: Kobe Bryant
PF: Julius Randle
C: Roy Hibbert

Team Leaders

Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 17.7
RPG: Pachulia, 10.7
APG: Williams, 5.6
PER: Nowitzki, 19.8
Lakers
PPG: Bryant, 15.8
RPG: Randle, 9.6
APG: Bryant, 3.5
PER: Bass, 18.8

Of Note

• Zaza Pachulia (sore Achilles) and Devin Harris (toe) are listed as doubtful. If Zaza sits expect Salah Mejri to get his second straight at center.
• This will be Kobe Bryant's final career games against the Mavs. In 60 career games against Dallas, Kobe has averaged 24.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists. His most memorable game came on Dec. 20, 2005 when he scored 62 points in 3 quarters.
• The Mavericks have won 9 straight against the Lakers, including 4 straight in LA.
• The Mavs are looking to avoid their first 3 game losing streak since dropping 3 in a row at Oklahoma City, Memphis and San Antonio from Nov. 22-25.
• A red hot Chandler Parsons has scored 30, 26 and 31 in the last 3 games, shooting at least 50% from the field and on threes in all three contests.

Mavericks at Rockets: Game 46 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (25-20) at Houston Rockets (23-22)
Sun. Jan. 24, 2:30 at the Toyota Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Rockets by 1.5


2015-16 Matchups
Nov. 14 at Houston
Mavs 110 Rockets 98
Dec. 4 at Dallas
Rockets 100 Mavs 96

All-Time Series 
Rockets 85 Mavs 80

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 102.8 (12th)
Def. Rating: 102.2 (14th)
Point Differential: 0.0
Rockets
Offense: 103.9 (7th)
Defense: 105.4 (23rd)
Point Differential: -1.0


Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia
Rockets
PG: Patrick Beverley
SG: James Harden
SF: Corey Brewer
PF: Trevor Ariza
C: Clint Capela

Team Leaders

Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 17.7
RPG: Pachulia, 10.7
APG: Williams, 5.6
PER: Nowitzki, 19.7
Rockets
PPG: Harden, 27.6
RPG: Howard, 12.1
APG: Harden, 6.9
PER: Harden, 24.3

Of Note

• Former Rocket Chandler Parsons is coming of his two highest scoring games of the season. He scored 30 against Minnesota on Wednesday and followed it up with 26 against the Thunder on Friday.
• Dwight Howard is unlikely to play for the Rockets because of a sprained ankle. The Rockets do expect Patrick Beverley back who has missed 3 out of the last 4 games with his sprained ankle.
• The Mavericks won in their last visit to Houston in November despite resting Dirk, Parsons and Wesley Matthews.
• After 3 straight games where they failed to break 90 points, the Mavs have scored at least 106 in their last 3 contests.
• Mavs nemesis Josh Smith returned to the Rockets in a trade from the Clippers on Friday. He had 2 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists on 1-10 shooting in Houston's win over Milwaukee that night.    

Mavericks vs. Thunder: Game 45 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (25-19) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (32-12)
Fri. Jan. 22, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: no line

2015-16 Matchups
Nov. 22 at OKC
Thunder 117 Mavs 114
Jan. 13 at OKC
Thunder 108 Mavs 89

All-Time Series
Sonics/Thunder 75 Mavs 70

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 104.5 (13th)
Def. Rating: 104.5 (14th)
Point Differential: 0.0
Thunder
Offense: 112.1 (2nd)
Defense: 103.1 (8th)
Point Differential: +8.7

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki or Charlie Villanueva
C: Zaza Pachulia
Thunder
PG: Russell Westbrook
SG: Andre Robertson
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Serge Ibaka
C: Steven Adams

Team Leaders

Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 17.8
RPG: Pachulia, 10.8
APG: Williams, 5.6
PER: Nowitzki, 19.9
Thunder
PPG: Durant, 26.5
RPG: Durant, 7.8
APG: Westbrook, 9.8
PER: Westbrook, 29.3

Of Note

• Dirk is listed as questionable after missing Wednesday's game with right knee swelling.
• Raymond Felton is probable to play after he also missed Wednesday's game due to an eye injury he suffered when he was poked in the eye on Monday.
• In his last 3 home games, Chandler Parsons is averaging  23.7 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 64.4% from the field and 55.6% on threes. 
• The Mavs have beat the Thunder 3 straight times at the AAC, scoring at least 112 points in each game.
• Almost All-Star starter Zaza Pachulia will face off against the Thunder's two All-Star starters Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Both Durant (2012) and Westbrook (2015) are previous All-Star Game MVPs.

