Mavericks 103 Grizzlies 93: Game 79 Recap

The Lead
Mavs overcome loss of Barea to move closer to a playoff spot.

Box Score

Leaders
Mavs
Points: Nowitzki, 21
Rebounds: Anderson, 10
Assists: Felton, 14
+-: Matthews, +20
Grizzlies
Points: Allen, 25
Rebounds: Barnes, Andersen, Allen, 7
Assists: Barnes, Stephenson, 5
+-: Andersen, +8

Game Balls
Justin Anderson
19 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3-5 3PT, 8-8 FT
Raymond Felton
11 points, 14 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals

X-Factor
Devin Harris
16 points, 4 rebounds, 4-7 FG, 3-5 3PT

Stat of the Game
Despite the slow tempo, the Mavs played an incredibly efficient offensive game. They scored 103 points on 60 field goal attempts, shooting 50% from the field while making 12 threes and 31-39 free throws.

Play of the Game


Of Note

• With the win the Mavericks now have a magic number of one to make the playoffs. One Mavs win or Houston loss puts Dallas in the postseason for the 15th time in 16 years.
• Barea injured his groin in the first quarter when he was fouled on a drive to the basket. He came back briefly in the second quarter but soon had to leave the game for good. The team is uncertain of his status going forward.
• In his absence Felton had a season high 14 assists and was a +18.
• Dirk broke out of his recent shooting slump, scoring 21 points on 6-12 shooting from the field.
• The Mavs climbed to within one game of 6th place Memphis. Dallas holds the tiebreaker between the two teams, thanks to winning the season series 3-1.
• 8th place Utah unexpectedly loss to a undermanned Clippers team that rested its top 4 players. The Mavs now have a 2 game lead on the Jazz.
• Anderson's 19 points were a career high and his double-double was also the first of his young career. 

Quote of Note 
“Everybody’s had to step up. That’s unfortunately the gift and the curse of so many injuries. Everybody’s ready. Everybody’s on edge. Everybody’s wanting to play past April 13.”
Wesley Matthews

Tweet of the Night

The Mavs are undefeated all-time when Justin Anderson starts (7-0).

— Bobby Karalla (@bobbykaralla) April 9, 2016

Next Up
The Mavericks (41-38) can clinch their ticket into the playoff with a win at the Staples Center over the Clippers (51-28) on Sunday afternoon.