All-Star Update: Zaza Nearly Voted In, My Reserve Picks

In a rather stunning development Mavs center Zaza Pachulia was nearly voted in as a a starter for the West in the 2016 All-Star Game. Zaza was over 14,000 votes shy of Kawhi Leonard for the final West frontcourt sport. Zaza was most likely helped out from fervent support from his home country of Georgia as well as musician Wyclef Jean posting a song on YouTube encouraging fans to vote for Zaza.

Here are the starters:

West
Stephen Curry
Russell Westbrook
Kobe Bryant
Kevin Durant
Kawhi Leonard

East
Dwyane Wade
Kyle Lowry
LeBron James
Paul George
Carmelo Anthony

And here are my picks for the reserves in each conference:

West 
Dirk Nowitzki
Draymond Green
Chris Paul
James Harden
Anthony Davis
DeMarcus Cousins
Klay Thompson

East
Jimmy Butler
John Wall
Paul Millsap
Chris Bosh
Andre Drummond
DeMar Derozan
Isaiah Thomas

Mavericks 106 Timberwolves 94 (OT): Game 44 Recap

The Lead
Parsons comes up huge as the Mavs rally to win another overtime game as Dirk and Felton sit.

Box Score 

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Parsons, 30
Rebounds: Parsons, 8
Assists: Williams, Matthews, Harris, 4
+-: Matthews, +19
Wolves
Points: Towns, 27
Rebounds: Towns, 17
Assists: Rubio, 7
+-: Bjelica, +10

Game Ball
Chandler Parsons
30 points, 8 rebounds, 13-20 FG, 3-6 3PT

X-Factor
Devin Harris
15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 5-10 FG

Play of the Game
With 2:36 left in overtime, Parsons hit a three that put the Mavs up 5 and gave Parsons 30 points for the game. The Wolves would get no closer.

Stat of the Game
The Mavs played their 4th straight home overtime game, tying a NBA record set by the 84-85 Mavericks whose final 2 home games of the regular season and first 2 home games of the the playoffs went into OT.

Of Note

• Dirk missed his first game due to injury this season due to swelling in his right knee. He said after the game he hopes to play on Friday.
• Raymond Felton also missed the game due to an eye injury he suffered Monday against Boston.
• Parsons set season highs with 30 points and 46 minutes played and tied a season high with 8 rebounds.
• The Mavs trailed Minnesota 84-74 with 6:46 to go. For the remainder of the game they outscored the Wolves 32-10.
• T-Wolves rookie Karl-Anthony Towns had a monster night with 27 points, 17 rebounds and 6 blocks, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to reach those numbers in a game.
• Charlie Villanueva got the start at power forward for Dirk, scoring 14 points in 28 minutes but missing all 4 of his 3 point attempts.

Quote of Note
"Fifty-three minutes is 53. Whatever it takes. You know, we’ve got to find ways to win games,”
Rick Carlisle on the team's run of overtime games

Tweet of the Night

39 minutes for Wes Matthews in 1st season after Achilles. Dude is an iron man.

— Jon Krawczynski (@APkrawczynski) January 21, 2016

Next Up
Will The Mavericks (25-19) see overtime again at home when Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and the rest of the Thunder (32-12) invade the AAC on Friday night?

Dirk, Felton Out Tonight

The Mavericks will be without Dirk Nowitzki (right knee swelling) and Raymond Felton (left eye injury) for tonight's game vs. the Timberwolves. This will be the first game Dirk misses this year due to injury. He has sat out 3 games for rest. Felton, who was poked in the eye after fouling Jae Crowder at the end of the 4th quarter Monday, was the only Mav who had played in every game this season.

Mavericks vs. Timberwolves: Game 44 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (24-19) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (13-30)
Wed. Jan. 20, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 9

2015-16 Matchups
Jan. 10 at Minnesota
Mavs 93 Wolves 87

All-Time Series
Mavs 62 Wolves 44

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 104.6 (16th)
Def. Rating: 104.9 (15th)
Point Differential: -0.2
Wolves
Offense: 103.2 (26th)
Defense: 106.9 (20th)
Point Differential: -3.5

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia
Wolves
PG: Ricky Rubio
SG: Andrew Wiggins
SF: Tayshaun Prince
PF: Kevin Garnett
C: Karl-Anthony Towns

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 17.8
RPG: Pachulia, 11.0
APG: Williams, 5.6
PER: Nowitzki, 19.9
Wolves
PPG: Wiggins, 20.8
RPG: Towns, 9.5
APG: Rubio, 8.5
PER: Towns, 21.1

Of Note

• The Mavericks have won 4 straight against the T-Wolves including winning in Minnesota a week from last Sunday.
• The Mavs have played 3 straight OT games at home, winning 2 of them. Over the last 2 years the Mavs are 10-1 in overtime including 4-1 this season.
• Since starting the season 8-8 Minnesota has fallen on hard times. They have currently lost 10 out of their last 11 games and 14 out of their last 16.
• Dirk's 31 points and 11 rebounds on Monday gave his second 30-10 game this season after going without one last year. He also had 31 and 11 against the Clippers on Nov. 11.
• Chandler Parsons has shot 9-16 on threes over his last 5 games after going 0-10 from deep over a 2 game span prior.

Mavericks 118 Celtics 113 (OT): Game 43 Recap

The Lead
A vintage Dirk 4th quarter and OT with a lot help from D-Will gives the Mavs a hard earned victory over a game Celtics squad.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 31
Rebounds: Pachulia, 19
Assists: Williams, 6
+-: Williams, +18
Celtics
Points: Thomas, Smart, 20
Rebounds: Sullinger, 11
Assists: Turner, 8
+-: Olynyk, +27

Game Ball
Dirk Nowitzki
31 points, 11 rebounds, 3-5 3PT, 12-13 FT

X-Factor
Zaza Pachulia
19 rebounds, +17

Play of the Game
With the Mavs holding a 1 point lead with 1:27 left in regulation, Dirk hit a straight on three while being fouled by Kelly Olynyk. His four point play gave the Mavs a 94-89 lead.

Stat of the Game
Dirk (21) and Deron Williams (14) combined for 35 points in the 4th quarter and overtime.

Of Note

• The Mavericks were a perfect 4-4 on threes and 6-6 from the line in ovetime.
• The Mavs 13 point halftime lead was turned into a deficit entering the final period as they were outscored 33-18 in the third period.
• Former Mav Jae Crowder forced overtime after hitting three free throws with 6.7 left in regulation after being fouled shooting a three by Raymond Felton.
• Dallas has now played 3 straight overtime games at home for the first time in franchise history.
• The only Celtic player who had a positive +- was Kelly Olynyk who was a whopping +27.
• The Mavs have now beaten the Celtics 7 consecutive times including 6 in a row and 11 out of 12 at the AAC.

Quote of Note
"It's been so much fun playing with him. I wish it would have happened sooner."
D-Will on Dirk

Tweet of the Night

Welp. Hat's off to Dirk once again.

— CelticsBlog (@celticsblog) January 19, 2016

Next Up
The Mavericks (24-19) face off against the Timberwolves (13-29) for the second time in a week and a half on Wednesday at the AAC.

Mavericks 83 Bulls 77: Game 41 Recap

The Lead
The Mavs win ugly thanks to clutch play from Dirk and D-Will.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 21
Rebounds: Pachulia, 10
Assists: Williams, 6
+-: Nowitzki, +13
Bulls
Points: Rose, 18
Rebounds: Gibson, 11
Assists: Butler, 6
+-: Moore, +5

Game Balls
Dirk Nowitzki
21 points, 7 rebounds, 7-7 FT
Deron Williams
18 points, 6 assists, 4-5 3PT

X-Factor
Wesley Matthews
Held Jimmy Butler to 4 points on 2-11 FG.

Play of the Game
With 2:16 left Dirk hit a contested three over Taj Gibson to give the Mavs a 79-72 lead, their biggest lead of the game.

Stat of the Game
After a lackluster first  half that saw them trail by 10 at halftime, the Mavs responded by outscoring the Bulls 47-31 in the second half.

Of Note

• The win was the Mavs first of the season when they scored fewer than 90 points.
• Butler was coming off a 53 point effort on Thursday. His 4 points tied for the fewest ever by a player coming off a 50+ point game.
• The Mavericks finished the first half of the season 23-18 putting them on pace for a 46 win season. 
• Joakim Noah left the game in the second quarter after separating his shoulder.
• Dirk has scored at least 20 points in 5 out of his last 6 games.
• The Mavs swept the season series from the Bulls for the first time since the 09-10 season.

Quote of Note
I blacked out. I don't remember what happened there."
Dirk joking about his key block of Derrick Rose.

Tweet of the Night

@swish41 is ready to hoop!!! pic.twitter.com/ljoc8FILng

— Chandler Parsons (@ChandlerParsons) January 15, 2016

Next Up
The Mavericks (23-18) conclude their toughest week of the season on Sunday with a trip to face Spurs (35-6), who are still undefeated at home.

Mavericks at Bulls: Game 41 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (22-18) at Chicago Bulls (23-15)
Fri. Jan. 15, 7:00 at the United Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 1 1/2

2015-16 Matchups
Dec. 26 at Dallas
Mavs 118 Bulls 111

All-Time Series
Mavs 35 Bulls 34

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 105.1 (12th)
Def. Rating: 104.9 (15th)
Point Differential: +0.1
Bulls
Offense: 104.0 (18th)
Defense: 102.6 (8th)
Point Differential: +1.4

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia
Bullls
PG: Derrick Rose or Kirk Hinrich
SG: Jimmy Butler
SF: Nikola Mirotic
PF: Taj Gibson
C: Pau Gasol

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 17.7
RPG: Pachulia, 10.9
APG: Williams, 5.7
PER: Nowitzki, 20.3
Bulls
PPG: Butler, 23.1
RPG: Gasol, 10.9
APG: Rose, 4.9
PER: Butler, 22.4

Of Note

• Devin Harris is listed as questionable after injuring his foot in Wednesday's game in OKC.
• Derrick Rose is questionable for the Bulls after missing last night's game with knee tendinitis.    
• In his last two games, Chandler Parsons has scored 39 points on 16-21 shooting from the field.
• The Bulls had lost 3 in a row before squeaking past the 76ers last night in OT behind 53 points from Jimmy Butler.
• Last year in Chicago, the Mavs won a 132-129 double OT thriller highlighted by Kirk Hinrich inexplicable of foul Monta Ellis that allowed the Mavs send the game into overtime.

Mavericks vs. Cavaliers: Game 39 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (22-16) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (26-9)
Tues. Jan. 12, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Cavs by 6

2014-15 Matchups
Jan. 4 at Cleveland
Mavs 109 Cavs 90
Mar. 10 at Dallas
Cavs 127 Mavs 94

All-Time Series
Cavs 35 Mavs 32

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 105.3 (11th)
Def. Rating: 1045 (15th)
Point Differential: +0.8
Cavs
Offense: 108.2 (4th)
Defense: 101.3 (4th)
Point Differential: +6.5

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia
Cavs
PG: Kyrie Irving
SG: J.R. Smith
SF: LeBron James
PF: Kevin Love
C: Tristan Thompson




Team Leaders

Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 17.7
RPG: Pachulia, 10.8
APG: Williams, 5.5
PER: Nowitzki, 20.5
Cavs
PPG: James, 25.8
RPG: Love, 10.7
APG: James, 6.0
PER: James, 27.2

Of Note

• The Mavs last beast a LeBron James led team in Game 6 of the 2011 Finals. In the 7 games since LeBron has averaged 31.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists and shot 64% from the floor against Dallas.
• Tonight begins a brutal stretch for the Mavs where they play 4 straight against teams with winning percentages above 60%.
• Dirk has scored at least 20 points in the last 4 games, averaging 24 in those games and making a total of 12 threes.
• The Cavs have hit their stride of late with a healthy Kyrie Irving, winning 7 in a row and 13 out of 15.
• In the last 3 games, Zaza Pachulia has totaled 43 rebounds with 20 of those coming on the offensive end.

Mavericks 93 Timberwolves 87: Game 38 Recap

The Lead
A vintage Dirk games give the Mavs a much needed win before the extremely difficult week to come.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 29
Rebounds: Pachulia, 11
Assists: Williams, Barea, 4
+-: Parsons, +14
Wolves
Points: Wiggins, 21
Rebounds: Wiggins, Rubio, Dieng, 7
Assists: Rubio, 8
+-: Garnett, +11

Game Ball
Dirk Nowitzki
29 points, 7 rebounds, 12-22 FG, 4-7 3PT

X-Factor
JaVale McGee
8 points, 4-6 FG, +11

Play of the Game
With Minnesota within 4 with 1:30 left, Dirk hit a turnaround jumper while being fouled. He then hit the free throw for the 3 point play that put the Mavs up 7.

Stat of the Game
Dirk now has 4 straight 20 point games, his longest streak since he had 7 in a row in Jan. and Feb. 2014.

Of Note

• The Mavs starting backcourt of Deron Williams and Wesley Matthews combined to go only 3-18 from the field. Matthews did play strong defense on Andrew Wiggins, however.
• Chandler Parsons bounced back from his recent shooting slump, hitting 6-7 shots including making his only three point attempt.
• After attempting 44 threes in Milwaukee, the second highest amount in franchise history, the Mavs only attempted 20 today with Dirk getting 4 out of the 6 makes.
• Zaza Pachulia had his 19th double double of the season with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
• After scoring only 8 points in the first 9:52 of the third quarter, the Mavs scored 12 in the final 2:08 to finish the quarter on a 12-1 run.

Quote of Note
"Classic Dirk. Hitting shots from everywhere, making big shots, big plays. That's why he's one of the greatest."
Deron Williams

Tweet of the Night

Dirk stat line got me all pic.twitter.com/r1DjO9pHdv

— Kirk (@KirkSeriousFace) January 11, 2016

Next Up
The Mavericks (22-16), begin their toughest stretch of the season on Tuesday when LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers (26-9) make their only visit of the year to the AAC.

Mavericks at Timberwovles: Game 38 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (21-16) at Minnesota Timberwolves (12-25)
Sun.. Jan. 10, 4:00 at the Target Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 4 1/2

2014-15 Matchups
Nov. 15 at Dallas
Mavs 131 Wolves 117
Jan. 21 at Minnesota
Mavs 98 Wolves 75
Feb. 2 at Dallas
Mavs 100 Wolves 94

All-Time Series
Mavs 61 Wolves 44

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 105.3 (12th)
Def. Rating: 104.7 (15th)
Point Differential: +0.6
Wolves
Offense: 102.9 (26th)
Defense: 106.9 (21st)
Point Differential: -3.9

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia
Wolves
PG: Ricky Rubio
SG: Andrew Wiggins
SF: Tayshaun Prince
PF: Kevin Garnett
C: Karl-Anthony Towns

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 17.4
RPG: Pachulia, 10.8
APG: Williams, 5.6
PER: Nowitzki, 20.1
Wolves
PPG: Wiggins, 20.6
RPG: Towns, 9.4
APG: Rubio, 8.9
PER: Towns, 21.7

Of Note

• The game time was changed from its original 2:30 start as to not conflict with the Vikings' home playoff game at noon.
• Chandler Parsons has really struggled with his outside shot of late, going 0-10 combined on threes in the last two games.
• In 36 carer head-to-head matchups between Dirk and fellow future hall of famer Kevin Garnett, the Mavs the have won 19 times. Dirk has averages of 22.9 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists while Garnett has averaged 22.3 points, 11.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists. The Mavs swept the Wolves 3-0 in the only playoff matchup between the two in 2002.
• Minnesota is the only West team the Mavs have yet to face this season.
• In the last two games, Devin Harris has 29 points in 45 minutes while shooting 11-20 from the field and 4-10 on threes.

Mavericks at Bucks: Game 37 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (21-15) at Milwaukee Bucks (14-23)
Fri.. Jan. 8, 7:00 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 1/2

2015-16 Matchups
Dec. 28 at Dallas
Mavs 103 Bucks 93

All-Time Series
Bucks 37 Mavs 31

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 105.3 (11th)
Def. Rating: 104.6 (15th)
Point Differential: +0.7
Bucks
Offense: 103.5 (24th)
Defense: 109.9 (30th)
Point Differential: -6.3

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia
Bucks
PG: Michael Carter-Williams
SG: Khris Middleton
SF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
PF: Jabari Parker
C: Greg Monroe

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 17.3
RPG: Pachulia, 10.7
APG: Williams, 5.6
PER: Nowitzki, 20.2
Bucks
PPG: Middleton, 16.6
RPG: Monroe, 9.5
APG: Carter-Williams, 5.7
PER: Monroe, 21.9

Of Note

• The game will feature the only two teams to beat the 33-2 Warriors this year. The Mavs downed Golden St. 114-91 on Dec. 30 while the Bucks handed the Warriors their first loss 108-95 on Dec. 12.
• In the last 2 games JaVale McGee has totaled 21 points, 17 rebounds and 6 blocks in 37 minutes of action.
• The game will mark Zaza Pachulia's return to Milwaukee after spending the previous two years with the Bucks. Last year with Zaza starting at center the Bucks had the 4th best defense in the league, this year without him they are dead last.
• The Mavs have won their last 6 games against the Bucks, including last year in Milwaukee on a Monta Ellis buzzer-beater.
• The Bradley Center was Wesley Matthews' home court during his 4 years of college at Marquette where he averaged 13.2 points per game including 18.3 as a senior.

Mavericks 100 Pelicans 91: Game 36 Recap

The Lead
With 4 starters resting, the Mavs B team gets the job done on the second night of a back-to-back.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Felton, 22
Rebounds: Powell, 10
Assists: Parsons, Felton, 6
+-: Harris, +20
Pelicans
Points: Davis, 26
Rebounds: Davis, 12
Assists: Davis, 7
+-: Gee, +7

Game Balls
Chandler Parsons
21 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 9-16 FG
Raymond Felton
22 points, 6 assists, 3-6 3PT, 7-7 FT

X-Factor
Dwight Powell
13 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks

Play of the Game
Raymond Felton hit a long dagger three at the shot clock buzzer with 41.5 seconds left off a Chandler Parsons' inbound pass to put the Mavs up 94-85.

Stat of the Game
Four Mavs bench players were double-digit plusses (Harris +20, Evans +16, Powell and Anderson +14) while three Pelcians bench players were double-digit minuses (Cole -19, Holiday -17, Anderson, -15). The Mavs foursome shot 13-27 from the field while the Pelicans threesome was 8-31.

Of Note

• The Mavericks rested four starters (Dirk, Deron Williams, Wesley Matthews and Zaza Pachulia) who all played 40+ minutes in Tuesday's double OT win over the Kings.
• Parsons scored 19 of his season high 21 points in the first half.
• Felton came up big again in the fourth quarter where he scored 12 of his team high 22 points.
• Rookie Justin Anderson fared well in rare playing time, scoring 5 points and grabbing 4 rebounds in 17 minutes.
• The Mavericks started a lineup of Barea, Felton, Villanueva and McGee to go along with the only regular starter, Parsons.
• The Mavs and Pelicans are already done with their season series with both teams winning 2 games.

Quote of Note
 "These two nights could easily have gone the other way. And this is an important moment for our season."
Rick Carlisle

Tweet of the Night

They ain't the Warriors and they ain't the Spurs, but I sure as hell respect this Mavs team. #MFFL

— Corby Davidson (@corbydavidson) January 7, 2016

Next Up
The Mavericks (21-15), head north for a Friday night tilt with the Milwaukee Bucks (14-23).

Mavericks 117 Kings 116 (2OT): Game 35 Recap

The Lead
Deron Williams' game winning buzzer buzzer beater in double overtime gives the Mavs the win in a wild and crazy contest.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Williams, 25
Rebounds: Pachulia, 17
Assists: Williams, Matthews, Parsons, 4
+-: Nowitzki, +10
Kings
Points: Cousins, 35
Rebounds: Cousins, 17
Assists: Collison, 12
+-: Curry, +9

Game Ball
Deron Williams
25 points, 10-18 FG, 3-6 3PT, GW shot

X-Factor
JaVale McGee
13 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks, 6-8 FG

Play of the Game
With the Mavs down 2 with 2.3 seconds left in the second overtime, Devin Harris inbounds to  D-Will who pump fakes and then hits a three from the left corner to give Dallas the victory. The Mavs had trailed by 7 with 1:20 left in the overtime session.

Stat of the Game
The Mavericks have 5 game winning buzzer beaters since 2013, more than any team in the league (h/t ESPN Stats and Info).

Of Note

• Williams also hit a layup with 2 second left in regulation to put the Mavs up 2, but a DeMarcus Cousins driving layup tied it at the buzzer.
• Rajon Rondo missed his first game back in Dallas since his ill-fated tenure last season due to back spasms.
• After starting the game shooting 3-13, Dirk hit 5 out of his last 6 shots including a 3 with 26.3 left in double OT to make it a 2 point game.
• The Mavs have now won 22 in a row at home against the Kings in a streak that dates back to 2003.
• JaVale McGee set season highs with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
• Cousins had a huge night with 35 points, 17 rebounds and 6 steals but also had 10 turnovers.
• Chandler Parsons had to leave the game with a right hip injury he suffered after a collision with Cousins.

Quote of Note
"I definitely dreamed about playing for the Mavericks growing up. It's definitely a dream come true right now."
D-Will

Tweet of the Night

Best part of owning a team is being able to run on the court and dog pile after a buzzer beater +letsgomavs

— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) January 6, 2016

Next Up
The Mavericks (20-15) head out to the Big Easy for another game with the Pelicans (11-22) tomorrow night.

Mavericks vs. Kings: Game 35 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (19-15) vs. Sacramento Kings (14-20)
Tues. Jan. 5, 7:30 at the AAC
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Mavs by 6


2015-16 Matchups
Nov. 30 at Sacramento
Kings 112 Mavs 98

All-Time Series
Mavs 89 Kings 63

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 105.3 (11th)
Def. Rating: 104.8 (16th)
Point Differential: +0.4
Kings
Offense: 105.2 (12th)
Defense: 107.2 (22nd)
Point Differential: -2.0

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: J.J. Barea
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia
Kings
PG: Rajon Rondo or Darren Collison
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Omri Casspi
C: DeMarcus Cousins

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 17 2
RPG: Pachulia, 10.5
APG: Williams, 5.6
PER: Nowitzki, 20.4
Kings
PPG: Cousins, 24.8
RPG: Cousins, 10.6
APG: Rondo, 11.5
PER: Cousins, 22.8

Of Note

• Deron Williams is listed as questionable due to hamstring tightness while Devin Harris is probable with back spams.
• Former Mav Rajon Rondo is now being listed as doubtful with back spasms. This would be Rondo's first game back in Dallas since leaving the team during last year's playoffs with a "back injury".
• The Mavs have beaten the Kings 21 straight times at the AAC, a streak that dates back to Feb. 27, 2003.
• The Kings are 13-13 in games which DeMarcus Cousins plays, and are only 1-7 without him in the lineup.
• The Mavs are looking to avoid their second three game losing streak of the season. They lost three in a row to Oklahoma City, Memphis and San Antonio from Nov. 22-25.

Mavericks at Heat: Game 33 Preview

Dallas Mavericks (19-13) at Miami Heat (18-13)
Fri. Jan. 1, 6:30 at the American Airlines Arena
TV: FSSW, NBALP
Line: Heat by 3

2014-15 Matchups
Nov. 9 at Dallas
Heat 105 Mavs 96
Jan. 30 at Miami
Mavs 93 Heat 72

All-Time Series
Mavs 30 Heat 27

Team Stats
Mavs
Off. Rating: 105.9 (7th)
Def. Rating: 104.4 (14th)
Point Differential: +1.4
Heat
Offense: 104.2 (17th)
Defense: 102.6 (8th)
Point Differential: +1.5

Projected Starters
Mavs
PG: J.J. Barea
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Zaza Pachulia
Heat
PG: Goran Dragic
SG: Dwyane Wade
SF: Luol Deng
PF: Chris Bosh
C: Hassan Whiteside

Team Leaders
Mavs
PPG: Nowitzki, 17.1
RPG: Pachulia, 10.5
APG: Williams, 5.8
PER: Nowitzki, 20.9
Heat
PPG: Wade, 18.9
RPG: Whiteside, 11.0
APG: Dragic, 5.2
PER: Whiteside, 23.7


Of Note

• The Mavericks come in riding high with a four game winning streak including a pounding of the defending champion Warriors in their last game. Meanwhile the Heat come in losers of their last two games.
• Before the Mavs win in Miami last January their last previous win over the Heat had come in Game 6 of the 2011 Finals.
• Deron Williams remains listed as questionable with the hamstring strain that has caused him to miss the last four games.
• Rookie Justice Winslow is questionable for Miami with an ankle injury.
• Chandler Parsons has recorded at least four assists in the last four games and five out of the last six games.
• This is the fifth time in six years the Mavs have played on New Year's Day, all on the road. They lost in Milwaukee in 2011 and Minnesota in 2012, and won in Washington in 2013 and 2014.